Socket With Infrared Emitter for Remote Appliance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for controlling air-conditioned and multimedia systems remotely are limited by the need for user presence, lack of integrated remote control functionality in existing equipment, and high costs and aesthetic issues with existing infrared signal emitters, which often rely on batteries or external power sources.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connection socket with a wireless communication module, infrared command emitter, and integrated control unit that connects to a conventional socket, allowing remote and local control of connected equipment via infrared signals, powered directly from the network, with optional energy consumption measurement and aesthetically integrated design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If battery-powered emitters are used for infrared signal transmission, then portability and ease of installation are improved, but energy consumption increases and maintenance requirements arise
Solution Approach 1:
The emitter is powered by the appliance's own electrical supply through the existing power cable connection, eliminating the need for separate battery installation and charging. The system serves itself by using the appliance's operational power to run the infrared emitter, thus no external power source or battery maintenance is needed.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If external power sources or transformers are connected to provide power to emitters, then continuous operation is improved, but aesthetic appeal deteriorates due to visible cables and components
Solution Approach 1:
The infrared emitter is integrated into the appliance's existing power cable connection, merging the power transmission function with the infrared signal transmission function. This eliminates the need for separate external power sources, transformers, or visible cables, maintaining aesthetic appeal while ensuring continuous operation during appliance use.
3Ease of operation
If simple power down control is used for equipment, then ease of operation is improved, but control functionality deteriorates as equipment cannot be adequately controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides multiple control functions through the infrared emitter, including power control, temperature adjustment, mode switching, and other appliance-specific functions. This transforms the simple on/off power control into a multi-functional remote control system, enabling comprehensive appliance management while maintaining ease of use.
4Adaptability or versatility
If integrated communication means and control logic are added to existing equipment, then remote control functionality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the appliance's existing communication interface and control logic to operate the infrared emitter, making the appliance itself a universal remote control. This approach avoids adding separate dedicated emitter devices with their own control systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full remote control functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient remote control of equipment with enhanced functionality, including temperature and ventilation settings, without battery constraints, offering a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing solution for controlling air-conditioned and multimedia systems.
Implementation Method 1
An infrared commands emitter, allowing to send infrared control signals to a given equipment that is in the same room
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present application describes a socket for connection to the electrical distribution network, and its operation mode, remotely controllable by the user, which directly connects to a conventional socket being either embedded in a wall or otherwise, and emitting infrared signals to control electrical equipment within the reach of such emission. The proposed device enables the consumption measurement and, through power down, the control of equipment that is directly connected to the female connection interface (5), as well as the remote control of other equipment that may be controlled by infrared signals and is in the vicinity thereof, via the infrared emitter (4). The proposed device includes also a control button (1), and enables the connection to external systems through the wireless communication module (2).