Touchless Utility Controller Using RFID and Auto Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility control systems are either complex and costly or require manual operation, leading to inefficiencies and safety risks, especially in environments where operators are not well-trained.
Innovation Solution
A touchless utility controller using RFID technology for activation and deactivation, combined with a visual indicator, that eliminates physical interfaces and includes a shutdown timer for automatic deactivation, ensuring intuitive and reliable control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation interfaces are used for utility control, then ease of operation is improved, but safety risks and operational errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical interfaces (buttons, switches, dials) with RFID wireless communication technology. The RFID reader detects tags without physical contact, eliminating the need for operators to touch or manually operate control elements. This substitution maintains ease of operation through simple tag proximity while significantly improving safety by removing mechanical interaction points that could lead to operational errors or exposure to hazardous environments.
2Reliability
If complex control systems are used for utility management, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control logic from complex manual interfaces and embeds it within a simplified RFID-based system. The controller contains the automation logic for monitoring utility parameters, comparing them against thresholds, and automatically adjusting operations. This extraction eliminates the need for complex manual control mechanisms while maintaining high reliability through automated decision-making based on pre-programmed parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The utility control system performs self-service through automated monitoring and adjustment. The controller continuously monitors utility parameters, automatically compares them against predetermined thresholds, and adjusts operations without human intervention. This self-service capability improves reliability by eliminating human error while simplifying the device by removing complex manual control interfaces.
3Ease of operation
If physical interfaces are included on the controller face, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing complexity and durability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces all physical interfaces on the controller face with RFID wireless communication components. The RFID reader and antenna are integrated into the housing without requiring buttons, switches, or other mechanical elements. This substitution simplifies manufacturing by eliminating precision mechanical components while maintaining ease of operation through contactless tag detection. The smooth face design also improves durability by removing vulnerable physical interface points.
4Ease of operation
If manual control operations are required, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-programming utility control parameters, thresholds, and response protocols before operation begins. When an RFID tag is detected, the controller has already prepared the appropriate control signals and parameters, enabling immediate automated response without requiring operators to manually configure settings or perform sequential manual operations. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces operational time while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID-based control system enables continuous automated monitoring and adjustment of utility operations without interruption by manual intervention. The controller continuously detects RFID tags, monitors utility parameters, and adjusts operations in an unbroken cycle. This continuity eliminates the time losses associated with manual control operations, such as operator response delays, manual adjustments, and system reconfiguration, thereby improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation.
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
Provides intuitive, reliable, and safe utility control with reduced manufacturing complexity, physical space requirements, and enhanced durability, while minimizing operational errors and environmental exposure.
Implementation Method 1
receiving, by the RFID reader, an RFID signal from an RFID tag, the RFID signal including a unique identifier
Implementation Method 2
illuminating the visual indicator to a first color; and illuminating the visual indicator to a second color
Data Source
AI summary
A touchless utility controller is provided. In examples, the utility controller comprises a housing encompassing circuitry configured to receive a signal, and based on the received signal, provide an activation signal to a valve control device for a valve. The housing may comprise a face having an illuminated portion to allow for a visual indictor to illuminate the illuminated portion, wherein the face does not include any physically activated interface elements. In addition, the housing may include at least one of an outer side perimeter connected to the face or a back side, wherein at least one of the outer side perimeter or the back side defines at least one through hole for receiving a input power wiring and output transmission wires for connecting to the valve control device for the valve controlling one of gas or water.