Touchless Utility Controller With RFID Activation and Timed Shutdown
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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, particularly in environments where utilities like gas and water need to be controlled remotely and reliably.
Innovation Solution
A touchless utility controller using RFID technology for activation and deactivation, combined with a visual indicator and shutdown timer, eliminates physical interfaces and provides intuitive control, ensuring reliable operation and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation interfaces (buttons, switches) are used for utility control, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical interfaces (buttons, switches, dials) with a touchless RFID-based control system. The RFID reader detects RFID tags wirelessly to activate or deactivate utilities, eliminating moving parts and mechanical wear. This substitution maintains ease of operation through simple tag-based activation while reducing device complexity and maintenance requirements.
2Device complexity
If touchless RFID control is implemented, then device complexity and maintenance needs are reduced, but ease of operation may worsen due to lack of physical feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual feedback through an illuminated indicator that displays the operational state of the utility (on/off status). When an RFID tag is detected and the utility is activated, the indicator illuminates to provide immediate visual confirmation. This feedback mechanism compensates for the lack of tactile feedback in touchless operation, ensuring users can easily understand the system's state without physical interaction.
3Reliability
If automated shutdown timer is added, then safety and operational efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a pre-set shutdown timer that automatically deactivates the utility after a predetermined period following RFID tag detection. This preliminary action is built into the control circuitry, which starts the timer simultaneously with utility activation. The automatic shutdown feature enhances safety by preventing forgotten utilities from remaining active, while the timer function is integrated into the existing RFID control architecture to minimize additional complexity.
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
The system offers intuitive, reliable, and cost-effective control of utilities with reduced maintenance needs, enhancing safety and operational efficiency by automating utility management.
Implementation Method 1
an RFID reader; receiving, by the RFID reader, an RFID signal from an RFID tag
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2~7
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.