Universal Power Socket Detecting Plug Profile for Adaptive Voltage Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power outlets often deliver excessive voltage to devices due to mismatched voltage requirements, necessitating multiple adapters and posing issues when adapters are lost or unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A universal power socket with embedded sensors and logic that detect the physical profile of a plug's contacts to deliver power at the voltage level required by the connected device, ensuring efficient energy delivery while maintaining compatibility with standard power plugs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard power outlet delivers fixed voltage to all devices, then compatibility with standard plugs is maintained, but devices receive excessive voltage leading to energy wastage and potential malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The power outlet dynamically adjusts the voltage level based on the detected plug profile. The system transitions from a static fixed-voltage delivery to a dynamic adaptive voltage delivery, where the outlet senses the plug's physical characteristics and automatically modifies the electrical parameters to match the device's requirements, thereby eliminating energy wastage from over-voltage delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the electrical parameter (voltage level) delivered to the device based on the detected plug profile. Different plug profiles correspond to different voltage requirements, and the system modifies the output voltage parameter accordingly, delivering precise voltage levels rather than a fixed high voltage to all devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapters are provided for different voltage requirements, then device compatibility is improved, but device complexity and user inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power outlet is designed with universal functionality to accommodate multiple device types through a single interface. By integrating sensor capabilities and adaptive voltage delivery, the outlet can universally support devices with different voltage requirements without needing separate adapters, making one outlet perform the function of multiple specialized outlets
Solution Approach 2:
The power outlet automatically detects the device's voltage requirements through sensor integration and self-adjusts the delivered voltage without user intervention. The system performs the adaptation function autonomously by sensing the plug profile and automatically configuring the appropriate voltage level, eliminating the need for users to manually select or manage multiple adapters
3Measurement precision
If sensors and logic are integrated into the power outlet, then precise voltage delivery is achieved, but the outlet structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces manual mechanical adapter selection with an automated sensing and control system. Electrical sensors and integrated logic circuits detect the plug profile and automatically determine the required voltage level, substituting the mechanical process of manual adapter selection and connection with an automated electrical detection and adjustment process
Data Source
AI summary
A universal power outlet, a universal junction box associated with a cover, and a universal extension cord. Sensors within openings in electrical sockets detect different characteristics of plug contacts. In response to the detected characteristics, power requirements for an energy consuming device associated with the plug are correlated. Logic dynamically selects and delivers a level of required power, from multiple available levels of power, to the device based on the detected characteristics.