Wireless-Controlled Plug Lock for Remote Power Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plug locks and lock-outs for electrically powered devices require frequent manual intervention, are cumbersome to use, especially when sockets and cords are hard to reach, and often rely on keys or combinations, increasing the risk of loss and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A wireless-controlled plug lock system that uses a switch and wireless communication circuitry to remotely manage power to electrically powered devices, allowing for secure and convenient operation through wireless signals, sensors, and an integrated lock mechanism, enabling remote control and automatic operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical lock or key-operated system is used to secure the plug, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the need to manually attach and remove the lock

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical lock system with an electromagnetic locking mechanism controlled by a switch. The switch can be operated remotely or automatically, eliminating the need for manual attachment and removal of mechanical locks while maintaining security through electromagnetic engagement of the plug.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables automatic locking and unlocking operations through the switch mechanism. The plug can be automatically secured when inserted and automatically released when the switch is activated, allowing the system to serve itself without requiring manual intervention for each locking operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a plug lock is completely removed from the cord to allow device use, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidrisk of loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic locking mechanism allows the plug to remain attached to the cord while still enabling device operation. The switch can be activated remotely or automatically to temporarily disengage the electromagnetic lock, allowing the device to run without the plug being physically removed, thereby eliminating the risk of loss while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If keys or combinations are used for locking and unlocking, then security is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces key-operated or combination-based locking systems with an electromagnetic switch mechanism. The switch can be operated simply by pressing a button, using a card, or through automatic detection, eliminating the need for physical keys or complex combinations while maintaining security through controlled electromagnetic engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system can be configured for automatic operation where the switch activates based on predetermined conditions such as detection of authorized devices, time schedules, or sensor inputs. This eliminates the need for users to manually input combinations or retrieve keys, allowing the system to automatically manage its own locking and unlocking operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If manual attachment of plug locks is required, then security is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming operations

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic locking mechanism automatically engages when the plug is inserted into the socket and automatically disengages when the switch is activated. This self-service operation eliminates the time-consuming manual steps of attaching and detaching plug locks, significantly improving productivity while maintaining security through automated electromagnetic control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The replacement of manual mechanical locking with automated electromagnetic locking reduces the time required for securing and unsecuring operations. The electromagnetic switch can be activated instantly from a distance or automatically, eliminating the need for physical manipulation of locks and thereby increasing operational speed and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10461459B1Switched electrical plug lock

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 THE CHAMBERLAIN GRP INC

AI summary

An apparatus for controlling use of an electrical device. The apparatus includes at least one power connector, a first electrical plug, an electrical socket, a lock configured to retain an electrical plug in the electrical socket, a switch electrically coupling the at least one power connector and the electrical socket, and wireless communication circuitry communicatively coupled to the switch and configured to receive a signal for causing the switch to electrically couple the at least one power connector and the electrical socket.