Wireless Power Kill Switch for Remote Appliance Deactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rent-to-own companies face challenges in recovering leased household appliances due to high costs and potential dangers associated with repossessions, as customers may resist or fail to make payments, necessitating a remote deactivation solution for leased appliances.
Innovation Solution
A wireless control system that includes an electronic housing with a power kill switch connected to a wireless signal receiver, allowing remote enablement and disablement of household appliances by integrating a power kill switch between the power supply and operational components, enabling remote deactivation via a wireless signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical repossession methods are used to recover leased appliances, then the appliance can be recovered, but the cost increases and safety risks arise due to customer resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply function from the appliance by installing a separate wireless-controlled power switch module. This module can be remotely activated to cut power to the appliance, effectively removing the ability to operate the appliance without physically recovering it. This resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable control over appliance usage without requiring physical repossession, thereby eliminating safety risks and costs associated with forced recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless signal receiver and control module as an intermediary between the power supply and the appliance operation. This intermediary component receives wireless signals to activate or deactivate power, serving as a mediator that allows remote control of appliance functionality. This resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable appliance control through an intermediate mechanism rather than direct physical intervention, eliminating the need for dangerous repossessions.
2Reliability
If physical repossession is conducted for missed payments, then payment compliance can be enforced, but the process becomes expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-installing the wireless power control module in the appliance before leasing. This module is prepared and configured in advance to receive wireless control signals. When payment issues arise, the lessor can immediately activate remote power cutoff without needing to dispatch repossession teams. This resolves the contradiction by enabling instant enforcement of payment compliance through pre-configured remote control capability, eliminating time losses associated with physical repossession processes.
3Ease of operation
If traditional power switching methods are used, then power control is achieved, but remote operation is not possible requiring physical access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical power switching methods with an electronic wireless control system. Instead of requiring physical access to manual switches or circuit breakers, the system uses a wireless signal receiver coupled with an electronic power switch that can be activated remotely. This resolves the contradiction by substituting mechanical interaction with electronic-wireless control, achieving ease of remote operation while the added electronic components are justified by the elimination of physical intervention requirements.
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 safe and cost-effective remote deactivation of appliances, reducing the need for physical repossession and allowing quick restoration of service upon payment rectification, thus addressing the inefficiencies and risks of traditional repossession methods.
Implementation Method 1
The power switch is in operable connection with a wireless signal receiver. The wireless signal transceiver is designed to receive activation and deactivation signals.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless control system for a household appliance is provided. The wireless control system for a household appliance includes an electronic housing. The electronic housing is dimensioned to and designed to be secured within a household appliance. The electronic housing includes a power kill switch. The power kill switch is connected to a power supply of the household appliance in a manner that enables the power supply of the household appliance to be enabled and disabled. The power kill switch is also connected to a wireless signal transceiver. The wireless signal transceiver is designed to receive activation and deactivation signals.