Method, system and apparatus for monitoring and measuring power usage by a device
Inventors
Krummey, Michael • Yetter, Scott J.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11740671-B1
Publication Date
2023-08-29
Expiration Date
Abstract
A system and method for remotely monitoring, measuring and controlling power to an electrically powered device is disclosed herein. The system preferably comprises an apparatus, an electrically-powered device and a controller. The apparatus preferably comprises a cord, an alternating current outlet socket, an alternating current input plug, an electro-mechanical relay, a processor and a transceiver. The system preferably uses a WiFi communication signal to transmit commands from the remote controller to the apparatus.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a remote power monitoring and control system that monitors and measures a power usage of an electrically-powered device and controls electrical power to the device. An apparatus in a junction box form includes an electro-mechanical relay, a processor, and a wireless transceiver configured for communication over a WiFi network using a WiFi communication format. The electrically-powered device is hard wired to the apparatus, and a remote controller wirelessly transmits commands to the apparatus over the WiFi network.
The processor is configured to monitor and measure the power usage of the electrically-powered device, transmit the power usage through the wireless transceiver to the remote controller over the WiFi network, and receive a command directly over the WiFi network. The received command is to disable power to the electrically-powered device. In response, the processor switches the electro-mechanical relay from an enabling state to a disabling state to disable power to the electrically-powered device.
After switching, the processor wirelessly transmits a response updating the status of the electrically powered device to the remote controller over the WiFi network. The apparatus includes LED indicators configured to indicate WiFi connectivity, and the invention supports receiving wirelessly over the WiFi network the response at the remote controller. The system also supports configuration over a web user interface using SSID/security keys and networked multi-apparatus management via a master device.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover three main aspects of the invention: a system, an apparatus, and a corresponding method for WiFi-based power monitoring, relay switching, and status response.
Junction box system for WiFi power monitoring and disable control
A system comprising a junction box apparatus with a housing, an electro-mechanical relay, a processor, and a wireless transceiver using a WiFi communication format, where the electrically-powered device is hard wired to the apparatus, and a remote controller wirelessly transmits commands over the WiFi network. The processor monitors and measures power usage, transmits the power usage to the remote controller, receives a WiFi command to disable power, switches the relay from an enabling state to a disabling state, and wirelessly transmits a response updating status to the remote controller.
Apparatus with WiFi connectivity indicators and WiFi disable switching
An apparatus comprising a housing and a junction box hard wired to an electrically-powered device, including an AC input plug, an electro-mechanical relay electrically positioned between the AC input plug and an outlet socket, a plurality of LED indicators, a processor, and a wireless transceiver using a WiFi communication format. The LED indicators are on when the apparatus is connected to the WiFi network and off when the apparatus does not have a connection, and the processor monitors and measures power usage, transmits the power usage to a controller, receives a wireless command to disable power, switches the relay from an enabling state to a disabling state, and wirelessly transmits a status of the electrically-powered device.
Method for WiFi power monitoring, relay disable switching, and status response
A method comprising monitoring and measuring power usage of an electrically-powered device hard wired to a junction box apparatus, transmitting the power usage wirelessly to a remote controller directly over a WiFi network, transmitting a wirelessly received command to disable power over the WiFi network, receiving the command at a wireless transceiver and communicating it to a processor, switching a power relay from an enabling state to a disabling state to disable power, and transmitting a wirelessly received response updating the status of the electrically-powered device back over the network to the remote controller.
Across the independent claims, the inventive coverage centers on junction-box and electro-mechanical-relay power monitoring and remote disable control using WiFi communications, with measured power usage transmission and a status response after relay switching.
Stated Advantages
Disables power to the electrically-powered device in response to a received command.
Updates the remote controller with a response updating the status of the electrically-powered device.
Provides WiFi connectivity indication via LED indicators on and off states.
Supports wireless transmission of measured power usage to a remote controller over a WiFi network.
Documented Applications
Monitoring and controlling electrical power to electrically-powered devices that are described as including a table lamp, television, printer, monitor, vending machine, laptop, and radio.
Remote power monitoring and control using a remote controller that is described as including a smartphone, PC program, and WebUI.
Networked multi-apparatus management via a master apparatus/WebUI.
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