Many electronic devices continue to draw power even when switched off, leading to unnecessary energy waste and higher electricity bills. While smart plugs and timers exist, they still maintain an electrical connection when "off" and often require network connectivity. A different approach could involve plugs that physically disconnect from power sources when not in use.
One way to address phantom power loss could be through plugs with automatic retraction mechanisms. These would work by:
The mechanism might use spring-loaded designs or motorized systems, with possible learning capabilities for usage patterns. Unlike smart plugs that still consume some power, this approach would completely eliminate standby consumption through physical disconnection.
This concept could offer several benefits over existing solutions:
A simpler version could start with basic power monitoring and retraction for standard plugs, focusing initially on common household devices. More advanced versions might add features like:
Key challenges would include ensuring safety during disconnection, maintaining compatibility with various socket types, and demonstrating sufficient energy savings to justify any cost premium over simpler solutions.
Compared to existing smart plugs that still consume power when "off" or timer plugs that aren't usage-aware, this approach could provide more complete elimination of phantom loads while keeping operation simple and intuitive.
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Physical Product