Smart Technology to Let You Know Ageing Loved Ones Are Okay

GSPK Design created a smart plug device for UK based technology company, 3rings. From initial concept illustrations and designs to fully manufactured devices, the 3rings smart plug is one of the most successful projects undertaken by GSPK Design to date.

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Initial concept drawings and design for the smart plug

The original idea came from founder and CEO of 3rings, Steve Purdham. Steve wanted new ways to check his mum was doing okay and turned to his smartphone for the smart-plug idea. The plug connects with everyday home appliances such as a kettle or TV and reports its use. For example, when an elderly loved one has a routine of making themselves a cup of tea between 8:00am and 10:00am the plug will transmit data to the user’s phone making them aware that they have used the kettle or in the case where they have not they can alert the receiver of the message accordingly.

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Founder and CEO of 3rings Care Ltd, Steve Purdham with his Mum, Iris Purdham

Our design team used technologies such as a highly accurate integrated circuit (IC) that allows measurements from 0 to 3kW using a single circuit. The team also used the latest in GSM modem technology to make sure communication between the smart plug, servers and the users phone were all perfectly integrated.

Following the completion of the project the 3rings smart-plug has gone from strength to strength. An appearance on Dragons Den led to an astronomical amount of publicity which got the attention of Westfield Health who decided to invest in the company.

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Exploded diagram from SolidWorks CAD software

GSPK Design Managing Director had this to say about the project, “It’s been a great pleasure to work with 3 rings, we particularly enjoy working on projects that will make a positive difference to people’s lives, especially the elderly and vulnerable. Smart technology is a rapidly growing market and our electronics design team are at the forefront of creating products that meet increasing consumer demand.”

If you are interested in creating your own electronics design project, then contact us here.