Battery Wall Remote Control for Ceiling Fans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery-powered remote controls for ceiling fans and lights require hard wiring into the electrical system at the switch box, making them intimidating and hazardous for DIY installation, and cause damage to walls due to non-standard mounting.
Innovation Solution
A battery-powered remote control system that attaches over the existing wall switch without hard wiring, using a switch adapter plate and decorative housing with functional buttons for fan speed and light control, allowing the original switch to remain functional and avoiding wall damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hard wiring into the electrical system at the switch box is used, then remote control functionality is achieved, but installation becomes intimidating and hazardous for DIY users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a battery-powered intermediary remote control unit that mediates between the user and the ceiling fan system. This unit communicates wirelessly with the fan, eliminating the need for users to directly interact with electrical wiring while still achieving remote control functionality. The intermediary device handles all electrical interactions internally, making installation safe and accessible for DIY users.
2Reliability
If permanent mounting of the remote control into the wall is used, then the device is securely positioned, but wall damage occurs that is costly to repair
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible mounting approach where the remote control unit can be attached to the wall surface using adhesive backing or mounting strips that distribute pressure across a larger area. This flexible attachment method provides sufficient positioning stability while avoiding the need to drill holes or make permanent modifications to the wall structure, thereby preventing costly damage.
3Reliability
If permanent mounting of the remote control into the wall is used, then the device is securely positioned, but the mounting appears as an eyesore because it stands off from the wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional flush-mounted or surface-mounted remote controls to a form factor that can be mounted in alternative dimensions or orientations. The device may be designed to mount on the side of the wall, on adjacent surfaces, or at angles that maintain stability while improving aesthetic integration with the room's decor, thereby reducing the eyesore effect of protruding mounts.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If battery powered remote control is used without hard wiring, then installation safety is improved, but the device must be mounted away from the wall surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions and components into a single integrated battery-powered remote control unit. By merging the remote control electronics, battery compartment, and mounting mechanism into one compact device, the system achieves safe wireless operation while minimizing the mounting profile. The integrated design allows the device to maintain a sleek, space-efficient form factor that reduces visual impact despite being mounted away from the wall surface.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices and methods for providing a battery powered wall mounted remote control for ceiling fans and lights. The battery powered remote control can be installable over an existing wall switch without hard wiring into electrical system at the switch box. The remote control housing is decorative in nature and has functional fan and light buttons for remotely controlling operation of the fan and light fixture. The remote housing attaches to the hard wired wall mounted switch using existing hardware that previously held the switch plate in place. The remote housing has a door that opens to allow the original fan/light switch to still be used in an on/off power control for the device being controlled by the battery powered wall mounted remote control for ceiling fans and lights.