Dual-Mode Wall Switch Power Module for Battery and Line Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless wall switches powered by batteries face challenges in maintaining power supply over time, and existing solutions do not effectively utilize existing building electrical wiring as a replacement power source, leading to the need for inventory management of both battery-powered and line-powered devices.
Innovation Solution
A device with a housing, input interface, control logic circuit, power supply compartment, and power module that allows for the use of either a removable stand-alone power source or a power module that connects to building electrical wiring, converting AC power to DC for the control logic circuit, enabling easy reuse of existing wiring and reducing battery requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a battery-powered wireless wall switch is used, then the switch can be placed at nearly any location without connecting to building electrical power supply, but the battery power supply degrades over time and may not provide sufficient electrical power for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The wall switch incorporates a removable power supply compartment that allows dynamic switching between battery power and line power modes. The compartment can be accessed and the power source changed without replacing the entire device, enabling the system to adapt to different power availability conditions and maintain reliability over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the power supply parameter from exclusively battery-based to a dual-mode system accepting either battery or line power. The power supply compartment is designed to accept different power sources, and the control circuit automatically adapts to the available power type, transforming the device from single-parameter (battery) to multi-parameter (battery or line) operation.
2Reliability
If battery-powered wireless devices are replaced with line-powered devices, then power supply reliability is improved, but existing electrical wiring cannot be utilized and inventory management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The wall switch is designed with universal power acceptance capability, functioning as both a battery-powered and line-powered device through the same housing and control circuitry. The removable power supply compartment allows the single device type to serve multiple power source configurations, eliminating the need to maintain separate inventory of battery-powered and line-powered devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply function is segmented into a separate, removable compartment distinct from the main control circuitry. This segmentation allows the power source to be independently changed or upgraded without affecting the rest of the device, enabling flexible transition between battery and line power while maintaining a standardized device platform.
3Ease of manufacture
If a power module connecting to building electrical wiring is used, then reuse of existing wiring is enabled and battery degradation is eliminated, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The power module is nested within the existing wall switch housing, utilizing the same internal space and mounting structure. The module integrates with the existing control circuitry and wireless communication components, fitting into the established device architecture rather than requiring a completely new design, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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 the conversion of battery-powered devices to line-powered devices, ensuring consistent power supply without battery degradation, simplifying inventory management and installation by utilizing existing building wiring as a power source.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical power conversion circuit configured to convert the building electrical power received via the connection points to the predetermined electrical power supply requirement of the control logic circuit
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are examples of a device that is mountable on a surface of an occupiable space in a building. The device may include an input interface plate that protrudes from the surface into the occupiable space of the building, while a portion of the device remains within the interior space of the building's surface. The device enables wireless control of a remote device, such as a luminaire, outlet or the like. The device is convertible between being powered by a stand-alone power source, such as a battery, and being powered by a power module that connects to the building's alternating current electrical power supply. The power module is configured to connect to the building's alternating current electrical power supply, convert the provided electrical power to a direct current electrical power appropriate for use by the device.