Wall-Mounted Fan and Light Control With Accurate Ambient Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing environmental control devices face challenges in accurately sensing ambient conditions due to self-heating issues and limited sensing capabilities, often requiring multiple manual controls for coordinating multiple devices, which can be inefficient and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A wall-mountable control apparatus equipped with sensors for occupancy, temperature, and humidity, capable of coordinating fan and light operations based on sensed conditions, with wireless communication and adjustable actuators, allowing for centralized control of multiple devices and remote monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are incorporated on environmental control devices, then ambient conditions can be sensed, but the sensors may be affected by self-heating and location issues that skew readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate sensor unit that acts as an intermediary between the environmental control device and the ambient conditions. This sensor unit is positioned away from heat-generating components, allowing it to measure ambient temperature and other conditions without being affected by self-heating from the device's own operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional components: the environmental control device (fan, light) and a distinct sensor unit. This segmentation allows the sensor to be optimally positioned for accurate measurements while the control device can be positioned for optimal environmental control function, resolving the conflict between device location and sensing accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual controls are used for each environmental device, then each device can be controlled independently, but the system complexity and user inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple environmental control functions (fan control, light control, sensor monitoring) into a single integrated control system. The centralized controller coordinates all devices based on ambient conditions and user preferences, eliminating the need for multiple separate controls while maintaining the ability to independently adjust each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed with universal functionality to manage multiple different types of environmental devices through a single interface. It can adapt to control fans, lights, and potentially other devices, providing versatile control capabilities without requiring device-specific controls for each item.
3Ease of operation
If manual controls are used for each device, then direct user control is possible, but energy efficiency and responsiveness to ambient conditions decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor ambient conditions (temperature, humidity, occupancy) and provide feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts device operation to optimize energy efficiency while maintaining comfort, reducing the need for constant manual intervention and minimizing energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The environmental control system is designed to automatically regulate itself based on sensor inputs and pre-programmed user preferences. The controller makes autonomous decisions about when and how to operate devices without requiring continuous manual input, enabling the system to serve itself and optimize energy usage independently.
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
This solution provides efficient, automated, and coordinated control of environmental conditions, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency by accurately responding to user preferences and ambient conditions, while reducing the need for multiple manual controls.
Implementation Method 1
A first sensor associated with the control may be provided for sensing a presence (occupancy or motion, such as using passive infrared technology) of the person
Implementation Method 2
A second sensor may be associated with the control for sensing a temperature as the sensed condition
Implementation Method 3
A third sensor may be associated with the control for sensing humidity as the sensed condition
Implementation Method 4
a fan for circulating air in the space
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for controlling environmental conditions using a fan and a light in connection with a building having a space including a partition, such as a wall. The apparatus may include a control adapted for being mounted to the partition and for coordinating the control of the fan and the light based on a sensed condition, such as temperature or occupancy. Groups of like devices for controlling environmental conditions may be similarly controlled, such as using control. Control may also provide an indication of an operational state of the device(s) controlled by it, or provide for control based on a preference of one or more people upon detecting their presence. Related methods are also described.