Plug-In Switch Cord Layout for Furniture Light Three-Way Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for switching and dimming furniture-mounted light fixtures require hard-wired connections, which are time-consuming and costly, especially in large installations like hotels, and often necessitate multiple visits by licensed electricians, with limitations in remote control capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A plug-and-play switching system comprising switch units with integrally formed power cords and standard connectors that can be plugged into ordinary wall outlets, allowing for three-way switching and dimming without hard-wiring, enabling easy installation and control of furniture-mounted light fixtures without the need for licensed electricians.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hard-wired connections are used for switching and dimming furniture-mounted light fixtures, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but installation time and labor cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the electrical connection into two independent parts: a hard-wired switch unit permanently installed in the wall, and a plug-in power cord with connector that connects to the furniture-mounted light fixture. This segmentation allows the switch unit to be installed once during initial wiring, while the light fixture can be easily connected or disconnected by simply plugging in or out the power cord, eliminating the need for complex hard-wired connections between the switch and fixture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a plug-in power cord with a connector as an intermediary component between the hard-wired switch unit and the furniture-mounted light fixture. This intermediary enables electrical connection without requiring direct hard-wired bonding between the switch and fixture, allowing for easy connection/disconnection while maintaining reliable electrical contact through the standardized connector interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hard-wired connections are used for three-way switching, then control functionality is achieved, but installation complexity and electrician dependency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The three-way switching system is segmented into a hard-wired switch unit containing the switching mechanism and a separate plug-in power cord assembly. The switch unit is installed once during initial wiring, while the power cord with connector can be easily connected to furniture-mounted fixtures. This segmentation reduces installation complexity by eliminating the need for electricians to make additional wiring connections when installing or moving light fixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug-in power cord with connector serves multiple functions: it provides electrical power to the light fixture, enables three-way switching control, and allows for easy connection and disconnection. This universal connector design can be used with various furniture-mounted light fixtures, reducing the need for custom hard-wired connections for each fixture and simplifying installation across different applications.
3Stability of the object's composition
If furniture is hard-wired for light fixtures, then permanent installation is achieved, but flexibility and ease of reconfiguration are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the electrical connection into a permanently installed hard-wired switch unit and a movable plug-in power cord assembly. The switch unit remains fixed in the wall providing stable electrical service, while the power cord with connector can be easily plugged in or out, allowing furniture-mounted light fixtures to be reconfigured or moved without affecting the permanent installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug-in power cord with connector acts as an intermediary that provides a stable electrical connection through the hard-wired switch unit while simultaneously enabling easy reconfiguration. The connector interface maintains reliable electrical contact when plugged in, yet allows for simple disconnection and reconnection, bridging the gap between permanent installation stability and operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present disclosure, a switching system for a fixture includes a first switch unit with a first switch actuator and a first power cord with an integrally formed power connector at its distal end. The first switch unit has an electrical receptacle configured to receive a corresponding power connector of a cord electrically connected to the fixture. The electrical receptacle is electrically coupled to the first power cord through the first switch actuator to provide switching actuation to the fixture. The switching system may include a second switch unit that includes a second switch actuator and a second power cord with an integrally formed power connector at its distal end. The first and second switch units are connectable to provide a three-way switching electrical connection.