Infrared Wave Switch for Contactless Wall Box Load Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic switches lack a reliable and user-friendly mechanism for controlling loads within standard-sized wall boxes, particularly in terms of intuitive actuation methods that do not require physical contact or complex installation.
Innovation Solution
An electronic wave switch with a housing assembly, a printed circuit board featuring a sensor and processor, and a light emitting diode (LED) for infrared light detection, allowing actuation through hand movement without physical contact, integrated within a standard NEMA wall box configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional electronic switches are used, then physical contact actuation is required, but user convenience and hygiene are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based switch actuation with an optical sensing system. The sensor detects hand movements through infrared light reflection, and the processor interprets these signals to trigger switch actuation, eliminating the need for physical contact while maintaining reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an infrared LED and sensor as intermediary components between the user and the switch mechanism. The LED emits infrared light that reflects off the user's hand, and the sensor detects these reflected patterns, serving as a non-contact mediator to translate hand movements into switch commands
2Adaptability or versatility
If the switch is designed for standard NEMA wall box installation, then installation compatibility is improved, but internal space for electronic components is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the switch housing into modular assemblies: a back body assembly containing the circuit board and electronic components, a front cover assembly with the user interface, and a mounting strap assembly. This segmentation allows efficient packing of components within the constrained NEMA wall box dimensions while maintaining installation compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the circuit board is mounted within the back body assembly, which is then integrated with the mounting strap, and finally enclosed by the front cover assembly. This nested structure maximizes space utilization within the standard wall box footprint
3Ease of operation
If infrared light detection is implemented, then contactless sensing capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic operation of the infrared LED and sensor rather than continuous operation. The system activates the infrared LED and sensor only when hand movement is detected or anticipated, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining reliable hand movement detection capability during active use
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 secure, contactless control of loads using infrared light detection, enhancing user convenience and maintaining compatibility with standard wall box installations while ensuring reliable operation and sensitivity adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor includes a photo-sensitive element configured to measure light reflected from the signal emitter by the object
Implementation Method 2
the sensor includes a photo-sensitive element configured to measure light reflected from the signal emitter by the object
Implementation Method 3
the signal emitter is a light emitting diode (LED)... the light emitted from the LED is infrared light
Implementation Method 4
the light emitted from the LED is infrared light
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic wave switch device for controlling a load, the device comprising: a housing assembly including a front cover assembly having a user interface, a back body assembly dimensioned to fit within a standard sized NEMA wall box, and a plurality of terminals configured to be coupled to an AC power source and the load a mounting strap for connection to the standard sized NEMA wall box; and a circuit assembly disposed inside the housing assembly coupled to the plurality of terminals, the circuit assembly comprising a printed circuit board, the printed circuit board including a sensor coupled to a processor, wherein the sensor is configured to receive and detect an input stimulus in response to movement of an object a predetermined distance from the sensor, and wherein the processor is configured to propagate a switch actuation command in response to detecting the input stimulus.