Modular Occupancy Prediction Control for Retrofit Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modifying existing electrical wiring systems in buildings for changing needs is difficult and costly, and stand-alone electrical switches and outlets lack integrated multi-room home control and occupancy detection capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A modular control unit with a backplate and interchangeable device control assemblies that include occupancy sensors to detect and predict occupancy states, allowing for customizable control of electrical loads based on occupancy patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing electrical wiring systems are modified for changing needs, then adaptability is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components: a backplate that remains permanently installed in the electrical box, and interchangeable device control assemblies that can be easily swapped. This segmentation allows the wiring infrastructure to stay fixed while the functional units are replaced, improving adaptability without increasing installation complexity for modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The backplate serves as a universal mounting interface that can accommodate multiple different device control assemblies with various functions (occupancy detection, prediction algorithms, different sensor types). This universal interface allows a single installation to support multiple applications, enhancing adaptability while maintaining simple installation procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If stand-alone electrical switches are used, then device complexity is reduced, but occupancy detection and prediction capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single device control assembly: traditional electrical switching control, occupancy sensors (motion detectors, presence sensors), and prediction algorithms that analyze occupancy patterns. This merging provides advanced occupancy detection and prediction capabilities while maintaining a unified device that replaces rather than adds to existing switch installations.
3Measurement precision
If occupancy sensors are integrated into device control assemblies, then occupancy detection precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into a permanent backplate and replaceable control assemblies, the manufacturing complexity of advanced occupancy sensors is confined to modular units that can be produced independently. This allows high-precision sensors to be manufactured using specialized processes while the overall system remains simple to install and maintain through modular replacement rather than custom integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for occupancy detection and prediction is disclosed. The system may include a modular control unit configured to control power to at least one load device, which may include a device control assembly configured to be removably coupled to a backplate. The device control assembly may include an occupancy sensor configured to detect a current occupancy state of a detection zone. The device control assembly may be configured to determine occupancy routines based on historical occupancy states of the detection zone and to predict future occupancy states. The device control assembly may be configured to control the power to the at least one load device based on the predicted future occupancy states.