Momentary Switch Relay System for Intuitive Lighting Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting control systems using multiple switches to control a single light or device are not intuitive, making it difficult for users to determine the light's status from different locations, and retrofitting these systems is challenging due to varied electrical wiring configurations.
Innovation Solution
A control system utilizing two or more SPDT momentary switches with a relay load control circuit, where up is always 'on' and down is always 'off', combined with an optional pilot light, allowing users to intuitively control and determine the status of a remote light or device from any location, and can be easily installed in existing or new electrical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If three-way or four-way switches are used to control a light from multiple locations, then the light can be turned on and off from different positions, but it becomes non-intuitive for users to determine whether the light is on or off based on switch position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by incorporating pilot lights that provide visual information about the light's on/off status back to the user at each switch location. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by maintaining multi-location control while eliminating the information loss about light status, making the system intuitive to use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color changes (illumination of pilot lights) to convey the status of the controlled light. The pilot lights change from off to on (or different colors) to clearly indicate whether the main light is on or off, providing intuitive visual feedback that resolves the user confusion about light status.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing electrical wiring is retrofitted with new lighting control systems, then the system can be updated, but the large variety of wiring configurations makes installation challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a control system that can function with multiple wiring configurations (two-wire, three-wire, four-wire systems). The relay-based architecture and flexible switch connections allow the same system to adapt to various existing wiring scenarios, maintaining ease of installation while achieving broad compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by allowing the system to operate with different numbers of wires (2, 3, or 4 wire configurations) and different switch types. This flexibility in electrical parameters enables straightforward installation in existing buildings with varied wiring without requiring complete rewiring.
3Ease of operation
If multiple switches are used to control a single light, then control from multiple locations is achieved, but the complexity of wiring and switch combinations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay as an intermediary device that simplifies the control architecture. Instead of complex interconnections between multiple three-way or four-way switches, the relay acts as a central mediator that receives signals from simple momentary switches and controls the light, reducing wiring complexity while maintaining multi-location control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical three-way/four-way switch system with an electromechanical relay system controlled by simple momentary switches. This substitution simplifies the mechanical complexity of the switch wiring while achieving the same multi-location control function, making installation more straightforward.
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 intuitive on/off control of remote lights or devices regardless of location, simplifying installation in various wiring configurations, and providing clear visual feedback through pilot lights, thus resolving user confusion and installation challenges.
Implementation Method 1
The relay controllers can be wired differently to accommodate a two wire system as a retrofit or three wire system. When a user activates a momentary wall switch to activate the light, pressing the up direction on the switch closes which is electrically connected to a relay that is closed connected to a power source and to the light thereby activating the light when the relay closes the switch.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling an electrical load such as a light mounted in a remote location that includes multiple SPDT momentary switches for turning the remote light on and off from different remote locations and a load controller connected to each of the three-way switches and to the light through a light fixture. Each of the switches has an upper momentary switch that turns the light on and a pilot light to indicate whether the remote light is on or off and a lower momentary switch that turns the remote light off and the pilot light off. The load controller and the three-way switches are easily installed into an existing residential or commercial electrical wiring and lighting system or for new residential and commercial installations. The system can also be installed in a two wire system or three wire system.