Multi-function light switch with board stack
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user interfaces for building systems, such as lighting and HVAC, are often proprietary and complex, leading to user frustration and barriers to adoption, and configuring hardware to fit within standard switch form factors is challenging.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function light switch with a standard form factor that integrates a board stack of printed circuit boards within an off-the-shelf wall switch box, providing a familiar user interface and consolidating building functions into a single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary user interfaces are used for building systems control, then device functionality is enhanced, but user interface complexity and unfamiliarity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light switch is designed to serve multiple functions: it maintains its traditional light control capability while simultaneously serving as a user interface for building systems control. This multi-functionality allows the device to be universally applicable without requiring users to learn new interface paradigms, as it leverages the familiar light switch interaction model.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the existing, familiar light switch interface design as a template for the building systems control interface. By copying the visual and interaction characteristics of traditional light switches, the system maintains user familiarity while enabling access to complex building control functions through a known interface pattern.
2Device complexity
If multiple building functions are integrated into a single device, then device consolidation and reduced clutter are achieved, but hardware configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light switch device is segmented into distinct functional modules: the faceplate with display elements, the mechanism for light control, and the building systems control interface. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently before assembly, reducing overall configuration complexity while maintaining functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate devices (traditional light switch and building control interface) into a single integrated unit. By combining these functions in one physical device, the system achieves consolidation and reduced clutter while managing complexity through unified design and integrated circuitry.
3Ease of operation
If standard light switch form factor is used, then user familiarity and ease of adoption are improved, but hardware fitting and component accommodation become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the third dimension (depth) of the light switch form factor to accommodate additional components. By designing the internal structure to efficiently use available space in the depth direction, the device can house building control interface elements, display components, and circuitry within the constraints of the standard faceplate dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The building control interface components are nested within the traditional light switch structure. The display elements and control mechanisms are positioned within the faceplate area, while the circuitry is integrated into the switch mechanism, creating a nested arrangement that fits standard form factor constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-function switch for controlling various functions of building systems includes a board stack with a plurality of PCBs configured to reside entirely within an off-the-shelf single gang wall switch box. The external components of the light switch have the appearance of a standard light switch familiar to the user. This reduces device clutter, complexity, user confusion, and expense by consolidating user-controlled building functions into a single device familiar to the user. By using an off-the-shelf switch box, the installation of the multi-function light switch avoids requirements of custom sized wall switch boxes. Given the relatively small dimensions of the switch box, the configuration and design of the board stack is non-trivial. The orientation of each PCB in the board stack, the connections between the PCBs in the stack, and the accommodation of any other components are such that the entirety of these components wholly reside within the switch box.