Multistate Light Switch Power Interruption Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical systems in homes and buildings lack flexibility in the placement of in-ceiling electronic devices, such as light fixtures and speakers, which are typically installed during construction and require professional installation, making it difficult to change or move them, especially when technology improves or when devices break.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of modular application units that can be retrofitted into existing lighting sites, allowing users to install various electronic devices like speakers, virtual assistants, and security cameras without professional assistance, using a multistate light unit system that controls power delivery to ensure continuous operation and independent functionality from light switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If in-ceiling electronic devices are installed during construction, then the installation is easier and more cost-effective, but the flexibility to change or move devices later is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the in-ceiling device into separate modular components: a power consumption device (speaker, camera, etc.) and a power supply device (recessed lighting fixture). This segmentation allows the power supply infrastructure to be installed during construction while the specific application devices can be independently selected, installed, and replaced later without affecting the wiring infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The recessed lighting fixture is designed to serve dual functions: providing illumination and serving as a power supply for various application devices. The universal power supply interface allows different types of devices (speakers, cameras, sensors) to be connected to the same infrastructure, enabling flexibility in device selection and placement after construction.
2Reliability
If professional installation is required for in-ceiling devices, then the installation quality is ensured, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables end-users to install and replace application devices themselves without requiring professional electricians. The modular design with pre-wired power supply infrastructure and simple connection interfaces allows users to easily swap devices based on their needs, reducing both cost and complexity while maintaining installation quality through standardized connections.
3Stability of the object's composition
If devices are permanently installed during construction, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the ability to upgrade technology later is eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the permanent power supply infrastructure from the upgradeable application devices, the system maintains structural integrity in the building infrastructure while enabling easy technology upgrades. The power supply devices remain fixed during construction, while application devices can be independently replaced as technology advances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a dynamic configuration where the static power supply infrastructure supports dynamic, changeable application devices. This allows the overall system to adapt to new technologies and user needs over time while the core structural installation remains stable and undisturbed.
4Device complexity
If light switches control both lighting and application devices, then the control system is simpler, but the application devices experience power interruptions when lights are turned off
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into separate control paths: light switches control only the lighting function, while application devices are controlled independently through their own power management circuits. This allows lighting to be turned off while application devices continue to receive power and operate continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply device acts as an intermediary between the household power distribution and the application devices. It provides dedicated power management that decouples application device operation from lighting control, ensuring continuous power delivery to applications even when lights are turned off by switches.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for using light switches to control lighting and other functions are disclosed. Each switch may be a manual switch that is mounted to a wall. A biasing device may be positioned proximate each switch. When a user moves the switch out of a first position and into a second position or toward a second position, the delivery of household power to one or more light units may be interrupted. However, when the user releases the switch, the biasing device may provide an immediate automatic return of the manual switch to the first position. The resulting short interruption in household power may be used as a signal for controlling operation of the one or more light units and/or other electronic devices installed at one or more lighting sites corresponding to the switch.