Network Light Switch Cover Circuitry Wireless Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional light switch installations often require cutting through walls and running cables, which can be messy, intimidating, and dangerous for inexperienced individuals, especially when trying to position a light switch at a new location within a building.
Innovation Solution
A network device with a housing configured to be mounted into a wall, featuring electrical connections and a cover with embedded circuitry that allows for advanced electrical communication, data processing, and sensor integration, enabling remote control and monitoring of electrical devices without the need for extensive wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional wiring methods are used to install a light switch at a new location, then the light switch can be connected to power, but the installation process becomes messy, intimidating, and dangerous requiring cutting through walls and running cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical wiring installation with a wireless communication system. The cover circuitry communicates with housing circuitry via wireless signals (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) instead of requiring physical cable running through walls. This eliminates the need for cutting walls and running cables, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and installation danger.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary between the cover circuitry and housing circuitry. Instead of direct electrical connections requiring physical wiring, wireless signals serve as the mediator to transmit control commands and data, eliminating the harmful aspects of traditional wiring installation while maintaining functional connectivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extensive wiring is used to enable advanced functionalities, then sensor integration and remote control are possible, but the device complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal wireless communication interface in the cover circuitry that can support multiple functions (sensor integration, remote control, data processing) through software configuration rather than requiring separate wiring for each function. This allows advanced functionalities to be added without increasing wiring complexity, as the wireless system serves as a multi-functional platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex physical wiring required for sensor integration and remote control with wireless communication. Sensors, processors, and communication modules in the cover circuitry interface with the building's systems wirelessly, eliminating the need for extensive dedicated wiring while enabling advanced functionalities.
3Ease of operation
If a removable cover design is used to improve accessibility, then elements on the room-facing side are physically accessible, but the electrical connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical electrical contacts with wireless communication for data and control signals. The cover circuitry communicates with housing circuitry wirelessly, eliminating the need for reliable physical electrical connections when the cover is removed. This allows the cover to be easily removable for accessibility while maintaining system functionality through wireless signaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the system into independent cover circuitry and housing circuitry that communicate wirelessly rather than through continuous physical contacts. This segmentation allows the cover to be removed and reattached without compromising the reliability of the overall system, as each segment operates independently and communicates through wireless signals.
Data Source
AI summary
A network device for controlling an electric light or other remote electrical device. In addition to features found in standard light switches, such as cover plates, housings, switching elements, and internal wiring, the network device may include a cover plate with embedded cover circuitry for performing advanced functions unavailable to standard light switches. Functions performed by the cover circuitry include advanced electrical communication, data processing, user interfacing, sensing, displaying, rule creation, and the like. The cover circuitry may receive electric power via a set of contact elements located on the wall-facing side of the cover plate that electrically couple with a similar set of contact elements located on the room-facing side of the housing. The coupling of contact elements may form a set of buses that enable data communication between the cover circuitry and circuitry within the housing.