Orientation-Sensing Remote Load Control for Flexible Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers face challenges in installing advanced load control systems due to the need for electrical wiring, which is typically performed by professionals, and remote control devices can be mounted in various orientations, complicating user input interpretation.
Innovation Solution
A remote control unit with an orientation sensing circuit that determines its orientation relative to the mounting structure and translates user inputs into control data, allowing for intuitive control of electrical loads regardless of device orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard mechanical switches are replaced by advanced load control devices requiring electrical wiring, then load control functionality is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote control device as an intermediary that communicates wirelessly with the load control system, eliminating the need for consumers to perform electrical wiring. The remote control serves as a mediator between the user and the electrical system, allowing control without direct electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical electrical wiring and physical switch installation with wireless communication technology. The load control device communicates with the electrical load through wireless signals, substituting the mechanical/electrical installation process with a wireless communication-based control system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If remote control devices are mounted in various orientations, then installation flexibility is improved, but user input interpretation becomes ambiguous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an orientation detection circuit within the remote control device that automatically detects and determines the device's mounting orientation without external assistance. The device serves itself by autonomously sensing its orientation and using this information to correctly interpret user inputs, eliminating the need for manual orientation configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation detection circuit provides feedback to the control circuit about the device's current orientation. This feedback mechanism allows the system to continuously monitor and adapt to the mounting orientation, ensuring correct interpretation of user inputs regardless of how the device is positioned.
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 consumers to easily install and control electrical loads without professional assistance, providing intuitive user interfaces that adapt to device orientation for precise control.
Implementation Method 1
an orientation sensing circuit that determines an orientation of the control unit relative to the mounting structure
Data Source
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AI summary
A remote control device is provided that is configured for use in a load control system that includes one or more electrical loads. The remote control device includes a mounting structure and a control unit, and the control unit is configured to be attached to the mounting structure in a plurality of different orientations. The control unit includes a user interface, an orientation sensing circuit, and a communication circuit. The control unit is configured to determine an orientation of the control unit via the orientation sensing circuit. The control unit is also configured to translate a user input from the user interface into control data to control an electrical load of the load control system based on the orientation of the control unit and/or provide a visual indication of an amount of power delivered to the electrical load based on the orientation of the control unit.