Orientation-Sensing Remote Load Control for Flexible Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of load control systems often requires electrical contractors due to the need for electrical wiring expertise, which can be cost-prohibitive for average consumers, and existing mechanical switches are not easily integrated with advanced load control devices without significant re-wiring or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A remote control device with a mounting structure and a control unit that includes a rotating portion, orientation sensing circuit, and capacitive touch interface, allowing for attachment to various orientations and structures without requiring extensive electrical knowledge, and enabling control of electrical loads through wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard mechanical switches are replaced by advanced load control devices, then load control functionality is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase due to required electrical wiring expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote control device as an intermediary that interfaces with existing mechanical switches through simple mounting structures (adapters, faceplates, or surface mounting) rather than requiring direct electrical integration. This mediator approach allows advanced load control functionality to be added without disrupting existing electrical wiring, thereby maintaining versatility while reducing installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The load control system is segmented into separate functional components: the existing mechanical switch remains in place for electrical control, while the advanced load control device is mounted separately as a remote control unit. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function independently, avoiding the need to replace the entire switch assembly and reducing installation complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If remote control devices are mounted in various orientations to fit different installation locations, then installation flexibility is improved, but the device's ability to correctly interpret user inputs deteriorates due to unknown orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an orientation detection system using sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, or Hall effect sensors) that provide feedback about the device's current orientation. This feedback is processed by a microcontroller that automatically adjusts the interpretation of user inputs (touch, button presses, or gestures) based on the detected orientation, ensuring correct functionality regardless of how the device is mounted
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically adapts its operational characteristics based on its mounting orientation. Rather than being fixed to a specific orientation, the system continuously monitors its orientation and adjusts its input interpretation logic in real-time, allowing the same physical device to function correctly whether mounted vertically, horizontally, or at any angle
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 control electrical loads, such as lighting, without needing extensive electrical expertise, by automatically determining orientation and translating user inputs into control signals, providing a cost-effective and user-friendly solution for integrating advanced load control into existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The control unit may include an orientation sensing circuit, such as a gravity switch, that detects a direction of gravity
Implementation Method 2
The control unit may include a capacitive touch circuit that detects inputs from a user
Data Source
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.