Programmable Light Switch Module With Emergency Solar Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light switches lack functionality during power failures and do not offer advanced features such as emergency lighting, communication with first responders, or digital display capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A portable programmable display and control module that serves as a basic light switch, emergency flashlight, and digital custom light switch display, equipped with wireless communication, sensors, and a built-in solar cell for charging, allowing it to function during power failures and transmit coordinates to first responders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional light switch is used, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but it becomes useless during power failures and lacks emergency functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a traditional light switch with a portable control module containing battery, display, and emergency functions into a single integrated device. The control module merges multiple functions (light switching, emergency lighting, display, communication) that would otherwise require separate devices, resolving the contradiction between reliability during power failure and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a light switch controller, emergency flashlight, digital display device, and communication tool for first responders. This multi-functionality ensures the device remains useful during power failures while maintaining manageable complexity through integrated design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a portable control module with battery and display is added to the light switch, then emergency functionality and digital display are provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the system into a fixed electrical box portion and a removable portable control module. The control module contains the battery, display, and emergency functions as a separate segment that can be detached, allowing the main light switch infrastructure to remain simple while adding versatility through the modular component.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module is designed to nest within the electrical box when not in use, with the module fitting into the existing switch plate opening. This nesting approach minimizes the visual and spatial impact of the added complexity while maintaining adaptability and emergency functionality.
3Reliability
If sensors and wireless communication components are integrated into the control module, then communication with first responders and environmental sensing are enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module integrates multiple sensing capabilities (motion, heat, light) and wireless communication functions (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) into a single universal device. This consolidation enables comprehensive communication with first responders and environmental monitoring while streamlining the manufacturing process compared to producing multiple separate components.
4Ease of operation
If the control module is designed to be removable from the electrical box, then emergency portability is improved, but the connection reliability between the module and electrical system may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a permanently installed electrical box with wiring and a removable control module. The electrical box maintains reliable permanent connections to the building's electrical system, while the control module can be easily removed and carried during emergencies, resolving the contradiction between portability and connection reliability.
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
The solution provides enhanced functionality during power failures, enables communication with first responders, and offers a digital display and control module that can be used as an emergency flashlight, thereby addressing the limitations of current light switches.
Implementation Method 1
The control module can also include a built-in solar cell to charge the module for prolonged power failures
Implementation Method 2
the internal battery back-up can provide power for one or more or a plurality (e.g. 2, 3, etc.) super brite LEDs to illuminate
Data Source
AI summary
A portable programmable display and control module which serves as a basic light switch and a digital custom light switch display. The control module can be removed from the electrical box when power fails to provide for an emergency flashlight. The control module can be provided with a mini-hard drive and microprocessor in order to be able to download digital content and display it on a lighted touch screen. The control module can also be controlled and programmed wirelessly by a computer or smart phone to control light switches, outlets, and other devices. The control module can also include a built-in solar cell to charge the module for prolonged power failures. A battery back-up can also be provided. The module can be provided with a front camera and a rear camera and can be used in emergency events to transmit images and video to first responders. The module can also be provided with two-way radio technology to allow communication with a first responder, in one non-limiting example, during an emergency event.