Programmable Light Timer With Remote Control Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional light timers are difficult to program due to small displays and interfaces, leading to user frustration and inefficiency, and often malfunction, resulting in unnecessary energy consumption and pollution.

Innovation Solution

A programmable light timer with a user-friendly interface featuring programmable buttons, up and down keys, and pre-set timing patterns, allowing users to easily select and program timing patterns using a 5-key user interface or dedicated buttons, eliminating the need for frequent reprogramming and reducing energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conventional timers use small displays and limited interfaces to fit in electrical boxes, then device size is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetimer sizeVSAvoidprogramming difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a remote control device as an intermediary between the user and the in-wall timer. The remote control has a larger display and more comprehensive interface controls, allowing users to program and operate the timer without directly interacting with the limited interface in the electrical box. This mediator transfers the programming complexity from the constrained in-wall interface to the more capable remote device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a wireless communication dimension to the traditional in-wall timer operation. Instead of being limited to the physical constraints of the electrical box interface, the system extends control capabilities to a remote device through wireless communication, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the user interaction and bypassing the physical limitations of the in-wall mounting location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If conventional mechanical timers are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but reliability deteriorates over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetimer simplicityVSAvoidmalfunction frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical timer mechanisms with an electronic control system. The in-wall timer uses electronic components including a microprocessor, memory, and digital circuitry to control timing operations, eliminating the mechanical moving parts that are prone to wear and malfunction. This substitution maintains simplicity from the user perspective while dramatically improving reliability through solid-state electronics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If advanced digital timers with electronic displays are used, then functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetiming pattern functionalityVSAvoidinterface navigation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The remote control device serves as an intermediary that handles the complexity of programming and interface navigation. Users interact with the more capable remote control interface to program timing patterns, then the remote transmits simplified commands to the in-wall timer. This mediator absorbs the complexity burden, allowing the in-wall unit to maintain simple operation while the remote provides advanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the timer system into two functional segments: the in-wall timer unit that provides reliable timing control and the remote control device that provides programming and user interface capabilities. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the in-wall unit for reliability and compactness, the remote for ease of programming and display visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If timers are positioned below eye level in electrical boxes, then installation simplicity is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoiddisplay readability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The remote control device acts as an intermediary that brings the display and programming interface to a convenient location for the user. Instead of requiring users to read and program a small display in an electrical box below eye level, the remote control provides a larger, more readable display that can be easily viewed and operated at eye level, while still controlling the in-wall timer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10433406B2Programmable light timer and a method of implementing a programmable light timer

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 CANTIGNY LIGHTING CONTROL LLC

AI summary

A programmable light timer for implementing a timing pattern is described. The programmable light timer comprises a display, wherein a time selected on a user interface is provided on the display; a first programmable button of the plurality of programmable buttons on the user interface; and up and down keys on the user interface, wherein the up and down keys enable selecting an on time of the timing pattern to be implemented when the first programmable button is selected to be used during operation of the programmable light timer. A method of implementing a timing pattern on a programmable light timer is also described.