Remote Controlled Switch Cover Retrofit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Homeowners face the challenge of adding remote control capabilities to existing electrical switches without replacing expensive Wi-Fi enabled light switches or dealing with household AC voltages.
Innovation Solution
A remote controlled switch cover assembly that converts a conventional toggle switch into a remotely controllable switch by replacing its cover, allowing manual and remote operation using wireless signals or a local gateway, and integrating with home automation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If Wi-Fi enabled light switches are used to enable remote control, then remote control capability is achieved, but cost and installation complexity increase due to expensive equipment and potential re-wiring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the remote control system into two separate components: a wireless receiver unit that attaches to the existing light switch, and a separate wireless transmitter. This segmentation allows the existing switch to remain unchanged while adding remote control functionality through an external attachment, eliminating the need for expensive Wi-Fi enabled switches and complex re-wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless receiver unit acts as an intermediary between the existing light switch and the wireless transmitter. It receives wireless signals and converts them into mechanical actuation of the light switch, enabling remote control without requiring the switch itself to have electronic communication capabilities or be replaced.
2Extent of automation
If expensive Wi-Fi capable light bulbs or switches are purchased to enable remote control, then remote control functionality is achieved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses inexpensive wireless communication components (receiver and transmitter units) that can be mass-produced at low cost, replacing the need for expensive Wi-Fi enabled light bulbs or switches. The simple mechanical-to-wireless conversion mechanism allows for economical manufacturing while providing the same remote control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless receiver unit creates a functional copy of the light switch operation through wireless signaling, allowing the existing switch to be controlled remotely without replacing it. This copying approach avoids the high cost of replacing entire lighting fixtures or switches with smart equivalents.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing electrical switches are retrofitted with remote control capabilities, then cost and complexity are reduced, but the switch must accommodate both manual and remote operation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver unit is designed with a movable actuator that can be triggered in two ways: manually by direct user interaction with the receiver itself, or remotely through wireless signal reception. This dynamic design allows the same mechanical component to serve dual purposes, accommodating both manual and remote operation without requiring separate mechanisms for each mode.
Data Source
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AI summary
A light switch cover for converting a standard toggle switch into a remote-controlled toggle switch comprising a switch toggle member for acting upon a toggle light switch member to place the toggle light switch member into either an on position or an off position, a gear train, an electric motor, coupled to the gear train, for driving the gear train in a first direction to cause the switch toggle member to place the toggle light switch member into the on position, and for driving the gear train in a second direction to cause the switch toggle member to place the toggle light switch member into the off position, motor driving circuitry coupled to the electric motor, a receiver for receiving signals that cause actuation of the standard toggle switch, and processing circuitry coupled to the receiver and the motor driving circuitry.