Remote Switch Device for Hidden Wiring Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional remote switch devices are not suitable for electric devices with hidden wiring, such as ceiling and wall-mounted fixtures, as they require direct replacement of manual switches, leading to loss of control if the remote switch malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A remote switch device with a switch unit, wireless module, and control unit that allows remote control of electric devices by receiving wireless signals and detecting the state of an external switch, enabling switching between conducting and non-conducting states, ensuring power transmission between power circuits, and allowing manual control in case of device malfunction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the manual switch is directly replaced by the conventional remote switch device, then remote control function is achieved, but the user loses the ability to control the device manually when the remote switch malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control function into two independent segments: the external switch for manual control and the remote switch device for wireless control. The external switch is electrically connected in parallel to the load, while the remote switch device is connected in series. This segmentation allows either control method to function independently, resolving the contradiction by ensuring that failure of one segment does not eliminate all control options.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical connection parameter of the external switch from series (in conventional devices) to parallel with respect to the load. This parameter change allows the external switch to remain functional even when the remote switch device is malfunctioning or removed from the circuit, thereby maintaining control availability while preserving remote control capability.
2Ease of operation
If the remote switch device is installed by directly replacing the electrical outlet, then remote control is achieved, but the device complexity increases and manual control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into two independent parts: the remote switch device (containing power circuit, control circuit, and wireless communication module) and the external switch. This segmentation allows the remote switch device to be installed as an adapter without replacing the entire outlet assembly, reducing installation complexity while maintaining remote control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote switch device is designed with multi-functionality to serve both as a remote control interface and as a power distribution node. It can independently control the load through its internal switch while also providing power to externally connected switches, thereby reducing the need for additional components and simplifying installation.
3Reliability
If the external switch is electrically connected in series with the load, then manual control is maintained, but the remote switch device cannot independently control power transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control architecture so that the external switch operates in parallel with the load while the remote switch device operates in series. This segmentation creates independent control paths: the external switch provides manual control without interfering with remote switch operation, and the remote switch device can independently open or close the power circuit to control power transmission to both the load and external switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote switch device acts as an intermediary between the power source and both the load and external switch. Its switch unit can selectively connect or disconnect power to the external switch and load, enabling independent remote control while preserving the external switch's series connection for manual control functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote switch device includes a first port, a second port and a third port. One of the first and second ports is coupled to a first power circuit through an external switch, and the other one is coupled to the first power circuit. The third port is coupled to a second power circuit through a load. The remote switch device switches, upon any one of receipt of a wireless control signal that indicates a switching operation and detection of switching of the external switch, from one of a conducting state and a non-conducting state to the other one of the conducting state and the non-conducting state, thereby permitting or not permitting electrical power transmission from the first power circuit to the second power circuit.