Retrofit Switch for Wireless IoT Control and Accidental Shutdown Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional devices such as lamps and downlights lack the capability to be integrated into IoT networks, making them difficult to control wirelessly, which can lead to accidental power shutdowns and loss of functionality for connected devices.
Innovation Solution
A retrofit switch apparatus is designed to be attached to traditional switches, featuring a cover body, a replacement switch, and a wireless controller, allowing for wireless control of target devices while preventing accidental power shutdowns by covering the original switch and converting user operations into wireless control commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional switch is used to control a target device, then the device can be controlled manually, but the control is prone to accidental power shutdowns and cannot be integrated into IoT networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a retrofit switch apparatus as an intermediary device between the user and the traditional switch. This apparatus includes a wireless controller that receives manual operations and converts them into wireless control commands, while the cover body covers the traditional switch to prevent accidental operations. The intermediary device enables IoT integration while maintaining reliable power supply by preventing unintended switch activations.
2Reliability
If the traditional switch is covered to prevent accidental operations, then power supply stability is improved, but the user cannot manually operate the original switch
Solution Approach 1:
The retrofit switch apparatus serves as a mediator that provides an alternative interface for manual operation. The cover body covers the traditional switch to prevent accidental operations, while the replacement switch or wireless controller provides a new operational interface. This allows the traditional switch to remain covered for protection while users can still control the device through the wireless interface or replacement switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical switch operation with a wireless control system. The wireless controller receives manual operations (which could be touch, voice, or other input methods) and converts them into control commands, substituting the need for direct mechanical switch manipulation. This allows the physical switch to be covered while maintaining operational capability through wireless means.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a wireless controller is added to enable IoT control, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retrofit switch apparatus is designed as a universal solution that can be attached to various traditional switch devices. The cover body, replacement switch, and wireless controller are integrated into a single apparatus that provides multiple functions: covering the original switch, providing replacement manual control, and enabling wireless IoT control. This multi-functional design adds capability while managing complexity through integration rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the replacement switch and wireless controller are disposed within the cover body at different ends. The wireless controller is nested within the same apparatus housing as the replacement switch, creating a compact integrated unit. This nesting approach allows multiple functional components to coexist in a unified structure, improving adaptability while containing complexity within a single attachable device.
Data Source
AI summary
A light device control apparatus is designed to pair with a traditional switch device that has a traditional switch for accepting a first user manual operation to control a target device connected to the traditional switch device with an electrical wire. The traditional switch device has a connecting structure. The light device control apparatus has an attaching device, a cover body, a replacement switch and a wireless controller. The attaching device is attached to the connecting structure of the traditional switch device. The wireless controller wirelessly controls the target device. The replacement switch and the wireless component are not overlapped to each other vertically with respect to the surface cover of the traditional switch device.