Retrofit Remote Switch Control Without Electrical Rewiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load control systems require electrical re-wiring and replacement of mechanical switches for installation, which can be costly and require professional expertise, and also disrupt power delivery to smart devices when wall-mounted switches are turned off.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of remote control devices that can be mounted over existing mechanical switches without requiring electrical re-wiring, allowing for control of electrical loads and load control devices through wireless communication, and preventing accidental disconnection of power to smart devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical switches are replaced by load control devices with electrical re-wiring, then advanced control features are achieved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control device is nested over the existing mechanical switch, with the adapter mounting to the switch's yoke and the control unit housed within the faceplate assembly. This nested configuration allows the new technology to be contained within the footprint of the existing device without requiring replacement of the entire switch assembly or electrical re-wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves as an intermediary component that connects the existing mechanical switch to the new remote control functionality. It mounts to the switch's yoke and provides the interface for the control unit and faceplate, bridging the gap between legacy mechanical switching and modern wireless control without requiring electrical re-wiring.
2Ease of operation
If wall-mounted switches are operated to off position, then power control is achieved, but power delivery to smart devices is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control functionality is extracted from the wall-mounted switch operation. The mechanical switch's off position no longer controls power delivery to the smart devices; instead, the control unit provides independent wireless control while the mechanical switch maintains continuous power flow through the circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the existing mechanical switch's power control function with the new remote control device's wireless control capability. The mechanical switch continues to control the circuit breaker or main power flow, while the remote control device independently manages power delivery to smart devices through wireless commands, combining both control mechanisms in a complementary manner.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical re-wiring is performed for load control system installation, then system functionality is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing mechanical switch and its electrical wiring serve themselves by continuing to perform their original function of power control. The remote control device is added as a separate layer that utilizes the existing infrastructure without requiring modifications to the electrical wiring, allowing the system to upgrade functionality while the original components remain operational.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed to mount to the existing mechanical switch's yoke before any control unit or faceplate is installed. This preliminary mounting action secures the new functionality to the existing infrastructure, ensuring that no electrical re-wiring is needed and that the installation can be completed using only mechanical attachment to the switch assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
Remote control devices may control electrical loads and/or load control devices of a load control system without accessing electrical wiring. The remote control device may be mounted over a mechanical switch that is installed in a multi-gang wallbox adjacent to a second electrical device, such as another mechanical switch or an electrical receptacle. The second electrical device may be recessed with respect to the remote control device and may be brought forward towards a front surface of the adapter by loosening a first set of screws that attach a yoke of the second electrical device to the multi-gang wallbox, and tightening a second set of screws that attach the adapter to the yoke of the second electrical device. The remote control device may comprise one or more configurable attachment members for attaching the adapter to the yoke of the mechanical switch and/or to the yoke of the second electrical device.