Retrofit Switch-Mounted Remote Control for No-Rewiring Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of advanced load control devices in existing electrical systems often requires electrical rewiring and the replacement of mechanical switches, which can be costly and intimidating for average consumers, and existing solutions for controlling controllable light sources are disrupted when wall-mounted light switches are turned off.
Innovation Solution
A remote control device that can be mounted over existing mechanical switches to control electrical loads wirelessly, maintaining power delivery and allowing advanced control features without rewiring or replacing switches, using a faceplate assembly and control unit that attaches to the switch's yoke and bezel, ensuring uninterrupted power and enabling zoned control of multiple loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If advanced load control devices are installed by replacing mechanical switches, then control functionality is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control device is nested within the existing mechanical switch assembly. The faceplate assembly attaches to the front of the switch, while the adapter plate mounts to the yoke behind the switch, creating a nested configuration that integrates the new control functionality within the existing switch structure without requiring removal or replacement of the original switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter plate serves as an intermediary component that bridges the existing mechanical switch and the new remote control device. It attaches to the yoke of the existing switch and provides mounting surfaces for the faceplate assembly and control unit, enabling integration without direct modification of the switch itself or the wallbox wiring.
2Loss of energy
If wall-mounted light switches are turned off to control controllable light sources, then power consumption is reduced, but control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical switch operation with an electronic remote control system. Instead of physically toggling the wall-mounted switch, users employ a remote control device that communicates wirelessly with the load control device, substituting mechanical action with electronic signaling while maintaining power delivery through the load control device.
Solution Approach 2:
The load control device maintains continuous power delivery to controllable light sources even when the wall-mounted switch is in the off position. The remote control device can override the mechanical switch state and transmit commands to adjust brightness or turn on/off the lights, ensuring uninterrupted control capability regardless of the mechanical switch position.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical switches are replaced with load control devices, then control features are enhanced, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter plate is designed to attach to the existing yoke of the mechanical switch before the faceplate assembly and control unit are mounted. This preliminary attachment step establishes a stable foundation that simplifies subsequent installation steps and eliminates the need for complex wiring modifications or professional electrical work, reducing overall installation cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control device is divided into separate modular components: the adapter plate, faceplate assembly, and control unit. This segmentation allows each component to be installed independently in a straightforward sequence, simplifying the installation process and enabling consumers to perform the installation themselves without requiring professional electrical contractors.
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 wallbox. The remote control device may include a control unit and a faceplate assembly. The faceplate assembly may include a mounting frame, an adapter plate, and a faceplate. The mounting frame may be configured to abut a bezel of the mechanical switch such that that the faceplate is spaced away from the bezel of the mechanical switch to enable the mounting ring to extend through respective openings in the adapter plate and the faceplate.