Retrofit Light Switch Remote With Rotary Encoder Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load control systems require electrical wiring and replacement of mechanical switches for installation, which is beyond the comfort level of average consumers.
Innovation Solution
A battery-powered remote control device that can be mounted over a mechanical toggle switch, allowing control of power delivery to an electrical load without electrical re-wiring, using a rotary encoder circuit to translate user inputs into wireless control signals for a load control device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a load control device replaces a mechanical toggle switch, then advanced control features and energy savings are achieved, but electrical wiring and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical adapter as an intermediary component that interfaces between the existing mechanical toggle switch and the wireless load control device. This adapter allows the load control device to be mounted on the toggle switch without requiring electrical wiring modifications, thus enabling advanced control features while maintaining simple installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional electrical wiring and mechanical switch replacement process with a mechanical mounting system. The load control device is mounted on the toggle switch actuator through a mechanical interface, eliminating the need for electrical re-wiring and simplifying installation for average consumers.
2Ease of operation
If the toggle actuator is left accessible, then ease of operation is maintained, but risk of mistaken switching and energy waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the toggle actuator from direct accessibility by mounting the load control device over it. The actuator remains functional but is no longer directly exposed to users, preventing mistaken switching while maintaining controlled operation through the wireless interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The load control device serves as an intermediary layer between the user and the toggle actuator. Users interact with the load control device through wireless controls rather than directly manipulating the toggle actuator, reducing the risk of mistaken switching while preserving operational ease.
3Ease of operation
If the base portion actuates the toggle actuator, then direct control is achieved, but loss of control over the electrical load occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the actuation function from the base portion by designing it to simply mount the load control device without providing actuation capability. The load control device maintains independent control of the electrical load through its own actuator, ensuring reliable control while simplifying the base portion's function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables energy savings and advanced control features without requiring electrical re-wiring or switch replacement, providing a simple retrofit solution for existing switched control systems.
Implementation Method 1
A rotary encoder circuit may be configured to translate one or more forces that are applied to the rotating portion into one or more input signals
Implementation Method 2
The control circuit may be configured to translate the one or more input signals into control signals for transmission to the load control device via a wireless communication circuit of the remote control device
Data Source
AI summary
A remote control device may be configured to be mounted over the toggle actuator of a light switch and to control a load control device. The remote control device may include a base portion and a rotating portion supported by the base portion so as to be rotatable about the base portion. The remote control device may include a control circuit, a wireless communication circuit, and a rotary encoder circuit. The rotary encoder circuit may be configured to translate a force applied to the rotating portion into input signals, and to operate as an antenna of the remote control device. The rotary encoder circuit may be configured to provide the input signals to the control circuit. The control circuit may be configured to translate the one or more input signals into control signals for transmission to the load control device via the wireless communication circuit.