Smart light switch with vacation mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart light switches lack comprehensive integration with HVAC systems and do not effectively utilize environmental and occupancy data for optimized energy management and user convenience, particularly in residential and commercial settings.
Innovation Solution
A smart light switch equipped with wireless communication protocols, motion sensors, environmental sensors, and voice control capabilities, which integrates with a smart thermostat and remote server for scheduling, energy management, and voice processing services, allowing for remote control and automation of lighting based on occupancy, scheduling, and environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If smart light switches integrate with HVAC systems and utilize environmental data, then energy management efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (lighting control, HVAC integration, environmental sensing, and vacation mode) into a single smart light switch device. This merging approach enables comprehensive energy management while consolidating complexity into one integrated unit rather than multiple separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The smart light switch is designed to perform multiple functions: standard lighting control, HVAC system integration, environmental data collection, and vacation mode operation. This multi-functionality improves overall energy management efficiency without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function
2Ease of operation
If smart light switches provide comprehensive automation features, then user convenience is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vacation mode feature operates autonomously based on predetermined schedules and environmental data, requiring minimal user intervention. The system automatically adjusts lighting and HVAC operations according to occupancy patterns, providing convenience without requiring users to manually configure complex automation rules
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to pre-configure vacation mode schedules and preferences in advance. Once configured, the system automatically executes these predetermined actions without requiring real-time user input, simplifying operation while maintaining comprehensive automation capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A smart light switch includes a housing, a light actuator, and a processor and memory. The processor is adapted to selectively turn an electrical load on and off in accordance with a programmed set of light activation rules stored in memory. The processor is operable to determine whether the smart light switch is in an On or Off state and create a historical record of the On or Off state of the smart light switch over time. A user is selectively able to place the smart light switch in a vacation mode. The processor suspends the programmed set of light activation rules, determines a probability that the smart light switch would have been turned on based upon the historical record, and probabilistically activates and deactivates the smart light switch for a period of time based upon the historical record while the smart light switch was not in vacation mode.