Smart Light Switch Control That Keeps Wireless Lighting Powered
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart lights connected to traditional switches face disconnection from power when the switch is operated, making them unusable without configuring a specific application program, and third-party applications lack the necessary configuration options.
Innovation Solution
A smart switch with a programmable control module that maintains power to the smart light load via a predetermined signal pattern from a manual operation, allowing wireless control without additional app configuration, and includes features like microcontroller units and conductive terminals to generate operation signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional switch is used to control smart lights, then the switch can turn lights on and off, but the smart light gets disconnected from power when the switch is off, making it unavailable for wireless control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the switch functionality into two independent parts: a traditional switch element for manual on/off control, and a separate always-on power connection for maintaining smart light availability. This allows the smart light to remain powered and responsive to wireless commands even when the traditional switch is in the off position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary always-on power connection between the power source and the smart light, separate from the traditional switch circuit. This intermediary power path ensures the smart light remains powered and available for wireless control without being affected by the traditional switch state.
2Reliability
If the Cync smart switch is configured for smart light load in the Cync application program, then the smart light remains powered on, but this configuration is not available when using third-party application programs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal always-on power connection that works independently of any specific application program or smart switch brand. This universal approach ensures compatibility with third-party application programs while maintaining the smart light availability feature, eliminating the limitation of Cync-specific configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the always-on power connection a default hardware feature of the smart switch itself, rather than requiring software configuration. This self-service approach automatically provides smart light availability without needing application program setup, making it universally compatible across different platforms.
3Reliability
If the smart light is continuously powered to stay ready for use, then wireless control is always available, but energy is consumed even when the light is not emitting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing power selectively: the always-on power connection supplies electricity to the smart light's control circuitry and wireless communication components, while the traditional switch controls power to the light-emitting elements. This allows the smart light to remain ready for wireless control with minimal power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by powering only the essential control and communication functions continuously, rather than powering the entire light system. This partial power supply maintains smart light readiness while minimizing standby energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a smart switch and a smart lighting fixture, the switch being electrically connected to a smart light load, and the switch includes a switch element electrically connecting a power source to the load, a switch operating element having an operating portion is manually operated to generate an operation signal and a control module having a first electrical connection terminal electrically connected to the source, a second electrical connection terminal electrically connected to the switch operating element to receive the operation signal, a third electrical connection terminal electrically connected to the switch element to control an operational state thereof, and a wireless communication unit for wireless communication with the load, the control module, in response to the operation signal having a predetermined signal pattern, controls the switch element to be closed, and converts subsequent operation signals from the switch operating element into wireless control signals for controlling the load.