Smart Switch Control for SPDT Lighting and Remote Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional switches lack smart control capabilities, limiting flexibility and energy efficiency in lighting systems, especially when integrated with IoT functions.
Innovation Solution
A smart switch apparatus is designed to be coupled with a traditional switch, incorporating an on-off status detector, switch position detector, controller, and power circuit, which generates control signals to manage power loops and receive commands for remote control and scheduling, including authentication and environmental detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional switches are used, then device complexity is low, but smart control capabilities and energy efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges a traditional switch with smart control components (detector, controller, power circuit) into an integrated smart switch apparatus. The traditional switch structure is combined with modern smart technologies to enable both simple operation and advanced functionality simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart switch apparatus performs multiple functions: it acts as a traditional on/off switch while simultaneously providing detection capabilities, remote control reception, scheduling functions, and energy management. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the device versatile without requiring separate devices.
2Use of energy by moving object
If smart control capabilities are added to traditional switches, then energy efficiency and flexibility improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The smart switch apparatus includes an on-off status detector that automatically monitors the switch state and provides feedback to the controller. This self-service mechanism enables energy-efficient operation without requiring complex external control systems, as the device manages its own state detection and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates feedback loops where the detector monitors switch status and environmental conditions, and the controller adjusts power delivery based on this feedback. This enables energy efficiency through intelligent control while keeping the overall system architecture relatively simple through standardized feedback mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If IoT functions are integrated, then remote control and scheduling capabilities improve, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless communication module as an intermediary between the physical switch and remote control systems. This intermediary handles complex IoT communication protocols while presenting a simple interface to users, enabling remote control without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is pre-programmed with scheduling capabilities and authentication protocols during manufacturing. This preliminary configuration allows the device to perform complex IoT functions like scheduled lighting and secure remote access without requiring complex runtime processing, thereby simplifying both manufacturing and operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A smart switch apparatus is coupled between a live wire of an indoor power and two output terminals of a SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) switch. Two ends of a load are respectively connected to a neutral wire of the indoor power and an input terminal of the SPDT switch. The smart switch apparatus includes an on-off status detector, a switch position detector, a controller, an on-off controller and a power circuit. The on-off status detector is coupled to the live wire of the indoor power for generating an on-off status signal. The switch position detector is coupled to the two output terminals of the SPDT switch for generating a switch position signal. The controller is coupled to the on-off status detector and the switch position detector for receiving the on-off status signal and the switch position signal. The on-off controller is coupled to the two output terminals of the SPDT switch and the live wire of the indoor power to selectively turn on or turn off the target power loop according to the on-off control signal.