In-Wall Touch Screen Lighting Control Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional in-wall switching devices for lighting and fans rely on mechanical actuators, which are limited in functionality and space, and do not effectively integrate touch screen technology within a compact and efficient design suitable for residential or commercial use.
Innovation Solution
An in-wall switching device with a touch screen interface that includes a mounting strap, a touch screen assembly with a thin film transistor (TFT) screen, and a housing to receive electrical components, allowing for control of lighting and fan functions through a graphical user interface (GUI) and communication with a source of electrical power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical actuators are used in combination devices, then the device can be compact and easy to install, but the functionality and user interaction capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical actuators (switches, levers, pushbuttons) with a touch screen interface that uses capacitive sensing technology. The touch screen assembly includes a touch-sensitive surface that detects user input through electrical field changes rather than mechanical contact, eliminating the need for physical moving parts while providing enhanced functionality including graphical user interfaces, multiple control options, and intuitive user interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination device integrates multiple functions into a single unit: lighting control, fan control, temperature control, and information display. The touch screen serves as a universal interface that can display various graphical templates and control different devices through a single integrated platform, replacing the need for separate mechanical switches for each function.
2Ease of operation
If touch screen technology is integrated into in-wall switching devices, then user interaction is enhanced, but the device footprint and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin-film touch screen assembly that can be mounted within standard electrical boxes. The touch screen uses flexible capacitive sensing layers that detect user input through electrical field changes rather than mechanical contact. This thin-film construction allows the integration of advanced touch interface technology while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for standard residential and commercial electrical installations.
3Volume of stationary object
If mechanical actuators are used, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the space utilization and integration of advanced technology are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests multiple functional components within a compact housing structure. The touch screen assembly, electrical components, and control circuitry are integrated into a single enclosed unit that fits within standard electrical boxes. This nested arrangement allows advanced technology integration while maintaining efficient space utilization and adhering to standard installation dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
The touch screen lighting control device provides a multitude of graphical user interface (GUI) displays at a touch screen and is capable of detecting location specific selections based on the GUI to determine control actions for lighting devices, fans and other electrical fixtures. The device includes a mounting strap configured to couple the device to an in-wall junction box, a touch screen, and a thin film transistor communicably coupled to the touch screen for displaying the different displays and receiving selections at the touch screen. A glass panel can also be positioned between the touch screen and the thin film transistor. The GUI presents an interactive template to a user, and the touch screen and thin film transistor determines an interaction from the user based on the user interacting with the interactive template displayed on the GUI a the touch screen.