Wallbox Load Control Mount With Inductive Remote Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load control systems face difficulties in configuring remote control devices with load control devices installed in hard-to-reach or remote locations, as users cannot access the load control device buttons after installation, making it challenging to associate additional remote control devices for controlling the electrical load.
Innovation Solution
A load control system that includes a load control device and a remote control device, where the remote control device can communicate and charge using magnetic coupling or near-field communication, allowing configuration and control without direct access to the load control device, enabling both devices to be mounted to a single electrical wallbox.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the load control device is installed in a ceiling or behind a wall to achieve compact installation, then the installation space is saved, but the user cannot access the load control device buttons after installation, making configuration difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote control device as an intermediary that communicates with the load control device through magnetic coupling. This mediator allows users to configure and control the load control device without needing physical access to its buttons, resolving the contradiction between compact installation and configuration accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing interface with a magnetic field-based communication system. The remote control device uses magnetic coupling to transmit configuration commands and control signals wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical contact with the load control device.
2Reliability
If the load control device is mounted in a remote location to optimize electrical connection, then the electrical efficiency is improved, but the user cannot reach the device for configuration or additional remote device association
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control device serves as a mediator that enables association with additional remote devices through magnetic coupling. Users can press buttons on the remote control device to trigger association modes in the load control device, allowing multiple remote devices to be linked without accessing the remotely mounted load control device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a wireless magnetic communication dimension to the system, allowing configuration and control to occur through magnetic field interaction rather than requiring physical proximity. This enables the system to maintain adaptability for remote device association while the load control device remains in its optimal remote electrical connection location.
3Ease of operation
If direct button access is required for configuration, then the configuration process is simple and direct, but the load control device cannot be installed in hard-to-reach locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical button-pressing requirement with magnetic field-based communication. The remote control device uses magnetic coupling to transmit configuration commands without requiring physical access to the load control device buttons, maintaining configuration simplicity while enabling remote installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control device acts as an intermediary that simplifies the configuration process for remotely installed load control devices. By providing a user-friendly interface with physical buttons on the remote device itself, users can easily configure the system without needing to reach the load control device in hard-to-access locations.
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 users to configure and control the load control device with multiple remote control devices without accessing the load control device, providing a solution for installations where direct access is impossible, ensuring seamless operation and flexibility in system setup.
Implementation Method 1
configured to charge the power supply using energy derived from magnetic coupling between the first inductive coil and the second inductive coil
Data Source
AI summary
A load control system includes a load control device and a remote control for configuring and controlling operation of the load control device. The load control device and remote control may be mounted to an electrical wallbox. The system may be configured by associating the remote control with the load control device, and actuating a button on the remote control to configure the load control device. A second remote control device may be directly or indirectly associated with the load control device. The load control device and remote control may communicate via inductive coils that are magnetically coupled together. The remote control may be operable to charge a battery from energy derived from the magnetic coupling between the inductive coils. The load control device and remote control may include near-field communication modules that are operable to communicate wirelessly via near-field radiation.