Wallbox Load Control Pairing via Magnetic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load control systems face challenges in configuring remote control devices after installation, especially when the load control device is installed in a difficult-to-reach location, making it difficult or impossible to associate additional remote control devices directly with the load control device.
Innovation Solution
A load control system that includes a load control device and a remote control device, where the remote control device is configured to communicate and charge using magnetic coupling or near-field communication, allowing for indirect association and control of multiple remote control devices without direct access to the load control device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the load control device is installed in a difficult-to-reach location to improve system reliability and reduce wiring complexity, then the device can be securely installed near the electrical load, but it becomes difficult or impossible to manually configure and associate remote control devices with the load control device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device that acts as a bridge between the remote control device and the load control device. This intermediary receives configuration data from the remote control device and relays it to the load control device, enabling indirect configuration without requiring direct access to the load control device's physical interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing interface with wireless communication protocols. Instead of requiring physical access to press buttons on the load control device, the system uses wireless signals (such as RF or other wireless communication methods) to transmit configuration data and associate remote control devices, eliminating the need for direct physical access.
2Device complexity
If direct communication between remote control device and load control device is used to simplify the system architecture, then the system structure remains simple, but additional remote control devices cannot be associated after installation when the load control device is in a remote location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration function into separate components: the remote control device, the intermediary device, and the load control device. This segmentation allows the configuration process to occur wirelessly through the intermediary, maintaining the simplicity of direct communication while enabling post-installation adaptation and association of additional remote control devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the intermediary device pre-configured with the capability to relay configuration data. This preliminary setup allows the load control device to be installed in remote locations without compromising future configuration capabilities, as the intermediary is already in place to facilitate wireless association of additional remote control devices.
3Ease of manufacture
If the load control device is mounted in a remote location to minimize wiring and simplify installation, then wiring complexity is reduced, but manual configuration and device association becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical configuration interface (buttons and physical access) with wireless communication mechanisms. This substitution maintains installation simplicity by allowing remote mounting while enabling configuration through wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical access to the load control device during configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary device serves as a mediator that receives configuration commands wirelessly from remote control devices and forwards them to the load control device. This intermediary capability preserves ease of installation by allowing remote mounting while maintaining ease of operation through wireless configuration interfaces.
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 configuration and control of multiple remote control devices without requiring direct access to the load control device, facilitating installation and operation in hard-to-reach locations.
Implementation Method 1
The remote control device may be configured to charge the power supply using energy derived from magnetic coupling between the first inductive coil and the second inductive coil. The remote control device may also be configured to communicate information to the load control device via the 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.