Wireless Light Switch Energy Harvesting Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional occupancy sensors and wireless light switches lack the functionality to generate and wirelessly transmit control signals to light fixtures without a physical connection, and kinetic energy harvesting mechanisms are unreliable due to physical degradation and require manual operation to function.
Innovation Solution
A wireless light switch that harvests energy from ambient light using photovoltaic cells and stores it in an energy storage device, enabling wireless control of light fixtures through a transmitter, with a power and control circuit that manages energy levels and sends control signals to remote light fixtures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If kinetic energy harvesting mechanism is used in wireless switch, then wireless control functionality is enabled, but reliability deteriorates due to physical parts degrading or breaking down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical kinetic energy harvesting system with a photovoltaic-based energy harvesting system. Instead of using springs, slides, or piezoelectric elements that require physical movement and mechanical stress, the invention uses photovoltaic cells to convert ambient light directly into electrical energy. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and degradation, thereby maintaining wireless control functionality while significantly improving long-term reliability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If kinetic energy harvesting is used, then energy for transmission is obtained, but the switch requires manual movement to function
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic energy harvesting system enables the switch to automatically generate its own operating energy from ambient light without requiring manual movement or user intervention. The system continuously harvests energy from the surrounding light environment, storing it in an energy storage element to power the wireless transmitter whenever needed, thereby eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining energy self-sufficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If energy storage device is kept small to reduce cost and minimize form factor, then device size and cost are reduced, but power storage potential is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous energy harvesting process where the photovoltaic cell constantly converts ambient light into electrical energy, which is then stored in the energy storage element. This continuous replenishment of energy ensures that even a small-capacity storage device can maintain sufficient power levels for wireless transmission operations. The system is designed to harvest energy during periods when the switch is not actively transmitting, ensuring continuous availability of power without requiring large storage capacity.
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 reliable, self-sustaining wireless control of light fixtures without a wired connection, maintaining operation for extended periods without manual intervention, and reducing costs by minimizing the size and power storage requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The energy harvesting circuitry transduces ambient light to electricity
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless light switch harvests energy for ambient environment/space conditions and uses the harvested energy to energize low-power electronics. An exemplary application is for wireless control (ON/OFF or dimming) of light fixtures. The energy harvesting circuitry transduces ambient light to electricity and uses this energy to charge an energy storage device as well as power a wireless transmitter which can be triggered based on user interaction with an ON/OFF or Dim+/Dim− element. The wireless light switch with energy harvesting circuitry is paired with a wireless receiver circuit which can be connected to a light fixture that is to be controlled by the wireless light switch.