Wireless Light Switch RF Power Retrofit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless light switch systems face challenges in retrofitting buildings with hardwired switches, as they require specific electrical box installations and have bulky designs that do not match standard switch plates, limiting flexibility and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A wireless load control system with surface-mountable remote switch devices and load controllers that use a mesh network, allowing for flexible placement without needing electrical boxes, and are designed to fit within standard switch plates and junction boxes, respectively, while incorporating a rolling code security mechanism for network management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wall-mounted wireless switches use external power sources, then they can provide continuous operation, but they require wiring and mounting on electrical boxes which limits installation flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/wired power delivery system with a wireless power transmission system using RF energy harvesting. The wireless switch receives power wirelessly through an RF receiver and rectifier circuit, eliminating the need for physical electrical box mounting while maintaining continuous operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless power intermediary system consisting of a base station that transmits RF power and a receiving unit in the wireless switch that converts RF energy to electrical power. This intermediary wireless power transmission mechanism enables continuous operation without direct electrical wiring.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless switches use internal power supplies, then installation flexibility improves, but the dimensions of power source and circuitry require special accommodation and thicker appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the bulky internal battery power supply with a compact wireless RF power receiving system. The RF receiver and rectifier circuitry are significantly smaller than battery assemblies, enabling thin switch design that fits standard switch plates while maintaining installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power supply parameter from chemical energy storage (battery) to wireless electromagnetic energy reception. This parameter change enables a dramatic reduction in physical dimensions of the power source, allowing the switch to have a thin profile compatible with standard switch plate openings.
3Reliability
If wireless receivers are positioned to receive signals properly, then control reliability improves, but their size may prohibit mounting in discrete locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wireless receiver with the load controller into a single integrated unit. The load controller housing contains the RF receiver, power supply, and control circuitry, eliminating the need for separate receiver mounting and reducing overall system volume while maintaining signal reception reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The load controller serves multiple functions: it controls the connected load, receives wireless commands, and houses the power supply circuitry. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise be separate components into one unit, reducing the volume required for discrete receiver mounting.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless load control system is provided including one or more wireless switch components and one or more load controller components optionally in one-to-one, many-to-many, many-to-one, and one-to-many wireless communication with each other. A wireless switch assembly includes a base and a corresponding rocker shell that together define an enclosure for a control circuit and at least one elastically deformable actuator, the actuator being movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position.