Wireless Pushbutton Switch Amperage Configuration via IR Remote
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing programmable pushbutton switches require manual and time-consuming wire rearrangement to adjust amperage settings, making them inefficient for changing electrical current requirements.
Innovation Solution
A user-programmable pushbutton switch system with a remote controller that uses a central processing unit, IR transceiver, and programming buttons to electronically and wirelessly configure functions, current settings, dimming options, and timers, eliminating the need for physical wire manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual wire rearrangement is used to adjust amperage settings, then the switch can be configured for different current requirements, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire rearrangement system with an electronic programming system. Instead of physically disconnecting and reconnecting wires to change amperage settings, users can now program the switch electronically through a user interface, which automatically configures the internal circuitry. This substitution eliminates manual labor and significantly reduces programming time while maintaining full amperage adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic parameter changes by allowing users to programmatically adjust amperage settings without physical modifications. The switch stores multiple configuration parameters (different amperage levels, timing settings, channel assignments) in memory, and users can switch between these parameters electronically. This allows the same physical switch to adapt to different current requirements through software configuration rather than hardware reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wires are accessed and reconnected to change amperage, then the electrical current configuration can be adjusted, but the switch requires disassembly and reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire connection system with an electronic configuration system. The switch includes a microprocessor that reads configuration data from non-volatile memory and automatically configures the internal relay circuitry based on stored parameters. Users interact with a user interface to program settings, and the system handles all internal reconfiguration electronically, eliminating the need for users to physically access and reconnect wires.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch performs self-configuration based on programmed parameters. Once users input the desired amperage settings through the user interface, the microprocessor automatically configures the internal circuitry without requiring user intervention in the physical wiring. The system serves itself by translating high-level user commands into low-level circuit configurations, making the switch easy to reconfigure while maintaining full adaptability.
3Reliability
If a different switch with specific amperage range is used, then the correct current range can be obtained, but it requires replacing the entire switch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single switch model universal by enabling it to perform multiple amperage configurations through electronic programming. The switch includes a power supply that can output multiple amperage levels (2.5A, 5A, 10A, 15A) and a microprocessor that can be programmed to provide different current ranges and channel assignments. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to purchase and install different switch models for different amperage requirements, as one programmable switch can replace multiple fixed-configuration switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch transitions from a static, fixed-configuration device to a dynamic, reconfigurable device. The microprocessor continuously monitors and adjusts internal circuit configuration based on programmed parameters, allowing the switch to adapt its amperage output and channel assignments in real-time. This dynamic capability enables a single switch to fulfill the roles of multiple different switch models, simplifying system maintenance and expansion.
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 remote programming of pushbutton switches, allowing for adjustable amperage, automatic device control, and dimming, reducing the time and effort required for configuration and enhancing usability.
Implementation Method 1
an IR transceiver
Data Source
AI summary
A user programmable pushbutton switch system having a central processing unit (CPU), an IR transceiver, lights, and a current sensor. The switch is programmed with a remote controller having a CPU, an IR transceiver, programming buttons, a sending button, and a display. The programming buttons provide signals to the CPU in the remote controller for selection of specific program options which are sent to the CPU in the pushbutton switch when the ENTER button is pressed. The specific program options are then executed in the pushbutton switch. The program options include Function, Current, Dimmer, Turn timer off, and Turn timer on options. The Function options include ON/OFF through one electrical output channel, a momentary ON function through one channel, Nav/Anc through two channels, OFF-ON-ON with two channels, and a dimmer function with two channels.