Wireless Switch Retrofit for Accurate Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless switch retrofits for wired installations assume standard switch orientation, leading to inaccuracies in determining ON/OFF states, especially when multiple switches are involved or not installed standardly, which can result in incorrect mapping of physical switch positions to control commands.
Innovation Solution
A wireless switch retrofitted to a wired switch, equipped with sensors to detect the switch's position and touch inputs, transmits these detections wirelessly to a controller, which determines the reachability of the appliance and associates the correct switch areas with ON/OFF commands, ensuring accurate control without relying on standard orientation assumptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If standard orientation assumption is used for switch installation, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the wireless communication channel reachability to determine the correct mapping between switch areas and ON/OFF commands. The controller tests reachability when the appliance is powered through the wired switch and uses this feedback to automatically associate the correct switch area with the OFF command, eliminating the need for standard orientation assumptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically determining the correct switch area associations through reachability testing. The controller autonomously identifies which switch area corresponds to the OFF state by testing wireless communication when the appliance is powered, without requiring manual configuration or standard installation orientation.
2Measurement precision
If reachability testing is performed to determine correct switch area mapping, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reachability testing and switch area association is performed automatically as part of the initial system setup when the wireless switch is first installed. This preliminary action establishes the correct mapping between switch areas and ON/OFF commands before normal operation begins, so the timing issue only affects initial configuration, not ongoing use.
3Ease of manufacture
If wireless switch retrofits are installed on existing wired switches, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from wireless communication channel reachability to automatically determine the correct mapping between switch areas and ON/OFF commands. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable and accurate control despite the simplicity of the retrofit installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless switch retrofit performs self-configuration by automatically testing reachability and determining the correct switch area associations. This self-service capability ensures reliable control accuracy without requiring complex installation procedures or manual configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wired switch allows switching the power supplied to a wirelessly controllable appliance, such as a lamp, which may be controlled by e.g. a smart phone running an app. A wireless switch is retrofitted to the wired switch. The wireless switch comprises one or more sensors arranged to detect both the position of the wired switch and a touch input. A controller, receiving indications based on said detection, determines a reachability of the wirelessly controllable appliance. The controller then associates an OFF command to the area of the wired switch that would normally be pressed to turn the lamp off. This allows the lamp to be turned OFF, when the wired switch is in the ON position, by a user controlling the wired switch as (s)he normally would without the used needing to actually change the position of the wired switch (thereby turning OFF power to the appliance).