Wiring Device with Steering Diodes for Reversed Connections

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Wiring devices fail to function properly and create unsafe electrical conditions when line and load connections are reversed during installation, due to difficulties in identifying the correct wires and ineffective prevention methods, which can lead to miswiring even among individuals with varying electrical proficiency.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of steering diodes in both line and load wires to direct power to an AC/DC power supply, combined with a half wave bridge rectifier and control components like air gap switches, triacs, and relay control circuits, allows the wiring device to maintain functionality even with reversed connections, ensuring safe and proper power delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wiring devices are installed with traditional line/load identification methods, then installation can be performed, but miswiring occurs creating unsafe electrical conditions and device failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidelectrical hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wiring device automatically detects reversed connections and self-corrects by switching alternative circuit paths, eliminating the need for manual intervention or specialized knowledge during installation. The device serves itself to prevent miswiring hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring the installer to correctly identify line and load wires, the invention accepts both correct and reversed connections, then inverts the circuit path internally to achieve proper functionality regardless of initial wiring orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If multiple identification methods are provided, then installation guidance is available, but installers may misread, misinterpret, or ignore instructions leading to miswiring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation guidanceVSAvoidcorrect wiring

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device eliminates the need for installer interpretation of instructions by automatically detecting wire orientation and self-correcting through alternative circuit paths, making the system self-guiding rather than relying on human comprehension of instructions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The wiring device is designed to accept and properly function with both correct and reversed wiring configurations, making it universally compatible regardless of installation errors, thereby eliminating the need for precise identification methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If traditional wiring identification processes are used, then installation can proceed, but the process is time-consuming and creates unsafe environments with exposed live wires

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidexposed live wire hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs automatic detection and correction without requiring installer intervention or time-consuming identification steps, enabling rapid installation while eliminating exposure to live wires through self-protecting circuit design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The alternative circuit paths are pre-configured within the device to provide safe fallback routes before miswiring hazards can occur, cushioning against the dangerous intermediate state during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

This solution enables wiring devices to operate correctly and safely even with reversed connections, reducing the risk of electrical hazards and simplifying the installation process by automatically directing power, thus ensuring the device functions as intended and maintains a safe working condition.

Implementation Method 1

steering diodes in both the line and load wires direct the power source to an AC/DC power supply

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiode: Diode

Implementation Method 2

The AC/DC power supply may comprise a half wave bridge rectifier with grounding of the DC current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRectification:

Data Source

PatentUS10750599B1Wiring device with reversible line load connections

Publication Date: 2020.08.18 JASCO PRODUCTS COMPANY LLC

AI summary

A wiring device and method that control an amount of power delivered to a load, which maintain function even if a line connection and a load connection are reverse wired. Designed circuitry comprising steering diodes in both a line and a load wire direct a power source to an AC/DC power supply. The wiring device comprises a housing, a line terminal nominally designated for receiving electrical power from a power source, a load terminal nominally designated to feed electricity to a load, a neutral terminal, a line wire electrically connected to the line terminal, a load wire electrically connected to the load terminal, and a means for controlling an amount of power delivered to the load. Embodiments of the present invention include automated universal lighting controls, dimers, timers, and wired lighting devices.