WO2019169411A1 - Commutateur à face - Google Patents

Commutateur à face Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019169411A1
WO2019169411A1 PCT/US2019/020784 US2019020784W WO2019169411A1 WO 2019169411 A1 WO2019169411 A1 WO 2019169411A1 US 2019020784 W US2019020784 W US 2019020784W WO 2019169411 A1 WO2019169411 A1 WO 2019169411A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
electrical
switch
smart
transmitter
faceplate
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2019/020784
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Matthew Wootton
Boris Dieseldorff
Original Assignee
Ivani, LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US15/909,744 external-priority patent/US11245285B2/en
Application filed by Ivani, LLC filed Critical Ivani, LLC
Priority to GB2015614.7A priority Critical patent/GB2586729B/en
Publication of WO2019169411A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019169411A1/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
    • H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
    • H05B47/175—Controlling the light source by remote control
    • H05B47/185—Controlling the light source by remote control via power line carrier transmission
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
    • H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
    • H05B47/175—Controlling the light source by remote control
    • H05B47/19—Controlling the light source by remote control via wireless transmission
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B20/00—Energy efficient lighting technologies, e.g. halogen lamps or gas discharge lamps
    • Y02B20/40—Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection

Definitions

  • This disclosure is related to the field of electrical wiring, and more particularly to systems, methods, and apparatus pertaining to an intelligent multi-way electric switch.
  • WLAN wireless local access network
  • participating smart home devices likewise comprise wireless transmitters for receiving instructions and transmitting status and other data, and computers for intelligent, programmatic management of the devices.
  • HVAC and security systems are typically operated via a main control, such as a thermostat or security panel.
  • main controls can simply be replaced with network-enabled smart device counterparts to enable home automation. This is easy to do even for an unskilled homeowner, as these remote panels usually operate on low-voltage circuits that pose little material risk to even the untrained homeowner, and have simpler configurations that can be easily transferred from an existing“dumb” device to a new smart device.
  • circuit breaker panel which is usually located in a garage, basement, or electrical closet near the physical point where the power lines reach the dwelling.
  • the circuit breaker then splits the incoming power into a plurality of different independent circuits, each of which is separately controllable at the panel by throwing a circuit breaker on or off.
  • certain high-load appliances may have dedicated circuits, typically an entire room or set of rooms with related functions are wired in parallel on a shared circuit.
  • an electric oven might receive its own circuit, but all lights and power outlets in a bedroom might all be wired together. This limits the degree of granularity by which circuits might be operable via the breaker.
  • most homeowners lack the knowledge, expertise, or equipment to safely alter a circuit breaker. Thus, implementing smart home technology in light and power fixtures is not practical at the breaker.
  • FIGs. 1A, 1B, and 1C depict a simple conventional light switch wiring geometry.
  • a live power line (103) runs from the circuit breaker (or other equivalent power source) to a conventional switch (107) (here shown as a single-pole, single-throw, or SPST switch), and from there to a load (108), shown here at a light receptacle.
  • a neutral line (105) runs from the load (108) back to the power source, thereby completing the circuit.
  • FIG. 1A depicts both a schematic and electric diagram of such a circuit in which the switch (107) is in off position.
  • FIG 1B shows the same circuit with the switch in“on” position, completing the circuit, allowing current to flow to the load, which is shown powered.
  • a smart light (109) receptacle generally includes a computer (1 11) and a wireless transmitter (113), as well as the load (108) itself (in this case a light receptacle).
  • the smart device (109) then contains its own independent switch (1 15) for operating the light, which is operated by the computer (1 1 1) in response to commands or instructions received wirelessly at the transceiver (1 13) from a user device or other external source.
  • a smart device comprising: an electrical switch faceplate; two or more electrical leads extending from the faceplate; the electrical leads in contact with two or more electrical connection points on a mechanical switch; the smart device providing an electrically contiguous path between the two or more electrical leads; the contiguous path ensuring that the electrical contacts in the mechanical switch which are part of the switching circuit are electrically connected regardless of the mechanical switch position; at least one current sensor disposed on the contiguous path; and a transmitter in electrical communication with the current sensor(s) and configured to receive from the current sensor(s) a measure of an amount of current on the contiguous path; wherein the transmitter receives reading from the current sensor(s) and transmits information about the state of the switching system.
  • the smart device further comprises: a controller in electrical communication with the transmitter and the current sensor(s), the controller configured to: operate the current sensor(s) to measure current passing through the smart device; provide the measured current to the transmitter; and operate the transmitter to transmit information about the state of the mechanical switch, the state determined based upon the measured current.
  • the transmitted information is on or off.
  • the transmitted information is a power level.
  • the transmitted information is that a mechanical switch in the circuit was toggled.
  • the smart switch further comprises a power supply providing electrical power to one or more of the current sensor(s), the transmitter, and the controller.
  • the power supply is chosen from: an electrochemical cell, a rechargeable electrochemical cell.
  • the power supply comprises electronics configured to extract power from the switching circuit.
  • the transmitter is configured to transmit the state information to a smart lighting system.
  • one or more elements of the smart lighting system are electrically connected to the mechanical switch.
  • the contiguous path may be disabled using some means including but not limited to: a separate mechanical switch, relay, or a triac.
  • the transmitter is a modular component.
  • the transmitter is wireless.
  • the electrical leads are configured such that when the faceplate is installed on one mechanical switch of a plurality of mechanical switches wired together in a multi-way switching configuration, the electrical leads cause the contiguous path to provide an electric circuit in the power system regardless of the toggle state of any of the plurality of mechanical switches.
  • the multi-way switching configuration is a three-or-more-way switching configuration.
  • a method for operating a smart lighting system with a conventional manual switch without loss of power comprising: providing an electrical circuit with a mechanical switch having a toggle; providing a smart lighting system; providing an electrical switch faceplate comprising: two or more electrical leads extending from the faceplate; a contiguous path through the faceplate for electrical current to flow between the electrical leads; one or more current sensors disposed on the contiguous path; and a transmitter in electrical communication with the current sensor(s); a controller operatively connected to the current sensor(s) and the wireless transmitter; installing the faceplate on the mechanical switch; the faceplate device forming one or more of: a bypass path around the mechanical switch, a connective path between the output terminals of the mechanical switch, a connective path between the input terminals of the mechanical switch; the controller operating the current sensor(s) to sense an amount of current on the electrical path through the faceplate; the controller converting the sensed amount of current into an indication of a state of the switch; the controller operating the transmitter
  • the method further comprises: in the providing an electrical switch faceplate, the electrical switch faceplate further comprising a power supply providing electrical power to the current sensor(s), the transmitter, and the controller.
  • the power supply comprises one or more power supplies selected from the group consisting of: an electrochemical cell; a rechargeable electrochemical cell; and, an AC/DC converter configured to extract power from the electrical circuit.
  • the mechanical switch is the only mechanical switch of the circuit.
  • the mechanical switch is a switch in a plurality of switches wired in a multi-way switching configuration of the circuit.
  • the raulti-way switching configuration is selected from the group consisting of: a three-way switching configuration; a four-way switching configuration; and, more than a four-way switching configuration.
  • a smart device comprising: one electrical input with one or more physical connection points; one electrical output with one or more physical connection points; one or more user inputs chosen from a list including but not limited to: mechanical switch input(s), capacitive touch, resistive force; a contiguous path through the smart device connecting the electrical input with the electrical output; and a wireless transmitter in electrical connection with the one or more user inputs.
  • the smart device further comprises: a controller in electrical communication with the transmitter and the user inputs, the controller configured to: provide the user inputs to the transmitter; and operate the transmitter to transmit a state of the user inputs.
  • the device further comprises a power supply providing electrical power to one or more of the current sensor(s), the transmitter, and the controller.
  • the contiguous path may be disabled using some means including but not limited to: a separate mechanical switch, relay, or a triac.
  • one or more current sensors are included in the device.
  • a current sensor is installed between the input and output for informational purposes including but not limited to: current being drawn through the circuit; and instantaneous loss of current flow caused by other mechanical switches in the circuit changing positions.
  • a current sensor is installed electrically between one or more of: the physical connection points on the output of the device; the physical connection point on the input of the device.
  • changes in the value of the current flowing through one or more of the current sensors provides information about the state of other mechanical switches in the overall circuit and the transmitter sends that information to a smart lighting system.
  • the transmitter is a modular component.
  • FIGs. 1 A-1C depict a prior art conversion of a conventional light to a smart light.
  • FIGs. 2A-2B depict an embodiment of a faceplate according to the present disclosure in a SPST switch.
  • FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a faceplate according to the present disclosure in a 3- way switch.
  • FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of a faceplate according to the present disclosure in a four way switch.
  • FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of a faceplate according to the present disclosure using a battery charger.
  • FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of a faceplate according to the present disclosure using an enhanced power supply.
  • the term“computer” describes hardware which generally implements functionality provided by digital computing technology, particularly computing functionality associated with microprocessors.
  • the term“computer” is not intended to be limited to any specific type of computing device, but it is intended to be inclusive of all computational devices including, but not limited to: processing devices, microprocessors, personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, workstations, terminals, servers, clients, portable computers, handheld computers, smart phones, tablet computers, mobile devices, server farms, hardware appliances, minicomputers, mainframe computers, video game consoles, handheld video game products, and wearable computing devices including but not limited to eyewear, wristwear, pendants, and clip-on devices.
  • a“computer” is necessarily an abstraction of the functionality provided by a single computer device outfitted with the hardware and accessories typical of computers in a particular role.
  • the term“computer” in reference to a laptop computer would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to include the functionality provided by pointer-based input devices, such as a mouse or track pad, whereas the term“computer” used in reference to an enterprise-class server would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to include the functionality provided by redundant systems, such as RAID drives and dual power supplies.
  • the functionality of a single computer may be distributed across a number of individual machines. This distribution may be functional, as where specific machines perform specific tasks; or, balanced, as where each machine is capable of performing most or all functions of any other machine and is assigned tasks based on its available resources at a point in time.
  • the term“computer” as used herein can refer to a single, standalone, self-contained device or to a plurality of machines working together or independently, including without limitation: a network server farm, “cloud” computing system, software-as-a-service, or other distributed or collaborative computer networks.
  • the term“software” refers to code objects, program logic, command structures, data structures and definitions, source code, executable and/or binary files, machine code, object code, compiled libraries, implementations, algorithms, libraries, or any instruction or set of instructions capable of being executed by a computer processor, or capable of being converted into a form capable of being executed by a computer processor, including without limitation virtual processors, or by the use of run-time environments, virtual machines, and/or interpreters.
  • software can be wired or embedded into hardware, including without limitation onto a microchip, and still be considered“software” within the meaning of this disclosure.
  • software includes without limitation: instructions stored or storable in RAM, ROM, flash memory BIOS, CMOS, mother and daughter board circuitry, hardware controllers, USB controllers or hosts, peripheral devices and controllers, video cards, audio controllers, network cards, Bluetooth® and other wireless communication devices, virtual memory, storage devices and associated controllers, firmware, and device drivers.
  • terms used herein to describe or reference media holding software including without limitation terms such as“media,”“storage media,” and“memory,” may include or exclude transitory media such as signals and carrier waves.
  • the term“network” generally refers to a voice, data, or other telecommunications network over which computers communicate with each other.
  • the term “server” generally refers to a computer providing a service over a network
  • a“client” generally refers to a computer accessing or using a service provided by a server over a network.
  • server generally refers to a computer providing a service over a network
  • client generally refers to a computer accessing or using a service provided by a server over a network.
  • server and“client” may refer to hardware, software, and/or a combination of hardware and software, depending on context.
  • the terms“server” and“client” may refer to endpoints of a network communication or network connection, including but not necessarily limited to a network socket connection.
  • a“server” may comprise a plurality of software and/or hardware servers delivering a service or set of services.
  • the term“host” may, in noun form, refer to an endpoint of a network communication or network (e.g,“a remote host”), or may, in verb form, refer to a server providing a service over a network (“hosts a website”), or an access point for a service over a network.
  • an embedded system is a special- purpose system in which the computer is mostly or completely encapsulated by the device it controls. Unlike a general-purpose computer, such as a personal computer, an embedded system generally performs more limited, pre-defined tasks, usually with very specific requirements to accomplish a limited and pre-defined set of operational tasks.
  • the system Since the system is dedicated to a specific task, it is more easily optimized for the task, reducing size and cost by eliminating unnecessary components found in general-purpose computers, and designing board circuitry and system geometry to improve operational efficiency, reduce manufacturing cost, and address operation-specific conditions, such as temperature extremes.
  • the term“mechanical switch” or“physical switch” refers to an electrical switch structure operable to an“on” or“off’ position, in which the“on” position “makes” a circuit by providing a complete electrical path through the device, and the“off’ position“breaks” the circuit by interrupting or diverting current flow. This is typically done by introducing a physical break in the path of sufficient width to form an insulating air gap.
  • the term“contacts” refers to the physical components of the switch which create or remove this gap, such as the poles and throws in a conventional light switch.
  • the term“toggle” refers to a component of the switch that is (usually) electrically insulated from the current flow and physically manipulated to make or break the circuit.
  • a“toggle event” means the changing of the position of a toggle from a first position to a second position.
  • toggles typically have only two functional positions, it is known in the art to have a multi-position toggle settable to three or more positions. Description is provided herein using the illustrative embodiment of a binary toggle, but a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the teachings of this disclosure may be easily adapted to implement the invention in a three-position toggle or more.
  • Described herein are devices, systems, and methods for modifying an existing electrical circuit to enable a physical switch to seamlessly integrate with smart lights and other smart devices such that the smart device is operable both via the physical switch and via a home automation system, without loss of power to the smart device computer and transmitter components caused by use of the wall switch.
  • a replacement switch or faceplate which effectively bypasses or shorts the physical switch so that current is always flowing through the switch device regardless of the position of the toggle.
  • the toggle position may be inferred and a change in toggle position may be communicated to the smart device, either directly or via a central controller or home automation functionality.
  • the smart device may then take whatever steps would ordinarily be taken in response to a toggle event.
  • FIG. 2A and 2B An exemplary embodiment of such a device is depicted in FlGs. 2A and 2B.
  • a conventional wall switch (107) is wired into a light circuit (101) similar to that depicted in prior art FIGs. 1A, 1B, and 1C.
  • a faceplate (117) according to the present disclosure is installed on the switch (107).
  • the depicted faceplate (1 17) comprises a path (1 19) for continuous electrical current passing through the faceplate (117) from a first lead (116A) to a second lead (116B).
  • the path (119) is also in electric communication with a current sensor (121) disposed on or within the faceplate (1 17).
  • the faceplate (117) is installed to the switch (107) in the manner of a conventional faceplate, but the size, shape, length, and placement of the leads (1 16 A) and (1 16B) is such that when the faceplate is installed, one of the leads (1 16B) is in electrical communication with the live wire from the power source, and the other lead (1 16A) is in electrical communication with the corresponding hot wire downstream from the switch (107). This has the effect of creating an alternative electrical path which bypasses the contacts in the switch (107). Thus, regardless of the state of the contacts (open or closed), electrical current flows on the live wire (103) to power the load (108).
  • the current sensor (121) also has continual access to power and senses current on the path (1 19).
  • the current sensor may also participate in inferring the state of the contacts. If the contacts are closed, as in FIG 2A, then there are two electrical paths in parallel - one through the switch (107) and one through the faceplate (117). Because the total current is the same whether the contacts are opened or closed, when the contacts are closed and there are two paths, only part of the current is on the bypass path (1 19) and the amount of current is lower than when the contacts are open as in FIG. 2B and all of the current is on the path (1 19).
  • the toggle state (on or off) may be inferred from the current as detected by the current sensor (121). For example, in the depicted embodiment of FIG. 2B, full current (“1”) is detected, reflecting an open contact and an“off’ position of the toggle. However, in the depicted embodiment of FIG. 2A, half current (“0.5”) is detected, reflecting a closed contact and an“on” position of the toggle.
  • the faceplate (117) may further comprise a transceiver adapted or configured to receive the toggle state as inferred by the current sensor (121) and to transmit that toggle state. This transmission may be directly to the corresponding smart light (109) or to a central controller or other computer system where the information may be processed and acted upon in the ordinary course.
  • a transceiver adapted or configured to receive the toggle state as inferred by the current sensor (121) and to transmit that toggle state. This transmission may be directly to the corresponding smart light (109) or to a central controller or other computer system where the information may be processed and acted upon in the ordinary course.
  • these components imply the presence of other components in the faceplate (1 17), such as wires connecting the transceiver to the current sensor and a controller, microcomputer, or embedded system configured with the appropriate program logic. Power conversion components may also be needed, which may in turn require additional wiring, such as a lead to the neutral wire.
  • the faceplate (117) may further comprise an independent power source, fuse or other surge protection means and/or a
  • this enables the seamless integration of the mechanical switch (107) with the smart device (109).
  • the toggle (102) When the toggle (102) is operated, the contacts in the switch (107) are likewise operated, resulting in a change to the amount of current on the bypass path (1 19), which in turn is detected by the current sensor (121).
  • This state may be transmitted on a continuous or periodic basis, or may be monitored for change from a prior recorded state and transmitted only if a change from such prior recorded state is detected.
  • This logic may be carried out by an on-board controller or embedded system in the faceplate (1 17).
  • the smart light (109) may directly or indirectly receive this indication and then operate the switch (1 15) in the smart light to power the load (108).
  • the home automation system can also operate the smart light (109) independently because power is supplied to the smart light (109) regardless of the toggle (102) or switch (107) state.
  • FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a faceplate (1 17) according to the present disclosure configured for use in a 3-way switch wiring geometry.
  • multi-way wiring geometries are used to cause each switch to operate as an independent toggle.
  • the circuit has two states -“on” (powered) and“off’ (unpowered) - and operating any one of the switches causes the circuit to change to the opposite state - unpowered circuits receive power and turn on, and powered circuits turn off.
  • an additional wire is required so that the power state toggles regardless of which of the two switches is operated, and regardless of the state of the other switch. This is essentially done by wiring the two switches together with an additional wire so that any time one of the switches changes state, the circuit also changes state.
  • the depicted faceplate (1 17) is effectively inserted into the circuit to replace or supplement this additional wire.
  • the 3-way faceplate has two inputs from the first switch (107 A) which pass through the faceplate and exit to connect to the conventional corresponding inputs on the second switch (107B).
  • these two separate paths are“shorted” via a bypass (1 19) that causes power to pass through the circuit regardless of the state of either of the switches (107A) and (107B).
  • the bypass path (119) is associated with a current sensor (121) which detects changes in current and infers the overall toggle state as described elsewhere herein.
  • edge switches (107A) and (107B) are single-pole, double-throw switches as in FIG. 3, and the additional third switch is a double-pole, double-throw switch, as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill to implement a 4-way switch. Any change to the toggle state of any of the three switches will result in continuous power flow via a faceplate (117) as described elsewhere herein.
  • the components associated with the faceplate may require a power supply or power source. This may be done in a number of ways.
  • power may be provided via an electrochemical cell in the faceplate (117). This has the advantage of maintaining a separate power supply for the faceplate (117) components, which reduces manufacturing and design costs and is a proven technique used in various“Internet of Things” (IoT) devices.
  • IoT Internet of Things
  • FIG. 5 Another option, shown in FIG. 5, is to power the components using a battery 131 or capacitor 131 which is charged when current is flowing through the faceplate (117).
  • Known charging technologies have sufficiently long operational lives between charging sessions for most typical applications and would be expected to be suitable for use in most dwellings, particularly in bedrooms, kitchens, and other high-traffic areas where lights are operated frequently.
  • a still further option is to use the power on the live wire connected to the faceplate (117), either directly or via inductive charging. This may require further components, such as an AC/DC converter 133 which may include a parallel pass-through, and may involve a somewhat more complex installation, but would have the advantage of continuous or near- continuous power availability, allowing the transmitter and other components to operate more on a continuous basis.
  • the diode protected power supply could accept power passing through it in either configuration.
  • the power supply element may be wired in parallel, and may utilize a minimal amount of power through the system.
  • the user preferably disconnects the wires from the switch, attaches them to the invention and then attaches the invention to the switch. This would facilitate robust operation because the system would always be powered.
  • Using such a power supply could provide a continuous or nearly continuous source of power, allowing the included transmitter/transceiver to operate on a more continuous basis.
  • Additional modifications may include the ability to selectively disconnect the bypass feature, which would cause power to disconnect from the load. This may be desirable, for example, when servicing or changing the device. Alternatively, power should be disabled at the circuit breaker for safe removal.
  • Installation could be performed with or without wiring and only one device need be added to the circuit to realize the benefits of the present disclosure.
  • the system is inherently compatible with 2-way, 3-way, 4-way, or more-way switching configurations and facilitates improved user experiences with smart devices as well as integrating conventional toggle-based interactions with smart devices
  • the systems and methods described herein are not limited to only toggling interactions with mechanical switches, but may alternatively and/or additionally include dimming functionality.
  • such functionality may be relayed by the transmitter based on measurements of current taken on the device. Such a measurement may be used to determine, calculate, or infer a dimming state.
  • a conventional dimming circuit is modified by creating a bypass around the dimmer components while maintaining an electrically contiguous circuit. This may result in current flow through the bypass, reducing or eliminating current flow through the conventional dimming circuit. In such a case, full current would flow through the bypass circuit when the dimmer is set to its dimmest level. As the brightness setting is increased, the amount of current flowing through the bypass decreases.
  • Software may be used to detect, determine, or learn a relationship between the amount of detected current and the dimmer setting. This relationship may be determined as needed and may vary from implementation to implementation, depending on the configuration, properties, and needs of each system. In practice, such a system may account for the current measurement being affected by both the dimming circuit and changes to the load.
  • the invention is used to facilitate an electrically continuous path to the load regardless of mechanical switch position. This may be achieved by bridging the outputs of a given switch together electrically. In the case of a SPST mechanical switch or dimmer, an electrical connection between the input and output may be formed to ensure proper functionality.
  • multiway mechanical switches exist in SPDT or DPDT configurations. For such systems, two leads may be used to form an electrical path, bridging one of the sides with two electrical connection points. As would be obvious, one could use more electrical connection points to form electrical paths, up to and including electrically connecting all of the mechanically switched connection points through the invention.
  • the system and methods described herein may be in addition to a traditional mechanical switch, but also could be extended by replacing the mechanical switch completely with a device which generally performs the same function.
  • This replacement device may electrically connect all input and output points originally connected with a mechanical switch, may optionally draw power from the completed circuit, and may provide different user input options than a conventional mechanical switch.
  • Such a replacement device may optionally comprise modular transmitter for interoperability with a variety of different smart devices from different manufacturers. This may also provide a contiguous electrical path for the load, monitoring of other mechanical switch operation in the switching circuit, and more options for user input into a given smart device system.
  • Such a replacement device would be advantageous compared to a traditional smart switch in that the electronics would be simplified (e.g., not switching AC loads), installation could take place within existing multiway installations, and installations would not require a neutral wire.
  • a replacement device may be made significantly cheaper to manufacture than a smart switch, while providing many of the benefits of a typical smart switch.
  • Such a replacement device uses a smart end load to receive commands from the transmitter, and reduces issues caused when a typical mechanical switch removes power from a smart device.
  • the replacement device may have a disconnect, through mechanical switch, relay, or triac, which need not handle the cycle count typically associated with a switching system, as such a disconnect would be used when replacing components attached to the circuit. If such a disconnect is not included, power to the circuit may be removed via a circuit breaker or fuse, as would be expected under typical circumstances.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Circuit Arrangement For Electric Light Sources In General (AREA)
  • Remote Monitoring And Control Of Power-Distribution Networks (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne des dispositifs, des systèmes et des procédés permettant de modifier un circuit électrique existant pour permettre à un commutateur mécanique classique de s'intégrer à des dispositifs intelligents et de les faire fonctionner, tout en fournissant également une alimentation en courant continu et tout en coopérant avec l'utilisation externe des dispositifs intelligents (par exemple, par l'intermédiaire d'une application de dispositif mobile, d'un dispositif de commande intelligent et autres). Le dispositif intelligent peut ainsi fonctionner par l'intermédiaire du commutateur physique et par l'intermédiaire d'un système de domotique, sans perte d'énergie pour l'ordinateur du dispositif intelligent et les composants de l'émetteur provoquée par l'utilisation du commutateur mural. Cela peut être réalisé par l'intermédiaire d'un commutateur de remplacement ou d'une face qui contourne efficacement le commutateur physique pour assurer une alimentation continue du dispositif intelligent tout en inférant et en transmettant également l'état de bascule du commutateur en mesurant une quantité de courant à travers la face.
PCT/US2019/020784 2018-03-01 2019-03-05 Commutateur à face WO2019169411A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2015614.7A GB2586729B (en) 2018-03-01 2019-03-05 Faceplate switch

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US15/909,744 US11245285B2 (en) 2014-01-27 2018-03-01 Faceplate switch
US15/909,744 2018-03-01

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WO2019169411A1 true WO2019169411A1 (fr) 2019-09-06

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