WO2022263914A1

WO2022263914A1 - System for hybrid switch assembly and rotary switch assembly for controlling appliances

Info

Publication number: WO2022263914A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/057078
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nikhil Kachattiyawar
Original assignee: Nikhil Kachattiyawar
Priority date: 2021-06-16
Filing date: 2021-08-03
Publication date: 2022-12-22

Abstract

A system (10) for hybrid switch assembly and rotary switch assembly for controlling appliances is disclosed. The system (10) includes an electronic control unit (20) to interface input signals supplied to switch assembly (30) and a rotary switch assembly (40). The switch assembly includes switching arm mechanically coupled to an electrical switch knob (60) to perform a switching operation of an appliance and the rotary switch assembly includes an actuating arm (90) to rotate a rotary switch knob (110) upon receiving input signals from the electronic control unit. The rotary switch assembly includes a potentiometer (120) to estimate relative positions of the rotary switch knob. The system (10) includes a processing unit (141) to send a switching command and a rotary command received through a user interface (142) to a switch assembly and a rotary switch assembly respectively to the electronic control unit for controlling the appliances connected to switch assembly and rotary switch assembly.

Description

SYSTEM FOR HYBRID SWITCH ASSEMBLY AND ROTARY SWITCH ASSEMBLY FOR CONTROLLING APPLIANCES

EARLIEST PRIORITY DATE:

This Application claims priority from a patent application filed in India having Patent Application No. 202141026910, filed on June 16, 2021 and titled “SYSTEM FOR HYBRID SWITCH ASSEMBLY AND ROTARY SWITCH ASSEMBLY FOR CONTROLLING APPLIANCES”

FIELD OF INVENTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a hybrid system for controlling appliances and more particularly to a system for hybrid switch assembly and rotary switch assembly for controlling appliances.

BACKGROUND

Every process control system includes a switching element to control the power to an appliance and an input component to trigger the switching element. The switching element may be configured to be controlled either by a manual operation or by a remote operation. The manual operation may be performed when an operator is physically present to control the switching element through the input component. The operator may perform various actions such as touching a sensor, pushing a button and the like to perform the manual operation. An alternate way of controlling the switching element is by the remote operation. The remote operation is performed when the operator is not physically present to control the switching element through the input component. An internet-enabled user interface is configured to communicate a controlling command to the switching element. The user interface is configured to give visual feedback to the operator.

Hybrid systems focus more on providing remote controllability of the appliances through internet of things (IoT) technology, paving the way for advanced switches. The advanced- switch systems currently being used are a relay-based touch-button switches and a relay-based hybrid switches. The relay-based touch-button switch includes an electro -mechanical relay configured to act as a switching element to control the power flow to the appliances according to an input command given through either a sensor or a push button. The input command may be given via a device configured to communicate with the switching element wirelessly. A small indicator light is configured to give visual feedback to the operator according to the operation performed on the switching element. A series of indicator lights housed on an ordinary rotary switch serves the purpose of indicating various speed positions of the ordinary rotary switch. The relay-based touch button switches work entirely based on electronic inputs received by the relay. However, during a power outage, the relay-based touch button switches and connected appliances may not be controlled either by the manual operation or by the remote operation. So, the relay-based touch button switches lack complete controllability of appliances in comparison with an ordinary electric switch. The relay-based hybrid switch retrofits the electromechanical relay boards and the associated electronic circuits inside the cavity of switchboards behind the ordinary electric switch. The relay-based hybrid switch uses the existing ordinary electric switch as the input component. In the relay-based hybrid switch, the power supply is removed from the ordinary electric switch terminals and given to the electromechanical relay.

Furthermore, the electromechanical relay is configured to work according to the ordinary electric switch position during manual operation. But, during the remote operation, the electromechanical relay is configured to work according to an operator command communicated through the user interface via internet irrespective of the ordinary electric switch position. Operation of the electromechanical relay through a wireless command irrespective of the ordinary electric switch position is disturbing visual feedback of the ordinary electric switch. In detail, one may consider a scenario in which the ordinary electric switch is turned on by the manual operation. In such a scenario the ordinary electric switch knob position may be visually verifiable corresponding to the operation performed on the ordinary electric switch by the operator. Consider another scenario in which the operator may try to remotely operate the relay-based hybrid switch through the user interface via internet. In such a scenario, switching operation is performed by the electromechanical relay housed at the backside of the ordinary electric switch may not be visible to the operator. The ordinary electric switch knob position may not change corresponding to the remote operation. In such a scenario, operator may be confused regarding the actual state of the appliance and position of the ordinary electric switch knob which may be referred as the disturbance in visual feedback of the ordinary electric switch. The relay-based hybrid switch is unnecessarily redundant because the system takes input from the ordinary electric switch to operate the electromechanical relay configured to control the appliances when the ordinary electric switch alone may control the appliances. In another approach, the working principle of the electromechanical relay being employed in advanced switches, is electromagnetic induction. The electromechanical relays are consuming low power to keep the appliances on. However, even though the power consumed during operation is negligible, power consumption is still substantial when the appliances are operated for a longer duration. Latching relays seem to be a promising solution for the power consumption of the electromechanical relays during normal operation. However, latching relays latches to a particular state, and may only be unlatched by sending an appropriate control signal. However, the requirement of an electronic pulse for operation making the controlling operation impossible during power outage scenarios. The currently available switching systems are expensive and having highly integrated circuitries making currently available advanced switches less modular and less customizable.

Hence, there is a need for an improved system for hybrid switch assembly and rotary switch assembly for controlling appliances to address the aforementioned issue(s).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for hybrid switch assembly and rotary switch assembly for controlling appliances is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit configured to interface one or more input signals supplied by a network to a switch assembly and a rotary switch assembly. The switch assembly and the rotary switch assembly are electrically coupled to each other. The switch assembly includes one or more switching arm mechanically coupled to an electrical switch knob configured to perform a switching operation of the electrical switch knob of an appliance via a moving arm coupled to one or more switch actuator motors upon receiving the one or more input signals from the electronic control unit. The rotary switch assembly includes an actuating arm configured to mechanically couple to one or more rotary switch actuator motors, wherein the actuating arm is configured to rotate a rotary switch knob upon receiving the one or more input signals from the electronic control unit. The rotary switch assembly also includes a potentiometer operatively coupled to a shaft of the rotary switch knob via a gear, wherein the potentiometer is configured to estimate one or more relative positions of the rotary switch knob. The system also includes a processing unit hosted on a server and configured to execute on the network to control bidirectional communications with the electronic control unit and a user interface. The processing unit is configured to send a switching command to the electronic control unit based on user preference received via the user interface and thereby initiating the switching operation of the electrical switch knob of the appliance by the switch assembly. The processing unit is also configured to control the rotary switch assembly by sending a rotary command to the electronic control unit based on user preference received via the user interface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a system for hybrid switch assembly and rotary switch assembly for controlling appliances in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIGs. lal-FIG.la2 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of the system of FIG. 1 depicting a switching operation of a rocker switch in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGs. 2a - 2b is a schematic representation of one embodiment of the system of FIG. 1 depicting a bottom side view of a position sensor and a magnet from both sides in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 c is a schematic representation of another embodiment of the system of FIG. 1 depicting the magnet away from the position sensor with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 d is a schematic representation of another embodiment of the system of FIG. 1 depicting the magnet in proximity with the position sensor with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIGs. 3a - 3f is a schematic representation of an operation of the switch assembly of system of FIG. 1, depicting a mechanism moving an electrical switch knob from OFF position to ON position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGs. 4a - 4f is a schematic representation of the switch assembly of the system of FIG. 1, depicting a mechanism moving the electrical switch knob from ON position to OFF position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5a is a schematic representation of one embodiment of the rotary switch assembly of the system of FIG. 1, depicting the rotary switch assembly with rotary switch knob in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 5b is a schematic representation of another embodiment of the rotary switch assembly of the system of FIG. 1 , depicting an operational arrangement of the potentiometer in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG.6a - 6j is a schematic representation of operation of the rotary switch assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7a is a schematic representation of one embodiment of the switch assembly and rotary switch assembly of the system of FIG. 1, depicting an outside view of a switch board in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7b is a schematic representation of another embodiment of the switch assembly and rotary switch assembly of the system of FIG. 1, depicting an inside view of the switch board in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7c is a schematic representation of another embodiment of the switch assembly of the system of FIG. 1, depicting certain features of the switch assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of the system of FIG. 1 depicting the operational arrangement of a processing unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 al- 8al0 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of the system of FIG. 1 depicting creation of a virtual space in resemblance to a real space in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 b is a schematic representation of another embodiment of the system of FIG. 1 depicting mapping process of the switch assembly in the real space with corresponding multidimensional virtual model of appliances intended to be controlled by the switch assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 c is a schematic representation of another embodiment of the system of FIG. 1 depicting the process of controlling the appliances connected to the switch assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 d is a schematic representation of another embodiment of the system of FIG. 1 depicting the process of controlling the appliances connected to the rotary switch assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures, or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting. In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system for hybrid switch assembly and rotary switch assembly for controlling appliances. As used herein, hybrid switch assembly and rotary switch assembly for controlling appliances refers to the use of digital technology to perform a process or processes in order to accomplish a workflow or function. A wide variety of processes and activities may be automated, or more often, they may be partially automated with human intervention at strategic points within workflows. The hybrid switch assembly and rotary switch assembly for controlling appliances uses a network to interconnect sensors, controllers, operator terminals and actuator motors. More specifically, system for hybrid switch assembly and rotary switch assembly for controlling appliances monitors and control home attributes for example appliance automation as used herein and explained in detail from FIG. 1 afterwards.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a system (10) for hybrid switch assembly and rotary switch assembly for controlling appliances in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system (10) includes a switch assembly (30) and a rotary switch assembly (40) which are configured to receive one or more input signals supplied by a network through an electronic control unit (20). The electronic control unit (20) is configured to interface the one or more input signals supplied by the network to the switch assembly (30) and the rotary switch assembly (40). The switch assembly (30) and the rotary switch assembly (40) are electrically coupled to each other. The switch assembly (30) includes one or more switching arm (50) mechanically coupled to an electrical switch knob (60). The one or more switching arm (50) are configured to perform a switching operation of an electrical switch knob (60) of an appliance via a moving arm (70) which is coupled to one or more switch actuator motors (80) upon receiving the one or more input signals from the electronic control unit (20). In one embodiment, the one or more switching arm (50) may include a linear actuator or a rotary actuator. In a specific embodiment, the moving arm (70) coupled to the one or more switch actuator motors (80) may follow a radial circular motion. In another embodiment, the switch assembly (30) may include a plurality of switches such as single pole single throw switch (SPST), single pole double throw switch (SPDT), push-button switch, rocker switch (61) and the like. FIG lal - la2 depicts a switching operation of the rocker switch (61). In ON condition the electrical switch knob (60) and an associated rocker pin (62) holds a contact plate (63) in such a way that, the contact plate maintains connection between an electric power mains terminal (65) and an appliance wire connection terminal (64) of the rocker switch (61) in order to complete the circuit (as shown in FIG.lal). Similarly, in OFF position, the switch knob (60) and the associated rocker pin (62) withdraws the contact plate (63) by a suitable movement in order to break the connection between the electric power mains terminal (64) and the appliance wire connection terminal (65) of the rocker switch (as shown in FIG. Ia2). In some embodiment, the rocker switch (61) may be coupled with an actuator, configured to be controlled remotely to enable the remote operation of the rocker switch (61).

The rotary switch assembly (40) includes an actuating arm (90) configured to mechanically couple to one or more rotary switch actuator motors (100). The actuating arm (90) is configured to rotate a rotary switch knob (110) upon receiving the one or more input signals from the electronic control unit (20). In one embodiment, the actuating arm (90) coupled with the one or more rotary switch actuator motors (100) may be configured to undergo a 360-degree rotation to rotate the rotary switch knob (110) to an adjacent speed position each time. The rotary switch knob (110) may be configured to rotate in both the directions by rotating the actuating arm (90) and in turn the actuator motor in opposite direction. In a specific embodiment, periphery of the rotary switch knob may be designed to house one or more slots for facilitating the rotation of the rotary switch knob (110) by the actuating arm (90). In a specific embodiment, one or more slots (101) may be housed on the periphery of the rotary switch knob in such a way that in a single 360-degree rotation of the actuating arm (90), actuating arm (90) is capable of making contact only with the leading slot on the periphery of the rotary switch knob considering the direction of motion of the actuating arm (90). In one embodiment, rotary switch assembly (40) may include a variety of rotary switches such as resistive rotary switches, capacitive rotary switches, inductive rotary switches, and the like. In one embodiment, rotary switch assembly (40) may include a variety of rotary switches such as rotary cam switch, wafer switch, fan regulator and the like. Rotary cam switch and wafer switch are used in industrial and heavy-duty applications. Fan regulators are used to control the speed of household appliances like ceiling fan, table fan and the like. In one embodiment, fan regulator may include a variety of fan regulators such as resistive regulators, capacitive regulators, inductive regulators and the like. In another embodiment, the switch actuator motors (80) and the rotary switch actuator motors (100) may include ac motors or dc geared motors. In a specific embodiment, the one or more switch actuator motors (80) and the one or more rotary switch actuator motors (100) includes corresponding servo motor mechanism configured to provide rotary motion corresponding to the one or more input signals from the electronic control unit (20). In a specific embodiment, direction and torque or speed of the one or more switch actuator motors (80) and the one or more rotary switch actuator motors (100) may be controlled by electronic control unit (20) based on the one or more input signals received from the user. In one embodiment, one or more input signals may include analog or digital signals. In another embodiment, the input signals may include a pulse width modulated signal (PWM).

FIGs. 2a - 2b is a schematic representation of one embodiment of the system (10) of FIG. 1 depicting a bottom side view of a position sensor and a magnet from both sides in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the switch assembly (30) may include a position sensor (150) which is configured to estimate relative position of the electrical switch knob (60) and communicate the relative position of the electrical switch knob (60) to the electronic control unit (20). In a specific embodiment, the position sensor (150) is mounted on a housing cap (66) of the switch assembly (30) which is stationary. The position sensor (150) is configured to provide one or more logical high or logical low signals to the electronic control unit (20) upon coming in proximity with a magnet (160) housed on the electrical switch knob (60) for estimating the relative position of the electrical switch knob (60) (as shown in FIG.2a). In some embodiment, the signal provided by the position sensor may include one of analog signals or digital signals. In a specific embodiment, the position sensor (150) may include a variety of sensors such as magnetic sensors, optical sensors, mechanical sensors, and the like. The magnetic sensors may include a variety of sensors such as hall effect sensor, reed switch, and the like. Similarly, optical sensors may include a variety of sensors such as encoders, infrared sensors and the like. The mechanical sensors may include a limit switch. In a specific embodiment, the magnet (160) may be a neodymium magnet. The hall effect sensor works on a principle of hall effect. As used herein, the “Hall effect” is the production of a potential difference across an electrical conductor when a magnetic field is applied in a direction perpendicular to the flow of current through the electrical conductor. In a specific embodiment, the hall effect sensor mounted on the housing cap (66) of the switch assembly (30) is configured to provide a logical high signal to the electronic control unit (20) when not in proximity with a magnetic field created by a neodymium magnet (160) housed on the electrical switch knob (60) indicating the ‘off’ position of the electrical switch knob (60) (as shown in FIG. 2c). In another embodiment, the hall effect sensor mounted on the housing cap (66) of the switch assembly (30) is configured to provide a logical low signal to the electronic control unit (20) when the hall effect sensor comes in proximity with a magnetic field produced by a neodymium magnet (160) housed on the electrical switch knob (60) indicating the ‘on’ position of the electrical switch knob (60) (as shown in FIG. 2d). In some embodiment, the switch assembly (30) and the rotary switch assembly (40) may be operated as independent entities or in connection with various appliances. In one embodiment, the switch assembly (30) and the rotary switch assembly (30) may be operated by manual operation as well as remote operation.

FIGs. 3a - 3f is a schematic representation of an operation of the switch assembly of system of FIG. 1, depicting a mechanism moving an electrical switch knob from OFF position to ON position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3a - 3c shows the side view of the switch assembly (30), and FIG. 3d - 3f shows the corresponding bottom view of the switch assembly (30). In one embodiment, the one or more switch actuator motors (80) may be configured to rotate back and forth with respect to a predefined position (81) within a predetermined span of time to perform the switching operation and occupy the predefined position (81) at the end of each toggling process of the electrical switch knob (60). In operation, rotation of the one or more switch actuator motors (80) and the mechanically coupled moving arm (70) occupies a new position (82) from a predefined position (81) in order to trigger the one or more switching arm (50) to pull the electrical switch knob (60) from OFF position to ON position (as shown in FIG. 3e). The predefined position (81) is re -occupied by the one or more switch actuator motors (80) and the moving arm (70) along with the switching arm (50) after the switching operation (as shown in FIG. 3f). In one embodiment, the control method adopted for controlling one or more switch actuator motors (80) may include open-loop control or closed-loop control. In a specific embodiment, a combination of the one or more switch actuator motors (80), the moving arm (70), and the one or more switching arm (50) may constitute a slider-crank mechanism for enabling the actuation process of the electrical switch knob (60). In one embodiment, one or more switching arm (50) may be configured to convert the rotary motion of the one or more switch actuator motors (80) to linear motion equal to a stroke length of the electrical switch knob (60). In such an embodiment, the angle between the axis of rotation of switch actuator motors (80) and moving arms may vary between 0 to 90 degrees. In a specific embodiment, a Node MCU microcontroller may be used to provide control signals to an SG90 or MG90S switch actuator motor and the position sensor used may be a A3144 IC hall effect sensor. FIGs. 4a - 4f is a schematic representation of the switch assembly of the system of FIG. 1, depicting a mechanism moving the electrical switch knob from ON position to OFF position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4a - 4c shows the side view of the switch assembly (30), and FIG. 4d - 4f shows the corresponding bottom view of the switch assembly (30). In operation, rotation of the one or more switch actuator motors (80) and the mechanically coupled moving arm (70) occupies a new position (83) from a predefined position (81) in order to trigger the one or more switching arm (50) to push the electrical switch knob (60) from ON position to OFF position (as shown in FIG. 4e). Further, the predefined position (81) is re-occupied by the switching motor (80) and the moving arm (70) along with the switching arm (50) after the switching operation (as shown in FIG. 4f). After each toggling process the switch actuator motors (80) and the moving arm (70) may reoccupy the predefined position (81). The equal degree of rotation in opposite direction by the switch actuator motors (80) and moving arm (70) with respect to the predefined position (81) may pull the electrical switch knob (60) from OFF position to ON position. In one embodiment, the switch assembly may be operated by manual operation as well as remote operation. The occupation of the predefined position (81) is eliminating the possibility of any issues that may arise during the manual operation since the electrical switch knob (60) may be toggled freely by the manual operation.

FIGs. 5a - FIG. 5b is a schematic representation of one embodiment of the rotary switch assembly (40) of the system (10) of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The rotary switch assembly (40) with rotary switch knob (110) is shown in FIG. 5a, operational arrangement of the potentiometer (120) is shown in FIG. 5b. In one embodiment, the rotary switch assembly (40) includes a potentiometer (120) which is operatively coupled to a shaft of the rotary switch knob (110) via a gear assembly (140) (as shown in FIG. 5b). In such an embodiment, the potentiometer (120) may be configured to estimate one or more relative positions of the rotary switch knob (110) and communicate the same to the electronic control unit (20). In a specific embodiment, the potentiometer (120) may be a rotary potentiometer or a linear potentiometer. In one embodiment, the rotary switch assembly (40) may include a gear assembly (140). The gear assembly (140) may include a first gear (146) and a second gear (147). The first gear (146) may be mounted at the bottom of the rotary switch shaft (130) in such a way that when the rotary switch shaft (130) rotates the first gear (146) also rotates. The second gear may (147) be configured to couple the rotary switch shaft ((130) with the potentiometer shaft (145). In such an embodiment, the gear ratio between the first gear (146) and the second gear (147) may be a whole number or a fractional number. In a specific embodiment, an SG90 rotary switch actuator motor or an MG90S rotary switch actuator motor may be configured to work in open-loop control mode and closed loop control mode. In one embodiment, the potentiometer (120) may be a trimpot operatively coupled with the rotary switch knob (110) through the gear assembly (140) (as shown in FIG.5b). Such an arrangement may rotate the rotary component of the trimpot through a potentiometer shaft (145) corresponding to the movement of the rotary switch knob (110) thereby enabling the measurement of relative positions of the rotary switch knob (110) by the production of potential difference across the output pins of the trimpot.

FIG.6a-6j is a schematic representation of operation of the rotary switch assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG.6a to FIG.6e describes the rotation of rotary switch shaft (130) in clockwise direction corresponding to the anticlockwise rotation of the actuating arm (90) for rotating the rotary switch knob (110) in clockwise direction. Initially, the actuating arm (90) is at resting position (as shown in FIG.6a). Once the rotary switch actuator motors (100) are activated the actuating arm (90) may start rotating in anticlockwise direction without touching the trailing slot 1 (as shown in FIG.6b). The actuating arm (90) may contact the leading slot 2 during the course of rotation in anti-clockwise direction (as shown in FIG.6c). The actuating arm (90) may push the slot 2 in the direction of motion of the actuating arm (90) causing the rotary switch knob to rotate in the clockwise direction (as shown in FIG.6d). The actuating arm (90) may be configured to break the contact with the leading slot of the rotary switch knob (110) once the rotary switch knob (110) occupied the desired speed position and continue the course of rotation (as shown in FIG.6e) to reach the resting position shown in step FIG.6e. Similarly, FIG.6f to FIG.6j describes the rotation of rotary switch shaft (130) and rotary switch knob (110) in anti-clockwise direction corresponding to the clockwise rotation of the actuating arm (90). Initially, the actuating arm (90) is at resting position (as shown in FIG.6f). Once the rotary switch actuator motors (100) are activated the actuating arm (90) may start rotating in clockwise direction without touching the trailing slot 2 (as shown in FIG.6g). The actuating arm (90) may contact the leading slot 1 during rotation in clockwise direction (as shown FIG.6h). The actuating arm (90) may push the slot 1 in the direction of motion of the actuating arm (90) causing the rotary switch knob to rotate in the anti-clockwise direction (as shown in FIG.6i). The actuating arm (90) may be configured to break the contact with the leading slot of the rotary switch knob (110), once the rotary switch knob (110) occupied the desired speed position and continue the course of rotation to reach the resting position shown in FIG.6j. The point to be noted here is that the actuating arm (90) may have to undergo a 360-degree rotation to rotate the rotary switch knob (110) to an adjacent speed position each time. For example, consider the rotary switch assembly (40) which may be having five speed positions. Initially, the rotary switch knob (110) may be in first speed position. In order to rotate the rotary switch knob (110) to the second speed position the rotary switch motor (100) may have to undergo a 360-degree rotation in a specific direction. Similarly, for rotating the rotary switch knob (110) from the second speed position to third speed position again the rotary switch motor (100) have to undergo a 360-degree rotation in the same direction. Likewise, for rotating the rotary switch knob (110) from the third speed position to the second speed position the rotary switch motor (100) have to undergo a 360-degree rotation in the opposite direction. Occupation of the resting position by the actuating arm (90) after the remote operation of the rotary switch assembly (40) is eliminating the possibility of any issues that may arise during the manual operation since the rotary switch knob (110) may be rotated freely by the manual operation.

FIGs. 7a -FIG. 7b is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the system (10) of FIG. 1, depicting an operational arrangement of the switch assembly (30) and the rotary switch assembly (40) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The front view of the arrangement and the back view of the arrangement are shown in FIG.7a and FIG.7b, respectively. In one embodiment, the one or more switch assembly (30), the one or more rotary switch assembly (40) and one or more sockets (41) may be present in a switchboard (31). The one or more switch assembly (30), the one or more rotary switch assembly (40) and the one or more sockets (41) may be referred as switchboard elements here onwards. Mounting of the switchboard elements on the switchboard plate is shown in FIG. 7a. Such an arrangement is indistinguishable from an ordinary switchboard when looked from outside. The switchboard (31) may also house an electronic control unit (20) along with wiring harness (21) rigged through the back side of the switchboard (as shown in FIG. 7b). FIG. 7b illustrates the arrangement of the switchboard elements and electronic control unit (20) on the switchboard (31). Such an arrangement may not require any changes in pre-existing electrical wiring. An AC power supply of suitable voltage is connected to the power connection points (42) of switchboard elements and the electronic control unit (20) present in the switchboard (31) (as shown in FIG. 7b). In one embodiment, the voltage of the power supply may include various voltage levels such as 220 V,230V, 110 V and the like. A neutral wire and an earth wire may be connected to the respective neutral wire connection points (43) and earth wire connection points (44) of the switchboard elements and the electronic control unit (20). The Electronic control unit (20) requires DC power supply of suitable voltage for operation. An on-board dc power supply circuit in the electronic control unit (20) may convert the AC power supply received by the electronic control unit (20) to a suitable DC voltage level compatible with the electronic control unit (20). In one embodiment, suitable DC voltage level may include a variety of dc voltage levels such as 5V or 3.3 V and the like. The other connection points except power connection points (42) in the switch assembly (30) may be connected to various connection points such as power connection points of one or more appliances, power connection points of the one or more sockets (41), power connection points of the one or more rotary switch assembly (40) according to the preference of the user. Similarly, the connection points in the one or more rotary switch assembly (40) except the power connection points (42) of the one or more rotary switch assembly (40) may be connected to a fan intended to be controlled by the rotary switch assembly (40). The electronic control unit (20) may house specific number of connectors (22) configured to enable bi-directional communication between the one or more switch assembly (30) or the one or more rotary switch assembly (40) connected to the connectors (22) through the wiring harness (21) and the electronic control unit (20) (as shown in FIG. 7b). The one or more switch assembly (30) and the one or more rotary switch assembly (40) present in the switchboard (31) may be connected to a unique connector in the electronic control unit (20). In such an embodiment, the unique connector may get a unique serial number based on a position of the one or more switch assembly (30) and the one or more rotary switch assembly (40), in order to communicate with the electronic control unit (20) via connectors (22). The connectors (22) may be configured for providing required DC voltage and ground connection to the switch actuator motor and rotary switch actuator motor and sensors in one or more switch assembly (30) or the one or more rotary switch assembly (40). The connectors (22) may also be configured for interfacing the control signals from the electronic control unit (20) to the corresponding switch assembly (30) or the rotary switch assembly (40). The connectors (22) may further be configured for interfacing relative position signals from the corresponding switch assembly (30) or the rotary switch assembly (40) to the electronic control unit (20) through the wiring harness (21). In a specific embodiment, the electronic control unit (20) may be configured to control the direction and torque or speed of one or more switch actuator motors (80) and rotary switch actuator motors (100) based on a command received from the processing unit (141). In some embodiment, the electronic control unit (20) may house specific motor drivers for controlling the switch actuator motors (80) and rotary switch actuator motors (100). In detail, when the user wants to switch on or off an appliance, the user may use a user interface (142) to choose which switch assembly (30) has to be turned on or off. The electronic control unit (20) housed in the corresponding switchboard (31) may receive the information from the user interface (142) through the processing unit (141) and send control signals to the switch actuator motor (80) of the corresponding switch assembly (30) based on data received from the user interface (142) via wireless communication. Similarly, when the user wants to regulate the speed of a fan, the user may use the user interface (142) to choose which rotary switch assembly (40) has to be controlled. The electronic control unit (20) may receive the information from the user interface (142) through the processing unit (141) and send control signals to the rotary switch actuator motor (100) of the rotary switch assembly (40) based on the data received. The switching operation may be illustrated in detail with FIG. 7a. Consider a scenario in which the user wants to switch on the switch assembly (30b) shown in FIG. 7a. For switching ‘on’ the switch assembly (30b) the user may communicate with the electronic control unit (20) using the user interface (142) through the processing unit (141). The electronic control unit (20) sends the user command to the switch assembly (30b) through the connector assigned for the switch assembly (30b) via the wiring harness (21) in order to actuate the switch actuator motor (80) to perform the switching operation. The position of the switch knob (60) of the switch assembly (30b) sensed by the respective position sensor (150) may be communicated back to the electronic control unit (20) via the wiring harness (21) through the same connector assigned for the switch assembly (30b) after the switching operation. The electronic control unit (20) updates the user about the performed operation through the user interface (142) via the processing unit (141) by sending a feedback signal.

Consider another scenario in which the user may operate the switch assembly (30b) manually. In such a scenario, once the switching operation is performed by the user, the position sensor (150) of the switch assembly (30b) may send the relative position signal to the electronic control unit (20) through the connector assigned for the switch assembly (30b) via the wiring harness (21). The electronic control unit (20) updates the user about the performed switching operation through the user interface (142) via the processing unit (141) by sending a feedback signal. In one embodiment, the switch actuator motor (80) may include a high-torque motor with a servo motor mechanism configured to convert circular or radial motion of the one or more switch actuator motors (80) into linear motion for a stroke length of 7- 8mm which is equal to the stroke length of the electrical switch knob (60). The switching arm (50) may be designed in such a way that, the switching arm (50) converts the circular motion of one or more switch actuator motors (80) into approximate linear motion to push and pull the electrical switch knob (60) based on the control signal.

Consider a scenario in which the user wants to adjust speed positions of the rotary switch assembly (40d) shown in FIG. 7a. For adjusting speed positions of the rotary switch assembly (40d) user may communicate with the electronic control unit (20) using the user interface (142) through the processing unit (141). The electronic control unit (20) sends the user command to the rotary switch assembly (40d) through the connector assigned for the rotary switch assembly (40d) via the wiring harness (21) in order to actuate the rotary switch actuator motor (100) to perform the desired operation. After the operation, position of the rotary switch knob (110) of the rotary switch assembly (40d) sensed by the respective potentiometer (120) may be communicated back to the electronic control unit (20) via wiring harness (21). The electronic control unit (20) updates the user about the performed operation through the user interface (142) via the processing unit (141) by sending a feedback signal.

Consider another scenario in which the user may adjust the speed positions of the rotary switch assembly (40d) manually. In such a scenario, once the operation is performed by the user, position of the rotary switch knob (110) of the rotary switch assembly (40d) sensed by the respective potentiometer (120) may be communicated back to the electronic control unit (20) via wiring harness (21). The electronic control unit (20) updates the user about the performed operation through the user interface (142) via the processing unit (141) by sending a feedback signal.

Certain features such as modularity and customizability of the switch assembly (30) and the rotary switch assembly (40) may be explained with the help of FIG. 7c. In one embodiment, the switchboard (31) may have a predefined number of slots for housing the one or more switch assembly (30), the one or more rotary switch assembly (40) and the one or more sockets (41). In one embodiment, the switch assembly (30) may require one slot space to be fit in the switchboard (31). Similarly, the rotary switch assembly (40) and the socket (41) may require two slot spaces each. In one embodiment, the switchboard (31) may contain 8 slots (as shown in FIG. 7 c)., further, various combinations of the one or more switch assembly (30), the one or more rotary switch assembly (40), the one or more sockets (41) are possible to mount in the switchboard without crossing the 8 slots space. In another embodiment, the switchboard (31) may contain 4 switch assembly (30) (4 slot space), one socket (2 slot space), and one rotary switch assembly (40) (2 slot space) obeying the 8-slot space constraint. Further, the socket (41) or the rotary switch assembly (40) may be replaced with 2 switch assembly (30) or 2 of the existing switch assembly (30) may be replaced with one socket (41) or one rotary switch assembly (40). The flexibility in configuring the switchboard (31) according to the preference of the user in choosing the number of switch assembly (30), rotary switch assembly (40) and the number of sockets (41) explained above enables the flexibility in trouble shooting in case of a failure and also enables the possibility of configuring a hybrid switchboard incorporating one or more ordinary electrical switches and one or more ordinary rotary switches along with the one or more switch assembly (30) and the one or more rotary switch assembly (40). The one or more switch assembly (30), one or more rotary switch assembly (40) and one or more socket (41) is easily replaceable in such a way that in case of a failure, the modular feature of the system enables the user to replace only the faulty component without the need of replacing the entire switchboard (31) and associated components.

In one embodiment, the one or more ordinary electrical switch, the one or more ordinary rotary switch and the one or more sockets may be mounted on the switchboard along with the one or more switch assembly and the one or more rotary switch assembly. Manual operation of the switch assembly (30) and the rotary switch assembly (40) may be possible irrespective of the power availability. For the remote operation of the switch assembly (30) and the rotary switch assembly (40) power availability is essential.

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of the system (10) of FIG. 1 depicting the operational arrangement of a processing unit (141) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, bi-directional communication may exist between the user interface (142), the processing unit (141) and the electronic control unit (20) of the switchboard (31). The processing unit (141) may include a database (143) configured to act as a middleman between the user interface (142) and the electronic control (20) unit. The user interface (142) may enable the user to create a virtual space resembling a real space by virtually representing the real space entities. The real space entities may include a real room or a real house. In one embodiment, the virtual representation of the real space may be formed using multi-dimensional virtual models such as two-dimensional models, three dimensional models of entities. In one embodiment, entities may include a variety of entities such as furniture, appliances, household items and the like. In one embodiment, the database (143) may be configured to maintain one to one mapping between the switch assembly (30) and the corresponding virtual models of appliance intended to be controlled by the switch assembly (30). Similarly, the database (143) may be configured to maintain one-to-one mapping between the rotary switch assembly (40) and the corresponding virtual models of appliance intended to be controlled by the rotary switch assembly (40). In such a manner, the database (143) is capable of communicating commands from the user to the switch assembly (30) and the rotary switch assembly (40). The mapping also enables the database (143) to communicate the relative positions of the switch assembly (30) and the rotary switch assembly (40) to the user via user interface (142). In one embodiment, the processing unit (141) and the associated database (143) may use look up tables to enable one to one mapping with real space entities and the respective virtual space entities. In one embodiment, the operational status of the real space entities may be reflected in the virtual space counterparts present in the user interface (142).

The steps involved in creating the virtual space in resemblance to the real space using the multidimensional virtual models is being explained in FIG. 8al -8al0. In one embodiment, the user interface (142) enables the user to create the multidimensional virtual models of the real space (as shown in FIG. 8al - 8a4). Initially the user may have to create a virtual plan of the real space in the user interface (142). The user may create the virtual plan of the real space by performing a variety of operations or a combination of operations such as tapping, dragging, clicking and the like (as shown in FIG. 8al). The various operations performed by the user may create various geometrical shapes in the user interface (as shown in FIG. 8a2). In one embodiment, the various geometrical shape may include a variety of geometrical shapes such as rectangle, triangle, square and the like. The user may repeat the process explained in FIG. 8al for creating the virtual plan the real space (as shown in FIG. 8a a3). The virtual plan according to the actions performed by the user may be obtained (as shown in FIG.8a4). Once the virtual plan of the real space is created, the user may add the multidimensional virtual models of various real space entities into the virtual plan from a predefined catalogue (as shown in FIG. 8a5 - 8a8). FIG.8a5 - 8a8 illustrates various steps for adding a table in to the layout. The predefined catalogue may include virtual models of various real space entities such as furniture, electrical appliances, household items and the like. Addition of virtual models of real space entities into the virtual plan may be visible in the user interface in real time (as shown in FIG. 8a6 - 8a8). The virtual models may be moved or rotated in order to resemble the real space. The addition of virtual models into the virtual plan makes the virtual plan closely resemble the real space (as shown in FIG. 8a9 and FIG.8alO). The three-dimensional model of a virtual space and the corresponding two-dimensional model is shown in FIG. 8a9 and FIG. 8al0, respectively. In one embodiment, the same user interface (142) may be used to create the one or more virtual spaces corresponding to the one or more real spaces. Such virtual space models created by the user may be stored in the database (143) securely according to the user preference.

Mapping process of the switch assembly (30b) with the corresponding virtual model of appliances intended to be controlled by the switch assembly (30b) may be explained using FIG. 8b, The hardware installation of the switchboard (31) may be considered complete once, the switch assembly (30b) and the rotary switch assembly (40d) are installed on the switchboard (31) along with corresponding connections. In order to enable the remote operation of the switch assembly (30b) and the rotary switch assembly (40d) present in the switchboard (31), the electronic control unit (20) of the switchboard (31) needs to be connected to the processing unit (141) and the associated database (143) through wireless connection. Further, the database (143) may be mapped with corresponding virtual model of appliances intended to be controlled by the switch assembly (30b) and the rotary switch assembly (40d). In one embodiment, the configuration of the switch assembly (30b) in order to enable the remote operation may be described as follows. Once, the switchboard (31) installation completed, the user may connect the electronic control unit (20) of the switchboard (31) to the internet by providing service set identifier (SSID) and password of the internet providing wireless network through the user interface (142) connected to the wireless hotspot of the electronic control unit (20). The user interface (142) is the application that runs on a variety of devices such as tablet, mobile smartphone, computer and the like. The electronic control unit (20) may be connected to the processing unit (141) and the associated database (143) through the internet. The configuration mode of the electronic control unit (20) may be accessed by either pressing a specific button on the switchboard (31) or by manually actuating one or more switch assembly present in the switchboard (31) in a predefined sequence. Once the configuration mode of the electronic control unit (20) is selected, the user may start manually switching on each switch assembly (30b) present in the switchboard (31) one at a time. For example, consider a scenario in which the user may choose to configure a switch assembly (30b) shown in FIG.8b. In order to configure a switch assembly (30b), the user may turn on the switch assembly (30b) first. The operation triggers the electronic control unit (20) to send an update to the database (143) associated with the processing unit (141) regarding the switching on process of the switch assembly (30b). The database (143) indicates the user via user interface (142) regarding, the switching on process of the switch assembly (30b). The database (142) also prompts the user to map the switch assembly (30b) to the corresponding virtual model of appliance present in the user interface (142). The mapping between the real space entity and the virtual space entity enables the user to control the real space entity using the virtual space entity. The above- mentioned configuration method may be repeated for every switch assembly (30b) and rotary switch assembly (40d) present in the switchboard (31) to map the switch assembly (30) to the corresponding virtual model of appliances in virtual space in order to enable the remote operation of such appliances through the user interface (142).

The process of controlling the appliances connected to the switch assembly (30) and rotary switch assembly (40) may be explained by the help of FIG. 8c. In one embodiment, the switch assembly (30b) is connected to a light. Initially the light is in off state, the switch assembly (30b) is in off state and the virtual model of the light visible in the user interface (142) is also in off state. In order to turn on the light the user may tap on the virtual model of the light visible in the user interface (142). The user interface (142) in turn may communicate with the processing unit (141) and the associated database (143) regarding, the operation performed by the user. In one embodiment, tapping on the virtual model of the appliance may toggle the operational status of the appliance or may further prompt for an action from the user. The processing unit (141) upon receiving communication from the user interface (142) may send an ON’ command signal to the electronic control unit (20) of the switchboard (31) in which switch assembly (30b) is present. The electronic control unit (20) may identify the switch assembly (30b) through respective connectors (22) housed in the electronic control unit (20) as each connector is connected with a unique switch assembly (30b) and rotary switch assembly (40d) present in the switchboard (31) maintaining a one-to-one correspondence. The electronic control unit (20) may send the switching command to the switch actuator motor (80) of the switch assembly (30b) through respective connectors and the switch assembly (30b) is turned to ON’ state and thereby turning on the light connected to the switch assembly (30b). The user may see the switching action performed by the switch assembly (30b) by observing the movement of switch knob (60) of the switch assembly (30b). Upon completing the switching action, the position sensor (150) of the switch assembly (30b) senses the change in position of the switch knob (60) of the switch assembly (30b). The position sensor (150) may communicate the relative position of the switch knob (60) of the switch assembly (30b) to the electronic control unit (20) through the respective connectors (22) and the wiring harness (21). The electronic control unit (20) may communicate the relative position of the switch knob (60) to the processing unit (141) and the associated database (143). The processing unit (141) may communicate the same to the user interface (142) upon receiving the information from the electronic control unit (20). The virtual model of the light may light up in the user interface (142) resembling the light present in the real space upon receiving the information from the processing unit (141).

Consider another scenario in which the user may opt to manually turn on the light connected to the switch assembly (30b). The user may switch on the switch assembly (30b) and the lights connected to the switch assembly (30b) may light up. The change in position of the switch knob (60) of the switch assembly (30b) may be sensed by the position sensor (150). The position sensor (150) may communicates the relative position of the switch knob (60) to the electronic control unit (20) through the respective connectors (22) and the wiring harness (21). The electronic control unit (20) may communicate the relative position of the switch knob (60) to the processing unit (141) and the associated database (143). The processing unit (141) communicates the same to the user interface (142). The virtual model of the light may light up in the user interface (142) upon receiving the information from the processing unit (141). Since the virtual space resembles the real space in every possible manner, the virtual space may appear lit along with the virtual model of the light.

The process of controlling the appliances connected to the rotary switch assembly (40d) may be explained by FIG.8d. In one embodiment, a switch assembly (30c) is connected to a ceiling fan along with a rotary switch assembly (40d). Initially, the switch assembly (30c) as well as the ceiling fan is in off state and the virtual model of the ceiling fan in the user interface (142) also in off state.

In order to turn on the ceiling fan the user may tap on the virtual model of the fan visible in the user interface (142). The user may choose a desired speed for the ceiling fan by tapping on the virtual model of the rotary switch assembly (40d) visible in the user interface (142). The user interface (142) in turn may communicate with the processing unit (141) and the associated database (143) regarding, the operation performed by the user. In one embodiment, tapping on the virtual model of the appliance may toggle the operational status of the appliance or may further prompt for an action from the user. The processing unit (141) upon receiving communication from the user interface (142) may send an ON’ command signal to the electronic control unit (20) of the switchboard (31) in which switch assembly (30c) is present. Similarly, the processing unit (141) may send information to the electronic control unit (20) regarding the desired speed chosen by the user. The electronic control unit (20) may identify the switch assembly (30c) and rotary switch assembly (40d) through respective connectors (22) housed in the electronic control unit (20). The electronic control unit (20) may send the switching command to the switch actuator motor (80) of the switch assembly (30c) through respective connectors and the switch assembly (30c) is turned to ON’ state and thereby turning on the ceiling fan connected to the switch assembly (30c). Similarly, the electronic control unit

(20) may send control commands to the rotary switch actuator motor (100) of the rotary switch assembly (40d) through the respective connectors and the rotary switch assembly (40d) is set to the desired speed position chosen by the user. The user may see the switching action performed by the switch assembly (30c) by observing the movement of switch knob (60) of the switch assembly (30c). The user may also observe the operation performed by the rotary switch assembly (40d) by observing the movement of the rotary switch knob (110) of the rotary switch assembly (40d). Upon completing the switching action, the position sensor (150) of the switch assembly (30c) senses the change in position of the switch knob (60) of the switch assembly (30c). The position sensor (150) may communicates the relative position of the switch knob (60) of the switch assembly (30c) to the electronic control unit (20) through the respective connectors (22) and the wiring harness (21). Similarly, upon completing the operation, the potentiometer (120) coupled to the rotary switch assembly (40d) senses the change in the position of the rotary switch knob (110) of the rotary switch assembly (40d). The potentiometer (120) may communicate the relative position of the rotary switch knob (110) to the electronic control unit (20) through the respective connectors (22) and the wiring harness

(21). The electronic control unit (20) may communicate the relative position of the switch knob (60) and the rotary switch knob (110) to the processing unit (141) and the associated database (143). The processing unit (141) may communicate the same to the user interface (142) upon receiving the information from the electronic control unit (20). The virtual model of the ceiling fan may start rotating in the user interface (142) resembling the ceiling fan present in the real space upon receiving the information from the processing unit (141). Similarly, the speed position of the virtual model of the rotary switch assembly (40d) may resemble the speed position of the rotary switch assembly (40d) present in the real space.

Consider another scenario in which the user may turn on the ceiling fan by turning on the switch assembly (30c). The user may also set the fan speed by adjusting the rotary switch assembly (40d) to a specific speed position manually. The position sensor (150) of the switch assembly (30c) senses change in the switch knob (60) position and a potentiometer (120) senses the change in the rotary switch knob (110) position of the rotary switch assembly (40d). The position sensor (150) and the potentiometer (120) communicates the relative position of the switch knob (60) and the rotary switch knob (110) to the electronic control unit (20). The electronic control unit (20) communicates the information received from the position sensor (150) and the potentiometer (120) to the processing unit (141) and the associated database (143). The processing unit (141) upon receiving the information communicates the same to the user interface (142). The virtual model of the ceiling fan in the user interface (142) may start rotating upon receiving the information from the processing unit (141). Since the virtual space resembles the real space in every possible manner, virtual model of the ceiling fan may start rotating in the virtual space resembling to a real fan rotating in real space.

Various embodiments of the system for hybrid switch assembly and rotary switch assembly for controlling appliances described above enable various advantages such as complete controllability, consistent visual feedback, energy efficiency, modularity, cost effectiveness, easy installation, and the like. The system may be controlled manually as well as remotely thereby enabling complete controllability. The changes in the relative position of the electrical switch knob and the rotary switch corresponding to the operations performed may be observable in real time by the movement of switch knob and rotary switch knob reduces confusion there by enabling the consistent visual feedback. The system may only consume power during the operation of the switch assembly or the rotary switch assembly initiated by the respective switch actuator motor or the rotary switch actuator motor. The system may not consume power to keep the switch assembly in ON’ state. Similarly, the system may not consume power to keep the rotary switch assembly in any of the speed positions. Such a configuration makes the system energy efficient. The absence of complex circuitries and the presence of modular wiring harness in the system enables the modularity. The increased modularity may increase the overall reliability and customizability of the system. The modularity provided by the system enables the user to easily replace the faulty switch assembly or the rotary switch assembly without replacing the entire switch board and the associated wiring in case of a failure. The use of readily available components significantly reduces the cost of the system making the system cost effective. The installation of the system may be done in an easy manner similar to the installation of an ordinary electrical switch. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof. While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, the order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A system (10) for hybrid switch assembly and rotary switch assembly for controlling appliances comprising: an electronic control unit (20) configured to interface one or more input signals supplied by a network to a switch assembly (30) and a rotary switch assembly (40), wherein the switch assembly (30) and the rotary switch assembly (40) are electrically coupled to each other, wherein the switch assembly (30) comprises one or more switching arm (50) mechanically coupled to an electrical switch knob (60) configured to perform a switching operation of an electrical switch knob (60) of an appliance via a moving arm (70) coupled to one or more switch actuator motors (80) and the electrical switch knob (60) upon receiving the one or more input signals from the electronic control unit (20); wherein the rotary switch assembly (40) comprises: an actuating arm (90) configured to mechanically couple to one or more rotary switch actuator motors (100), wherein the actuating arm (90) is configured to rotate a rotary switch knob (110) upon receiving the one or more input signals from the electronic control unit (20); a potentiometer (120) operatively coupled to a shaft of the rotary switch knob (130) via a gear (140), wherein the potentiometer (120) is configured to estimate one or more relative positions of the rotary switch knob (110). a processing unit (141) hosted on a server and configured to execute on the network to control bidirectional communications with the electronic control unit (20) and a user interface (142), wherein the processing unit (141) is configured to: send a switching command to the electronic control unit (20) based on user preference received via the user interface (142) and thereby initiating the switching operation of the electrical switch knob (60) of the appliance by the switch assembly (30); and control the rotary switch assembly (40) by sending a rotary command to the electronic control unit (20) based on user preference received via the user interface (142) .

2. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more switch actuator motors (80) and the one or more rotary switch actuator motors (100) comprises corresponding servo motor mechanism configured to provide rotary motion corresponding to the one or more input signals from the electronic control unit (20).

3. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more switching arm (50) configured to convert rotary motion of the one or more switch actuator motors (80) to linear motion equal to a stroke length of the electrical switch knob (60).

4. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch assembly (30) comprises a position sensor (150) configured to estimate relative position of the electrical switch knob (60) and communicate the relative position of the electrical switch knob (60) to the electronic control unit (20).

5. The system (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the position sensor (150) mounted on a housing cap (66) of the switch assembly (30), wherein the position sensor (150) is configured to provide one or more digital or analog signals to the electronic control unit (20) upon coming in proximity with a magnet (160) housed on the electrical switch knob (60) for estimating the relative position of the electrical switch knob (60).

6. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more switch actuator motors (80) are configured to: rotate back and forth with respect to a predefined position (81) within a predetermined span of time to perform the switching operation; and occupy the predefined position (81) at the end of each toggling process of the electrical switch knob (60).

7. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic control unit (20) is configured to control direction and torque or speed of the one or more switch actuator motors (80) and the one or more rotary switch actuator motors (100) based on a command received from the processing unit (141).

8. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuating arm (90) coupled with the one or more rotary switch actuator motors (100) configured to undergo a 360-degree rotation to rotate the rotary switch knob (110) to an adjacent speed position each time.

9. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user interface (142) is configured to enable a user to create a virtual space in resemblance to a real space using one or more multi-dimensional models of one or more entities associated with the virtual space.

10. The system (10) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the virtual space created in the user interface (142) configured to mirror operational status of appliances in the real space in real time.

11. The system ( 10) as claimed in claim 9. wherein the one or more multi-dimensional models of one or more appliances created in the virtual space is configured to be mapped with the switch assembly (30) and rotary switch assembly (40) in the real space via a database (143) wherein the mapping enables the remote operation of the switch assembly (30) and rotary switch assembly (40) through the one or more multi-dimensional models.