WO2023079500A1

WO2023079500A1 - Space-efficient smart switch for home automation

Info

Publication number: WO2023079500A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/060627
Authority: WO
Inventors: Neil Ravindra Savant
Original assignee: Srivastava, Geetica Pravin Kumar
Priority date: 2021-11-05
Filing date: 2022-11-04
Publication date: 2023-05-11

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus (200) for distributing supply of power to one or more loads, the apparatus includes a frame member of a switch board (202) comprising an opening being configured to define a modular space, one or more smart switches (204) associated with corresponding one or more loads, the smart switches configured to be inserted into the opening of the frame member, wherein at least one smart switch comprising two or more buttons (206-1 to 206-4) operated to activate or deactivate a corresponding coupled one or more loads (222-1, 222-2) and to regulate the supply power to the corresponding coupled one or more loads, wherein the at least one smart switch incorporating the two or more buttons is sized and configured to be accommodated in at least one opening defining the space of two standard modular switches.

Description

SPACE-EFFICIENT SMART SWITCH FOR HOME AUTOMATION

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates, in general, relates to electrical distribution systems, and more specifically, relates to space-efficient smart switches for home automation and non- automation systems.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The electricity control apparatuses such as but not limited to electrical sockets, electrical wall switchboards, electrical switches, control the electrical appliances in residential as well as commercial properties. In conventional residential and commercial construction, outlets for electricity are installed in the walls of a room, open space, fixed spaced locations around the room and the like. Home automation systems enable users to control devices inside a home or office without having to operate the switchboard manually. A home/office typically consists of electric, electronic or electro-mechanical physical devices such as lighting systems, fans, air conditioners, heating and ventilation systems and the likes. Home automation systems enable the connection of such devices to a remote-control device that is used to operate these devices.

[0003] Controlling the physical devices may change the state of the device such as by changing an on/off state or regulating the power of the device. The automation system encompasses a retrofit automation feature that facilitates the controlling of physical devices via interface devices and is configured to operate in conjunction with the existing primary mechanical switching unit. This increases user comfort and convenience to switch off these devices thereby considerably reducing the electrical energy consumption. However, existing modular switches in home automation systems often do not make efficient use of space because they are typically sized to fit two modular tik-tok switches on the switchboard in which either only two loads could be turned on/off or only hum-free fan speed regulators can fit electronically at a time.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide a simple and space-efficient switches to be installed on the switchboard and supply power to associated loads.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0005] Anobject of the present disclosure relates, in general, relates to electrical distribution systems, and more specifically, relates to space-efficient smart switches for automation and non-automation systems. [0006] Another object of the present disclosure provides a smart switch, which makes efficient use of space on the switchboard.

[0007] Another object of the present disclosure provides an apparatus that makes efficient use of space by accommodating a single smart switch in the space of two modular tik-tok switches to activate/deactivate a first load and a second load as a capacitive 4-speed fan speed regulator.

[0008] Another object of the present disclosure provides an apparatus that can be mounted easily.

[0009] Another object of the present disclosure provides an apparatus that enables protection circuits to prevent internal circuits and corresponding loads from damage caused due to electrical surges and spikes that are internally generated.

[0010] Another object of the present disclosure provides an apparatus that reduces the required circuit size.

[0011] Another object of the present disclosure provides an apparatus that protects the microcontroller from surges and spikes.

[0012] Another object of the present disclosure provides an apparatus, which can be easily plugged in a switchboard and removed just like any other regular switch that makes installation extremely simple.

[0013] Another object of the present disclosure provides an apparatus that can be controlled programmatically using wireless communications and can be controlled manually using the switch.

[0014] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus that can be repaired easily and can be cost-effective.

[0015] Yet another object of the present disclosure provides an apparatus whose installation is extremely simple and less time consuming and can be done by any local electrician having no special knowledge of the system and without any civil work.

SUMMARY

[0016] The present disclosure relates, in general, relates to electrical distribution systems, and more specifically, relates to space-efficient smart switches for home automation and non- automation systems.

[0017] Existing systems are typically sized to fit two modular tik-tok switches on the switchboard or hum-free fan speed regulators in the space of two tik-tok modular switches on the switchboard. The main objective of the present disclosure is to solve the technical problem as recited above by providing a smart switch, which makes efficient use of space on the switchboard.

[0018] The present disclosure relates to a single modular switch, which takes the size of two tik-tok switches in which, the user can control one load on/off and the second load as a capacitive hum-free four-speed fan speed regulator using touch input. This addresses the limitations of space constraints of two modular tik-tok switches in which either only two loads may be turned on/off or only hum-free fan speed regulators can fit electronically at a time. The apparatus of the present disclosure can have two or more buttons for activation and deactivation of a load and a hum-free fan speed regulator in the space of only two modular tik-tok switches, which would have used space of four modular tik-tok switches earlier.

[0019] The present disclosure provides an apparatus having a smart switch, which is adapted to control one or more electronicor electrical appliances connected to the smart switches either using a button provided on thesmart switch or through a command provided from a remote location.At least one smart switch is adapted to plug in or fit in the existing switchboard.

[0020] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for distributing supply of power to one or more loads, the apparatus includes a frame member of a switch board comprising an opening being configured to define a modular space, one or more smart switches associated with corresponding one or more loads, the one or more smart switches configured to be inserted into the opening of the frame member and configured to electrically couple with corresponding connectors, wherein at least one smart switch of one or more smart switches comprisingtwo or more buttons operated to activate or deactivate a corresponding coupled one or more loads and to regulate the supply power to the corresponding coupled one or more loads, wherein the at least one smart switch having the two or more buttons is sized and configured to be accommodated in at least one opening of the frame member, the at least one opening defining the space of two standard modular switches; anda processor operatively coupled with the one or more smart switches, the processor configured to receive input signals pertaining to parameters of power to be supplied to the associated load; and operate to control the supply power to the corresponding coupled one or more loads according to the received parameters.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the two or more buttons can be on/off button to activate and deactivate the one or more loads, wherein the one or more loads can be a light source and any combination thereof. [0022] According to an embodiment, the two or more buttons can be a hum-free speed regulator that is configured to regulate the supply power to the corresponding coupled one or more loads, wherein the one or more loads can be a fan.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the smart switch can include a power supply module configured to convert an input voltage to an output voltage usable by the processor and a power electronics module.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the power electronics module can include one or more zero crossing triac drivers, one or more triacs, capacitors and other internal circuits.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the one or more zero crossing triac driver configured to protect the one or more triacs, capacitors and corresponding coupled one or more loads from damage.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the one or more zero crossing triac drivers can be a first zero crossing triac driver, a second zero crossing triac driver, a third zero crossing triac driver and a fourth zero crossing triac driver.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the first zero crossing triac driver coupled to first triac to activate and deactivate the light source on receipt of the input signal.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the second zero crossing triac driver, the third zero crossing triac driver and the fourth zero crossing triac driver coupled to corresponding triacs to switch two capacitors in different combinations to provide four step hum-free speed regulation.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the power electronics module is configured in such a manner to reduce the size of internal circuits.

[0030] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. The disclosure may be better understood by reference to the drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specific embodiments presented herein.

[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a standard modular switches. [0033] FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary representation of apparatus for distributing supply of power to one or more loads, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary representation of a single smart switch installed on a switchboard, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 2C illustrates a schematic view of the single smart switch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 2D illustrates an exemplary functional component of the smart switch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 2E illustrates an exemplary power electronics board of the smart switch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The following clearly describes the technical solutions in the embodiments ofthe present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Apparently, the described embodiments are merely a part rather than all ofthe embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by a person ofordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0039] The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, as a process, an apparatus, a system, a composition of matter, a computer readable medium such as a computer readable storage medium or a computer network wherein program instructions are sent over optical or electronic communication links. In this specification, these implementations, or any other form that the invention may take, may be referred to as techniques. In general, the order of the steps of disclosed processes may be altered within the scope of the invention.

[0040] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.

[0041] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a standard modular switches 100.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1 , standard modular tik-tok switches adapted to be installed on a conventional switchboard 102. As illustrated in FIG. 1 two modular tik-tok switches 104 are installed in which either two loads may be turned on/off and there can be hum-free fan speed regulator touch switches to control one fan in the space of two tik-tok modular switches. Conventional modular switches often do not make efficient use of space because they are typically sized to fit two modular tik-tok switches in which either only two loads could be turned on/off or only hum-free fan speed regulators can fit electronically at a time.

[0044] The present disclosure relates, in general, relates to electrical distribution systems, and more specifically, relates to space-efficient smart switches for home automation and non-automation systems. The present disclosure relates to a single modular switch, which takes the size of two tik-tok switches in which, the user can control one load on/off and the second load as a capacitive hum-free four-speed fan speed regulator using touch input. This addresses the limitations of space constraints of two modular tik-tok switches in which either only two loads could be turned on/off or only hum-free fan speed regulators can fit electronically at a time. The apparatus of the present disclosure can have two or more buttons for activation and deactivation of a load and have a hum-free fan speed regulator in the space of only two modular tik-tok switches, which would have used space of four modular tik-tok switches earlier. The smart switch can be operated in automated and non-automated mode. The present disclosure can be described in enabling detail in the following examples, which may represent more than one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary representation of apparatus for distributing supply of power to one or more loads, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 2A, apparatus 200 of the present disclosure make efficient use of space by allowing a single smart switch 204 to control corresponding one or more loads. The apparatus 200 can include a switchboard 202 and one or more smart switch 204 (also referred to as smart switch 204) adapted to be installed on the switchboard 202. At least one smart switch 204 of the one or more smart switches 204 having two or more buttons (206-1 to 206-4) to control corresponding coupled one or more loads, where the one or more loads may include electrical and/or electronic appliances. A frame member of the switchboard 202 and the smart switch 204 disposed therein complete the enclosure. The apparatus 200 mentioned in the present disclosure can be implemented to the existing electrical wall switchboards that can control the supply of electricity to connected peripheral electrical appliances through a combination of electrical wiring.

[0047] The frame member of the switchboard 202 comprising an opening being configured to define a modular space installed in a wall structure. The frame member along with the one or more smart switches 204 is configured to complete the electrical enclosure when one or more smart switches 204 are properly installed within the opening of the frame member. The frame member may be used to prevent individuals from being shocked or electrocuted by concealing all electrical wiring under the frame member within the wall structure.

[0048] The one or more smart switches 204 associated with corresponding one or more loads, the one or more smart switches 204 configured to be inserted into the opening of the frame member and configured to electrically couple with corresponding connectors/wires. The one or more loads can include a light source, fan regulator and the likes.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one smart switch 204 can include two or more buttons (206- 1 to 206-4) to control supply power to the corresponding coupled one or more loads. The two or more buttons as presented in the example can be four buttons for controlling one individual non-dimmable load and four step fan speed. At least one smart switch 204 having two or more buttons (206-1 to 206-4) is sized and configured to be accommodated in at least one opening of the frame member, at least one opening defining the space of two standard modular switches, where the two standard modular switches can be two tik-tok modular switches. In an embodiment, the two or more buttons 206-1 can be on/off buttons to activate/deactivate a corresponding coupled one or more loads, where the one or more loads is a light source 222-1 and any combination thereof. The two or more buttons (206-2 to 206-4) is a hum-free speed regulator that operates to regulate the supply power to the corresponding coupled one or more loads, where one or more loads is a fan 222- 2 (as illustrated and described in FIG. 2E).

[0050] For example, in residential buildings, the user can connect more than one electrical appliance by adding one or more smart switches, where the connection can be made between the appliance output wire and the electrical contacts on the switchboard. The apparatus 100 make efficient use of space by allowing a single smart switch to control corresponding one or more loads. If the user wants to control the speed of the fan or wants to turn on/off the switch through wireless mode, manually or by any suitable means, the processor may receive, the input pertaining to parameters of power to be supplied to the associated appliances, the processor can further operate the regulator to supply power to the corresponding coupled load according to the received parameters.

[0051] The operating parameters of smart switch is provided in table 1 below.

Table. 1: Operating parameters of smart switch

[0052] The embodiments of the present disclosure described above provide several advantages. The smart switch 204 makes efficient use of space on the switchboard 202. The present disclosure provides the apparatus 100 that makes efficient use of space by accommodating a single smart switch in the space of two modular tik-tok switches to activate/deactivate first load and a second load as a capacitive 4- speed fan speed regulator. The apparatus 100 can be mounted easily and enables protection circuits to prevent the internal circuit and corresponding loads from damage caused due to electrical surges and spikes that are internally generated.The apparatus 100 reduces the required circuit size and protects the microcontroller from surges and spikes.

[0053] The present disclosure provides the apparatus 100, which can be easily plugged in the switchboard and removed just like any other regular switch makes installation extremely simple. The apparatus 100 can be controlled programmatically using wireless communications and can be controlled manually using the switch. The apparatus 100 can be repaired easily and can be cost-effective. The installation of the apparatus is extremely simple and less time consuming and can be done by any local electrician having no special knowledge of the system and without any civil work.

[0054] FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary representation of a single smart switch installed on a switchboard, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The single smart switch 204 adapted to be installed on the switchboard 204. At least one smart switch 204 having two or more buttons (206-1 to 206-4) is sized and configured to be accommodated in at least one opening defining the space of two standard modular switches. In an exemplary embodiment, the two or more buttons (206-1 to 206-4) can be four touch buttons for controlling one individual non-dimmable load and 4 step fan speed regulator.

[0055] FIG. 2C illustrates a schematic view of the single smart switch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The front and side views of the smart switch is depicted in FIG. 2C.

[0056] FIG. 2D illustrates an exemplary functional component of the smart switch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] As illustrated in FIG. 2D, the functional component of the smart switch 204 can include a touch input unit 208, processor/motherboard 210, power supply module 212 and power electronics module 214. The touch input unit 208 may include an input received when the user presses a button provided on the smart switch 204 to operate the electronic/electrical appliances, or through a user interface of a user device, to operate the electronic/electrical appliance from a remote location. The smart switch 204 is adapted to control one or more electronic or electrical appliances using the button provided on the smart switch or through a command provided from the remote location.

[0058] The touch input unit 208 is operatively coupled to the processor 210. The processor/motherboard 210 operatively coupled with the one or more smart switches, the processor 210 configured toreceive input signals pertaining to parameters of power to be supplied to the associated loadand operate to control the supply power to the corresponding coupled one or more loads according to the received parameters. The processor/ motherboard 210 may include a microcontroller, which has a program to receive the command and control the switches for controlling or regulating the loadsas requested by the user from the touch input unit, mobile application or any other input source.

[0059] The power supply module 212 is operatively coupled to the processor/motherboard 210 and does the function of converting universal input voltage to output voltage to be used by the other boards. The power electronics module 214 is required to control associated loads connected to it based onthe input signal from the processor 210.

[0060] FIG. 2E illustrates an exemplary power electronics board of the smart switch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] As depicted in FIG. 2E, the power electronics board 214 of the single smart switch 204 can include one or more zero crossing triac drivers (216-1 to 216-4), one or more triacs (218-1 to 218-4), capacitors (220-1, 220-2) and other internal circuits. The power electronics board 214 is required to control associated loads (222-1, 222-2) connected to it based on the input signal from the processor 210.

[0062] The one or more zero crossing triac drivers (216-1 to 216-4) configured to protect the one or more triacs (218-1 to 218-4), capacitors (220-1, 220-2) and corresponding coupled one or more loads (222-1, 222-2) from damage. The one or more zero crossing triac drivers (216- 1 to 216-4) can include first zero crossing triac driver 216-1, second zero crossing triac driver 216-2, third zero crossing triac driver 216-3 and fourth zero crossing triac driver 216-4. The first zero crossing driver 216-1 coupled to first triac 218-1 to activate or deactivate the light source on receipt of the input signal.

[0063] The second zero crossing triac driver 216-2, third zero crossing triac driver 216-3 and fourth zero crossing triac driver 216-4 coupled to corresponding triacs (218-2, 218-3, 218-4) to switch two capacitors (220-1, 220-2) in different combinations to provide four step hum- free speed regulation.

[0064] For example, the apparatus 200 can include three triacs (218-2, 218-3, 218-4) with zero crossing to switch two capacitors in different combinations to give four step hum-free speed regulation. Additionally, one triac with zero-crossing is used to tumload i.e., light on/off. As triacs is used instead of mechanical relays the size needed for combination of the capacitors and triacs used to switch the capacitors on/off in different combinations is reduced. [0065] However, the triacs can get damaged due to a sudden rise of the current, called surge current, when the capacitors charge/discharge during each alternating current (AC) wave cycle. Hence to overcome this, zero crossing triac drivers (also referred to as protection circuit)have been used to protect the triacs, capacitors as well as a fan from damage as it lets the triacs trigger on only during zero-crossing of the AC wave. Since the capacitors are leading phase-shifting passive electronic components, it is essential that they are triggered only during the current zero-crossing which is done by the zero-crossing triac drivers. This is coupled by a series wire-wound resistor which restricts the rate of rise of the current through the capacitors, thus protecting the capacitor from damage due to the rapid rise of the capacitor charging/discharging current.

[0066] Hence, protection circuits used to prevent damaging the triacs, capacitors as well as the fan, the single touch switch can control one load/circuit like light on/off and one fan 4- step hum-free speed regulator in the space of only two modular tiktok switches which would have used space of four modular tik-tok switches earlier.

[0067] In one implementation the user interface for communication with thesmart switch 204 to control the electronic appliance may beprovided by a variety of computing systems, such as a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a notebook, a workstation, a mainframe computer, a server, a network server, and the like. It will be understood that the at least one computing system may be accessed by multiple users through one or more user devices, or applications, providing the user interface residingon the user devices. Further example of, but are not limited to, a portable computer, a personal digital assistant, a handheld device, and a workstation. The computing systems are communicatively coupled to the smart switch.

[0068] In one implementation, the network may be a wireless network, a wired network or a combination thereof. The network can be implemented as one of the different types of networks, such as intranet, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), the internet, and the like. The network may either be a dedicated network or a shared network. The shared network represents an association of the different types of networks that use a variety of protocols, for example, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Transmission ControlProtocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), and the like, to communicate with one another. Further the network may include a variety of networkdevices, including routers, bridges, servers, computing devices, storage devices, and the like.

[0069] In one embodiment, the smart switches comprise a memory, a processor, an I/O interface, and an interconnection mechanism coupling the memory, the processor and the communications interface. The processor may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digitalsignal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the at least one processor is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory.

[0070] The I/O interface may include a variety of software and hardware interfaces, for example, a web interface, a graphical user interface, and the like. The I/O interface mayallow device to interact with a user directly or through the user devices. Further, the I/O interface may enable the device to communicate with other computing devices, such as web servers and external data servers (not shown). The I/O / user interface can facilitate multiple communications within a wide variety of networks and protocol types, including wired networks, for example, LAN, cable, etc., and wireless networks, such as WLAN, cellular, or satellite. The I/O interface may include one or more ports for connecting a number of devices to one another or to another server.

[0071] The memory may include any computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes. The memory 706 may include modules and data (not shown).

[0072] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the apparatus 100 of the disclosure may be provided using some or all of the mentioned features and components without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0073] The present disclosure provides a smart switch, which makes efficient use of space on the switchboard.

[0074] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that makes efficient use of space by accommodating a single smart switch in the space of two modular tik-tok switches to activate/deactivate first load and a second load as a capacitive 4- speed fan speed regulator.

[0075] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that can be mounted easily.

[0076] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that enables protection circuits to prevent internal circuits and corresponding loads from damage caused due to electrical surges and spikes that are internally generated.

[0077] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that reduces the required circuit size.

[0078] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that protects the microcontroller from surges and spikes.

[0079] The present disclosure provides an apparatus, which can be easily plugged in a switchboard and removed just like any other regular switch that makes installation extremely simple.

[0080] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that can be controlled programmatically using wireless communications and can be controlled manually using the switch.

[0081] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that can be repaired easily and can be cost-effective.

[0082] The present disclosure provides an apparatus whose installation is extremely simple and less time consuming and can be done by any local electrician having no special knowledge of the system and without any civil work.

Claims

We Claim:

1. An apparatus (200) for distributing supply of power to one or more loads, said apparatus comprising: a frame member of a switchboard (202) comprising an opening being configured to define a modular space; one or more smart switches (204) associated with corresponding one or more loads, said one or more smart switches configured to be inserted into the opening of said frame member and configured to electrically couple with corresponding connectors, wherein at least one smart switch of said one or more smart switches comprising: two or more buttons (206-1 to 206-4) operated to activate or deactivate a corresponding coupled one or more loads (222- 1 , 222-2) and to regulate the supply power to the corresponding coupled one or more loads, wherein said at least one smart switch having two or more buttons is sized and configured to be accommodated in at least one opening of the frame member, said at least one opening defining the space of two standard modular switches; and a processor (210) operatively coupled with the one or more smart switches, the processor configured to: receive input signals pertaining to parameters of power to be supplied to the associated load; and operate to control the supply power to the corresponding coupled one or more loads according to the received parameters.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said two or more buttons (206-1 to 206- 4) is an on/off button to activate and deactivate the one or more loads (222-1, 222-2), wherein the one or more loads is a light source and any combination thereof.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said two or more buttons (206-1 to 206- 4) is a hum-free speed regulator that is configured to regulate the supply power to the corresponding coupled one or more loads, where the one or more loads is a fan.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more smart switch (204) comprises a power supply module (212) configured to convert an input voltage to an output voltage usable by the processor (210) and a power electronics module (214).

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said power electronics module (214) comprises one or more zero crossing triac drivers (216-1 to 216-4), one or more triacs (218-1 to 218-4), capacitors (220-1, 220-2) and other internal circuits.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said one or more zero crossing triac drivers (216-1 to 216-4) configured to protect the one or more triacs (218-1 to 218-4), capacitors (220-1, 220-2) and corresponding coupled one or more loads (222-1, 222- 2) from damage.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein said one or more zero crossing triac drivers (216-1 to 216-4) comprises a first zero crossing triac driver, a second zero crossing triac driver, a third zero crossing triac driver and a fourth zero crossing triac driver.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said first zero crossing triac driver (216-1) coupled to first triac (218-1) to activate and deactivate the light source on receipt of the input signal.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second zero crossing triac driver, the third zero crossing triac driver and the fourth zero crossing triac driver coupled to corresponding triacs to switch two capacitors in different combinations to provide four step hum-free speed regulation.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said power electronics module (214) is configured to reduce the size of internal circuits.