WO2026015159A1

WO2026015159A1 - Remote switch adapter assembly and associated methods of use

Info

Publication number: WO2026015159A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/042860
Authority: WO
Inventors: Samuel NASSAU; Armando MORA; James MCCLEAN; Hayden MATTERA; Reese MOUNT; Evan Owens
Original assignee: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Current assignee: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Priority date: 2024-07-12
Filing date: 2024-08-19
Publication date: 2026-01-15
Anticipated expiration: 2027-01-12

Abstract

A remote switch adapter includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is coupled to an electrical switch box comprising a switch and includes a front surface that faces away from the electrical switch box and an opposing rear surface. The second portion is moveably coupled to the front surface and includes at least one guide structured to extend from the front surface to the rear surface. At least one guide engager engages the at least one guide and is operatively coupled to a motor. Movement of the at least one guide engager in a first direction drives the second portion in a first linear direction to actuate the switch in a first switch direction. Movement of the at least one guide engager in a second direction drives the second portion in a second linear direction to actuate the switch in a second switch direction.

Description

REMOTE SWITCH ADAPTER ASSEMBLY AND ASSOCIATED METHODS OF USE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/670,420 filed July 12, 2024, which is incorporated by reference as if disclosed herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Sleek and personalizable household automation is part of an increasing trend in many countries as consumers seek to improve their quality of life with the support of technology. The modern lighting industry has seen successful development in the field of automation. For example, individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and others who physically cannot, or who may be inconvenienced by walking across a room just to turn on/off the light, may use remote controlled switches. However, this automated technology caters to a relatively small clientele demographic — those individuals who have the proper certification and competence, or the means to hire someone to replace electrical fixtures and/or rewire the existing electrical system within the walls of their home. In addition, renters, including college students living in dorms or on-campus apartments, are barred from widespread use of contemporary automatic light switches due to lease provisions that restrict or prohibit removal of electrical fixtures. The replacement of electrical fixtures, such as wall switches, often inhibits many individuals from utilizing contemporary automatic light switches due to their lack of knowledge when it comes to replacing electrical fixtures and the high cost of hiring an electrician.

[0003] These are just some of the problems that exist when converting an existing electrical fixture to and automated electrical fixture. Existing devices that aim to solve such problems are still too expensive, too difficult to install, too bulky, too complicated with too many components, and/or simply do not work as intended. This upends the aesthetic of a clean-looking house and still limits accessibility to such devices for financial and/or installation reasons.

SUMMARY

[0004] Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a remote switch adapter assembly. In some embodiments, the remote switch adapter includes a plate structured to couple to an electrical switch box. In some embodiments, the plate includes a front surface extending along a front surface plane and structured to face away from the electrical switch box and a rear surface structured to face toward the electrical switch box. In some embodiments, the plate further includes a switch opening structured to fit around an electrical switch such that at least a portion of the electrical switch extends through the opening and above the first surface plane, and at least one elongated opening structured to extend between the front surface and the rear surface. In some embodiments, the remote switch adapter assembly further includes a switch actuator structured to be moveably coupled to the front surface of the plate. In some embodiments, the switch actuator includes at least one rack member that is structured to traverse the at least one elongated opening. At least one pinion is located on proximate to the rear face of the plate and is structured to engage the at least one rack member. A motor is operatively coupled to the at least one pinion and is structured to rotate the at least one pinion in response to an input. The rotation of the at least one pinion in a first direction relative to the at least one rack member drives the second portion in a first linear direction relative the first portion to actuate the electrical switch in a first switch direction. The rotation of the at least one pinion in a second direction relative to the at least one rack member drives the second portion in a second linear direction to actuate the switch in a second switch direction. The second linear direction is opposite to the first linear direction.

[0005] In some embodiments, the motor of the remote switch adapter assembly is a servo motor that is positioned on the rear surface of the plate. In some embodiments, the switch actuator includes upper and lower finger grasps that are structured to enable manual operation of the switch actuator. In some embodiments, the remote switch adapter assembly further includes a transceiver that is electrically coupled to the motor and is programmed to receive the input from a wireless device and to transmit a control instruction to the motor based on the input. In some embodiments, the wireless device is at least one of a remote control unit or a smart phone. In further embodiments the remote switch adapter assembly further includes a portable power source that is positioned on the rear surface of the plate and is electrically coupled to the motor.

[0006] Additional aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a remote switch adapter assembly that includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion structured to couple to an electrical switch box comprising a switch. The first portion further includes a front surface structured to face away from the electrical switch box and a rear surface structured to face toward the electrical switch box. The first portion further defines an opening extending between the front surface and the rear surface and dimensioned to fit around the switch such that at least a portion of the electrical switch extends through the opening. The first portion further defines at least one elongated slot extending between the front surface and the rear surface. A second portion is structured to be moveably coupled to the front surface of the first portion. The second portion includes at least one guide member structured to be inserted through the at least one elongated slot so as to be positioned at the rear surface of the first portion and at least one guide member engager structured to engage the at least one guide member. The at least guide member engager is operatively coupled to a motor that is structured to drive the at least one guide member engager in response to an input. A movement of the at least one guide member engager in a first direction along the at least one guide member acts to drive the second portion in a first linear direction relative the first portion. The movement of the second portion in the first linear direction actuates the switch in a first switch direction. A movement of the at least one guide member engager in a second direction along the at least one guide member acts to drive the second portion in a second linear direction relative to the first portion. The movement of the second portion in the second linear direction actuates the switch in a second switch direction. The second linear direction is opposite to the first linear direction.

[0007] In some embodiments, the motor of the remote switch adapter assembly includes a servo motor that is positioned on the rear surface of the first portion. In some embodiments, the second portion includes upper and lower finger grasps that are structured to enable a manual operation of the second portion to actuate the switch. In some embodiment, the remote switch adapter assembly further includes a transceiver that is electrically coupled to the motor and programmed to receive the input from a wireless device and to transmit a control instruction to the motor based on the input. In some embodiment, the transceiver is structured to be at least partially positioned in the electrical switch box. In some embodiment, the wireless device includes at least one of a remote control unit or a smart phone. In some embodiment, the remote switch adapter assembly includes a portable power source that is positioned on the rear surface of the first portion and that is electrically coupled to the motor. In some embodiments, the portable power source includes a plurality of batteries. In some embodiments, the first portion is coupled to the electrical switch box using two fasteners structured to fit into the two fastening holes formed in the electrical switch box. In some embodiments, the motor is dimensioned to fit at least partially within the electrical switch box.

[0008] Additional aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a method of manufacturing a remote switch adapter assembly. In some embodiments, the method includes structuring a first portion to couple to an electrical switch box comprising a switch. The first portion is structured to include a front surface structured to face away from the electrical switch box and a rear surface structured to face toward the electrical switch box. The first portion is further structured to define an opening extending between the front surface and the rear surface and structured to fit around the switch such that at least a portion of the electrical switch extends through the opening, and at least one elongated slot extending between the front surface and the rear surface. In some embodiments, the method further includes structuring a second portion to be moveably coupled to the front surface of the first portion and to comprise at least one guide member that is structured to be inserted through the at least one elongated slot so as to be positioned at the rear surface of the first portion. In some embodiments, the method further includes structuring at least one guide member engager to engage the at least one guide member and to be operatively coupled to a motor, and to structure the motor to drive a movement of the at least one guide member engager in response to an input. In some embodiments, the movement of the at least one guide member engager in a first direction along the at least one guide member drives the second portion in a first linear direction relative the first portion. The movement of the second portion in the first linear direction actuates the switch in a first switch direction. In some embodiments, the movement of the at least one guide member engager in a second direction along the at least one guide member drives the second portion in a second linear direction relative to the first portion. The movement of the second portion in the second linear direction actuates the switch in a second switch direction, and the second linear direction is opposite to the first linear direction.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method further includes structuring the second portion to comprise upper and lower finger grasps that are structured to enable a manual operation of the second portion to actuate the switch. In some embodiments, the method further includes structuring a transceiver to be electrically coupled to the motor and programming the transceiver to receive the input from a wireless device and to transmit a control instruction to the motor based on the input. In some embodiments, the method further includes structuring the motor to fit at least partially within the electrical switch box.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The drawings show embodiments of the disclosed subject matter for the purpose of illustrating the invention. However, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein:

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of a remote switch adapter assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the remote switch adapter assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure with an electrical switch box and a wall schematically indicated;

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of a first portion of the remote switch adapter of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; [0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of a second portion of the remote switch adapter of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the second portion of the remote switch adapter of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates a rear view of an embodiment of the second portion of the remote switch adapter of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 7A illustrates a front perspective view of another embodiment of a remote switch adapter assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 7B illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the remote switch adapter assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure with an electrical switch box and a wall schematically indicated

[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of a first portion of the remote switch adapter of FIG. 7A according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of a second portion of the remote switch adapter of FIG. 7A according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 10 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a wireless device to be used to control the remote switch adapter assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a method of operating the remote switch adapter assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0023] FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a method of operating the remote switch adapter assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following discussion relates to various embodiments of a remote switch adapter assembly and methods of use and operation. It will be understood that the herein described versions are examples that embody certain inventive concepts as detailed herein. To that end, other variations and modifications will be readily apparent to those of sufficient skill. The terms “about” or “approximately” as may be used herein may refer to a range of 80%-125% of the claimed or disclosed value. [0025] Referring to FIGS. 1-9, the disclosed remote switch adapter assembly 100 may be configured for a toggle switch (FIGS. 1-6) or the disclosed remote switch adapter assembly 200 may be configured for a rocker switch (FIGS. 7A-9). Other embodiments of the remote switch adapter are envisioned that are configured to be used with sliding switches and/or rheostat switches and/or switches used to control appliances and/or other devices. In some embodiments, the remote switch adapter assembly 100, 200 include a plate or first portion 110, 210 that is structured to couple to an electrical box or electrical switch box 40 including an electrical switch 50. The electrical switch box 40 refers to the box that is directly coupled to a wall support (e.g., a wall stud) and positioned behind the wall 20 (e.g., the dry wall or plaster), and receives one or more electrical wires. In some embodiments, the electrical switch box 40 may be comprised of plastic or metal. The electrical switch 50 refers to the assembly including the toggle switch 52 or the rocker switch 62 that is connected to the electrical wires inside the electrical switch box 40 and is coupled to the electrical switch box. A cover plate may then be placed over the electrical switch box 40 with the electrical switch 50 and secured to the electrical switch box 40. The cover plate defines an opening such that the toggle switch 52 or the rocker switch 62 is exposed and accessible to a user.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first portion 110, 210 extends from a first or top end 111, 211 to a second or bottom end 113, 213 as shown in FIGS. 1-3, 7A and 8. The first portion 110, 210 further defines a forward facing surface 112, 212 or front surface and a rearward facing surface 114, 214 or rear surface. The forward facing surface 112 faces away from the electrical switch box 40 and towards a user and the rearward facing surface 114 faces towards the electrical switch box 40 and away from the user.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 7A-B, in some embodiments, a plurality of components are coupled to or otherwise supported by the rearward facing surface 114, 214 of the first portion 110, 210. In some embodiments, the plurality of components may include a motor 150, a printed circuit board (PCB) comprising a receiver/transmitter or transceiver 160, and a portable power source 170. In some embodiments, other components, such as, but not limited to, one or more processors, gear transfer systems, additional PCBs and/or speakers may be coupled to, or otherwise supported by the rearward facing surface 114, 214 of the first portion 110, 210. In some embodiments the remote switch adapter assembly 100, 200 further includes additional circuitry 165 (FIG. 11), such as, but not limited to, Blue Tooth, Wi-Fi, RF, optical, and ultrasonic circuitry. In some embodiment, the motor 150 comprises an electric motor. In some embodiments, the electric motor is a servo motor. In some embodiments, the portable power source 170 comprises an electric power source, such as one or more batteries. In some embodiments, at least some of the plurality of components are in electrical communication with each other. In some embodiments, the portable power source 170 is in electrical communication with, and provides an electrical current to the motor 150 and the transceiver 160. In some embodiments, the plurality of components further includes one or more sensors 180 and one or more illuminations or lights 190 (FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the one or more sensors 180 may include a motion sensor and/or a light sensor. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors 180 and illuminations 190 (FIG. 3) are electrically coupled to the portable power source 170.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 7A in some embodiments, the first portion 110, 210 may define a switch opening 116, 216 that is structured to surround the switch 52, 62, and one or more elongated slots or elongated openings 118, 218. In some embodiments, the switch opening 116, 216 and the one or more elongated openings 118, 218 extend from the forward facing surface 112, 212 to the rearward facing surface 114, 214 of the first portion 110, 210. In some embodiments, the first portion 110, 210 includes one or more fastener openings 119, 219 structured to accept a fastener 19 to couple the first portion 110, 210 to the electrical switch box 40. In some embodiments, the one or more fastener openings 119, 219 correspond to preformed fastener openings in the electrical switch box 40.

[0029] In some embodiments, the remote switch adapter assembly 100, 200 further includes a switch actuator or second portion 130, 230 shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4-7B and 9, that is structured to be moveably coupled to the forward facing surface 112, 212 of the first portion 110, 210. In some embodiments, the second portion 130, 230 includes a forward facing or front surface 132, 232 and an opposing rearward facing or rear surface 134, 234. The rearward facing surface 134, 234 of the second portion 130, 230 includes one or more guides, guide members or rack members 136, 236. In some embodiments, the second portion 130 defines a second portion switch opening 138 that is structured to at least partially surround the switch, for example the toggle switch 52. In some embodiments, the second portion 130, 230 includes one or more finger grasps 137, 237. In some embodiments, the one or more finger grasps and the second portion 130, 230 are formed as a single, unitary component. In some embodiments, the one or more finger grasps 137, 237 are separate components that are coupled to the second portion 130, 230.

[0030] The one or more guide members 136, 236 are structured to be inserted through the one or more elongated openings 118, 218 so that the one or more guide members 136, 236 are positioned proximate to the rearward facing surface 114, 214 of the first portion 110, 210. The one or more guide members 136, 236 may comprise a plurality of surface features 135, 235 that are structured to facilitate engagement with at least one guide member engager 152 or rack member engager. While not shown, the embodiment of the remote switch adapter assembly 200 shown in FIGS. 7 A and 7B also include at least one guide member engager that may be similar to the at least one guide member engager 152 of other embodiments described below. In some embodiments, the second portion 130 includes one or more fastener openings 139 that traverse the second portion 130 and align with the one or more fastener openings 119 of the first portion 110.

[0031] In some embodiments, the at least one guide member engager 152 is operatively coupled to the motor 150 such that operation of the motor 150 is configured to drive a movement of the at least one guide member engager 152. In some embodiments, the motor 150 drives a rotation of the at least one guide member engager 152. In some embodiments, the at least one guide member engager 152 comprises a body 154 with a plurality of surface features 155 positioned around an outer edge of the body 154. In some embodiments, the plurality of surface features 155 are complementary to the plurality of surface features 135, 235 of the one or more guide members 136, 236. In some embodiments, the plurality of surface features 135, 155, 235 are alternating recesses and protrusions, such as teeth. In some embodiments, the plurality of surface features 135, 235 are formed as part of the one or more guide members 136, 236. In some embodiments, the plurality of surface features 155 are formed as part of the body 154. In some embodiments, the one or more guide member engager 152 comprises a gear wheel or a pinion.

[0032] In some embodiments, the remote switch adapter assembly 100, 200 may include two guide member engagers 152a, 152b (FIG. 6) that each engage a guide member 136a, 136b (FIG. 6). In this embodiment, only one of the two guide member engagers 152a (FIG. 6) is driven along a first guide member 136a (FIG. 6) by the motor 150 which causes the other guide member engager 152b (FIG. 6) to ride along a second guide member 136b (FIG. 6).

[0033] Exemplary methods of installation and operation 400 of the remote switch adapter assembly 100, 200 will now be described. In order to install the remote switch adapter assembly 100, 200, the cover plate of the electrical switch box 40 must be removed by removing the fasteners 19 that couple the cover plate to the electrical switch box 40. In most embodiments, the fasteners 19 are screws. The fasteners 19 may then be used to couple the remote switch adapter assembly 100, 200 to the electrical switch box 40 through the one or more fastener openings 119, 219 in the first portion 110, 210 (and the one or more fastener openings 139 of the second portion 130). It should be understood that that electrical switch 50 remains in the electrical switch box 40 and is not removed during installation of the remote switch adapter assembly 100, 200. Accordingly, the user or installer does not disconnect or connect any wires during the installation process. The plurality of components 150, 160, 165, 170 coupled to the first portion 110, 210 or otherwise supported on the rearward facing surface 114, 214 of the first portion 110, 210 are positioned such that they are at least partially inserted into the electrical switch box 40 during installation and do not interfere with components of the electrical switch 50. In some embodiments, the at least one guide member 136, 236 and the at least one guide member engager 152 are also at least partially positioned in the electrical switch box 40 upon installation of the remote switch adapter assembly 100, 200.

[0034] As can be seen, one of the benefits of the disclosed embodiments of the remote switch adapter assembly 100, 200 is that it is very easy to install and does not require the installer to connect or disconnect any electrical wires. Another benefit of the disclosed embodiments of the remote switch adapter assembly 100, 200 is that it comprises very few moving parts, which reduces manufacturing costs and improves the reliability and longevity of the remote switch adapter assembly 100, 200.

[0035] Once the remote switch adapter assembly 100, 200 is coupled to the electrical switch box 40, a portion of the switch 52, 62, protrudes through the switch opening 116, 216 of the first portion 110, 210. In some embodiments, the portion of the switch 52 also protrudes through the switch opening 138 of the second portion 130. In some embodiments, the user may actuate the switch 52, 62 manually by grasping the one or more finger grasps 137, 237 and translating the second portion 130, 230 relative to the first portion 110, 210 along the switching axis SA (FIGS. 1 and 7A-B). As the second portion 130, 230 is translated relative to the first portion 110, 210, the second portion 130, 230 contacts and actuates the switch along the direction of translation. In this manner, the switch 52, 62 may be actuated into the “on” or “off’ position.

[0036] Alternatively, the remote switch adapter assembly 100, 200 enables a remote operation of the switch as will now be described. In some embodiments, the remote operation of the remote switch adapter assembly 100, 200 may be accomplished using a wireless device 300 (FIG. 10), such as a remote-control unit. In some embodiments, the wireless device 300 includes a housing 302 that is structured to surround a plurality of components, such as, but not limited to, a transmitter and a portable power source that generates an electrical current. In some embodiments, the portable power source comprises a source of electrical power that provides electrical power to at least some of the plurality of components within the housing 302. In some embodiments, the portable power source includes one or more batteries. In some embodiments, the wireless device 300 also includes a user interface 304 where the user may provide an input. In some embodiments, the user interface includes a touch screen and/or one or more buttons. In some embodiments, the housing 302 defines an opening 306 that traverses the housing 302. In some embodiments, a lanyard may be coupled to the housing 302 through the opening 306 so that the wireless device 300 may be worn around the user’s neck or another body part.

[0037] In some embodiments, the wireless device 300 is structured to control the remote switch adapter assembly 100, 200 from up to 100 feet away. In some embodiments, the wireless device 300 is structured to control the remote switch adapter assembly 100, 200 from up to 500 feet away. In some embodiments, the wireless device 300 is structured to control the remote switch adapter assembly 100, 200 from up to 1,000 feet away. In some embodiments, the wireless device 300 is structured to control the remote switch adapter assembly 100, 200 from up to 2,000 feet away. In some embodiments, the wireless device unit may be a smart phone that enables control of the remote switch adapter assembly 100, 200 using an application over Blue Tooth or Wi-Fi.

[0038] A method 400 of operation will now be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. At 402, the user provides the input via the wireless device 300. At 404, a signal is generated in response to the input and is transmitted by the transmitter of the wireless device 300 to the transceiver 160 of the remote switch adapter assembly 100, 200. At 406, the signal is received by the transceiver 160, which in turn transmits a control signal to the motor 150 based on the signal received from the wireless device unit 300. The control signal prompts the motor to operate to drive a movement of the at least one guide member engager 152. At 408, the movement of the at least one guide member engager 152 acts to drive a movement the second portion 130 along the switch axis SA due to the interaction between the at least one guide member engager 152 and the at least one guide member 136. At 410, as the second portion 130 moves along the switching axis SA, a portion of the second portion 130 contacts and actuates the switch 52, 62.

[0039] In some embodiments, the input causes the second portion to move along the switching axis SA in a first direction to actuate the switch 52, 62 in a first switching direction. When the user provides another input, the result is that the second portion 130 is driven in a second direction along the switching axis to contact and actuate the switch 52, 62 in a second switching direction. In some embodiments, the second direction is opposite the first direction. In an example, the first direction represents a movement of the second portion 130 along the switching axis SA from an area at or near the bottom end 113 of the first portion 110 to an area at or near the top end 111 of the first portion 110. In an example, the second direction represents a movement of the second portion 130 along the switching axis SA from an area at or near the top end 111 of the first portion 110 to an area at or near the bottom end 113 of the first portion 110. In an embodiment, the movement of the second portion 130 in the first direction relative to the first portion 110 actuates the switch 52, 62 into the “on” position. In an embodiment, the movement of the second portion 130 in the second direction relative to the first portion 110 actuates the switch 52, 62 into the “off’ position.

[0040] In some embodiments, the wireless device 300 includes one or more programming functions for scheduling the remote switch adapter assembly 100, 200 to actuate the switch 52, 62 into the “on” and/or “off’ position at certain times of day or in response to the level of light detected by the one or more sensors 180. In some embodiments, the one or more programming functions include a motion detection setting that schedules the remote switch adapter assembly 100, 200 to actuate the switch 52, 62 into the “on” position in response to a motion detected by the one or more sensors 180.

[0041] The parts, components, and structural elements of the remote switch adapter assembly and associated methods of use can be combined into an integral or unitary, one-piece object through welding, soldering, plastic molding other methods, or such parts, components, and structural elements can be distinct, removable items that are attachable to each other through screws, bolts, pins and other suitable fasteners.

[0042] In the foregoing description, certain components or elements may have been described as being configured to mate with each other. For example, an embodiment may be described as a first element (functioning as a male) configured to be inserted into a second element (functioning as a female). It should be appreciated that an alternate embodiment includes the first element (functioning as a female) configured to receive the second element (functioning as a male). In either such embodiment, the first and second elements are configured to mate with, fit with or otherwise interlock with each other.

[0043] Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and various other changes, omissions and additions may be made therein and thereto, without parting from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A remote switch adapter assembly comprising: a plate configured to couple to an electrical switch box, the plate comprising: a front surface extending along a front surface plane and structured to face away from the electrical switch box; a rear surface structured to face toward the electrical switch box; a switch opening structured to fit around an electrical switch such that at least a portion of the electrical switch extends through the opening and above the first surface plane; and at least one elongated opening configured to extend between the front surface and the rear surface; a switch actuator structured to be moveably coupled to the front surface of the plate, the switch actuator comprising at least one rack member that is structured to traverse the at least one elongated opening; at least one pinion located on proximate to the rear face of the plate, wherein the at least one pinion is structured to engage the at least one rack member; a motor operatively coupled to the at least one pinion and configured to rotate the at least one pinion in response to an input, wherein the rotation of the at least one pinion in a first direction relative to the at least one rack member drives the second portion in a first linear direction relative the first portion to actuate the electrical switch in a first switch direction, wherein the rotation of the at least one pinion in a second direction relative to the at least one rack member drives the second portion in a second linear direction to actuate the switch in a second switch direction, and wherein the second linear direction is opposite to the first linear direction.

2. The remote switch adapter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the motor comprises a servo motor positioned on the rear surface of the plate.

3. The remote switch adapter assembly of claim 1, wherein the switch actuator comprises upper and lower finger grasps structured to enable manual operation of the switch actuator.

4. The remote switch adapter assembly of claim 1, further comprising a transceiver electrically coupled to the motor and programmed to receive the input from a wireless device and transmit a control instruction to the motor based on the input.

5. The remote switch adapter assembly of claim 4, wherein the wireless device comprises at least one of a remote control unit and a smart phone.

6. The remote switch adapter assembly of claim 1, further comprising a portable power source positioned on the rear surface of the plate and electrically coupled to the motor.

7. A remote switch adapter assembly comprising: a first portion configured to couple to an electrical switch box comprising a switch, the first portion comprising a front surface structured to face away from the electrical switch box and a rear surface structured to face toward the electrical switch box, the first portion defining: an opening extending between the front surface and the rear surface and dimensioned to fit around the switch such that at least a portion of the electrical switch extends through the opening; and at least one elongated slot extending between the front surface and the rear surface; a second portion structured to be moveably coupled to the front surface of the first portion, the second portion comprising at least one guide member structured to be inserted through the at least one elongated slot so as to be positioned at the rear surface of the first portion; and at least one guide member engager structured to engage the at least one guide member and to be operatively coupled to a motor that is structured to drive the at least one guide member engager in response to an input, wherein a movement of the at least one guide member engager in a first direction along the at least one guide member drives the second portion in a first linear direction relative the first portion, wherein the movement of the second portion in the first linear direction actuates the switch in a first switch direction, wherein a movement of the at least one guide member engager in a second direction along the at least one guide member drives the second portion in a second linear direction relative to the first portion, wherein the movement of the second portion in the second linear direction actuates the switch in a second switch direction, and wherein the second linear direction is opposite to the first linear direction.

8. The remote switch adapter assembly according to claim 7, wherein the motor comprises a servo motor positioned on the rear surface of the first portion.

9. The remote switch adapter assembly of claim 7, wherein the second portion comprises upper and lower finger grasps structured to enable manual operation of the second portion to actuate the switch.

10. The remote switch adapter assembly of claim 7, further comprising a transceiver electrically coupled to the motor and programmed to receive the input from a wireless device and transmit a control instruction to the motor based on the input.

11. The remote switch adapter assembly of claim 10, wherein the transceiver is structured to be at least partially positioned in the electrical switch box.

12. The remote switch adapter assembly of claim 10, wherein the wireless device comprises at least one of a remote control unit and a smart phone.

13. The remote switch adapter assembly of claim 7, further comprising a portable power source positioned on the rear surface of the first portion and electrically coupled to the motor.

14. The remote switch adapter assembly of claim 13, wherein the portable power source comprises a plurality of batteries.

15. The remote switch adapter assembly of claim 7, wherein the first portion is coupled to the electrical switch box using two fasteners configured to fit into two fastening holes formed in the electrical switch box.

16. The remote switch adapter assembly of claim 7, wherein the motor is dimensioned to fit at least partially within the electrical switch box.

17. A method of manufacturing a remote switch adapter assembly, the method comprising: structuring a first portion to couple to an electrical switch box comprising a switch and to comprise; a front surface structured to face away from the electrical switch box and a rear surface structured to face toward the electrical switch box; an opening extending between the front surface and the rear surface and structured to fit around the switch such that at least a portion of the electrical switch extends through the opening; and at least one elongated slot extending between the front surface and the rear surface; structuring a second portion to be moveably coupled to the front surface of the first portion and to comprise at least one guide member structured to be inserted through the at least one elongated slot so as to be positioned at the rear surface of the first portion; structuring at least one guide member engager to engage the at least one guide member and to be operatively coupled to a motor; and structuring the motor to drive a movement of the at least one guide member engager in response to an input such that: the movement of the at least one guide member engager in a first direction along the at least one guide member drives the second portion in a first linear direction relative the first portion, the movement of the second portion in the first linear direction actuates the switch in a first switch direction, the movement of the at least one guide member engager in a second direction along the at least one guide member drives the second portion in a second linear direction relative to the first portion, the movement of the second portion in the second linear direction actuates the switch in a second switch direction, and the second linear direction is opposite to the first linear direction.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising structuring the second portion to comprise upper and lower finger grasps structured to enable a manual operation of the second portion to actuate the switch.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising structuring a transceiver to be electrically coupled to the motor and programming the transceiver to receive the input from a wireless device and transmit a control instruction to the motor based on the input.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising structuring the motor to fit at least partially within the electrical switch box.