Wall switch for wired and self-powered wireless controllers with recessed and flush mounting

• US 20080062013A1
• Filed: 03/12/2007
• Published: 03/13/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 03/10/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Bradbury Face, Glenn Rogers
• Original Assignee: Bradbury Face, Glenn Rogers
• Inventors: Rogers, Glenn, Face, Bradbury
• Application Number:
  US11/716,981
• Publication Number:
  US 20080062013A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 341/20
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2239/076 Key stroke generating power
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2300/03 Application domotique, e.g. for house automation, bus connected switches, sensors, loads or intelligent wiring
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 17/951 Measures for supplying operating voltage to the detector circuit
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 17/964 Piezoelectric touch switches
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 2017/9602 characterised by the type or shape of the sensing electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 2217/94089 Wireless transmission
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 90/20 Smart grids as enabling technology in buildings sector smart grids supporting the management or operation of end-user stationary applications in general, or like technologies with no associated climate change mitigation effect Y04S20/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 20/14 Protecting elements, switches, relays or circuit breakers

Abstract

A self-powered switching system using electromechanical generators generates power for activation of a latching relay. The electromechanical generators comprise electroactive elements that may be mechanically actuated to generate electrical power. The associated signal generation circuitry may be coupled to a transmitter or transceiver for sending and/or receiving RF signals to/from a receiver which actuates the latching relay. Power may be stored within the circuit using rechargeable batteries for powering or supplementing power to the transmitter or transceiver. The self-powered switches are included in multi-gang configurations for installation with one or more conventional wired switches. The single or multigang switches may be mounted on the wall surface. Alternately the single or multigang switch may be mounted in a flange or bracket and recessed into a hole in the wall to provide a narrower mounted profile.

Claims

1. A self powered switch initiation system comprising:

A first electromechanical generator having first and second ends;

said first electromechanical generator being adapted to produce an output voltage upon deformation of said electromechanical generator;

a base for retaining at least one end of said electromechanical generator;

said base further comprising retention means for retaining said first end, said second end or said first and second ends of said electromechanical generator;

a deflector for deforming said electromechanical generator;

said deflector being adapted to apply a mechanical force to said electromechanical generator;

a first radio-frequency (RF) transmitter electrically connected to said electromechanical generator, said radio-frequency generator comprising;

a rectifier having an input side and an output side, said input side of said rectifier being electrically connected to said electromechanical generator;

a voltage regulator having an input side and an output side, said input side of said voltage regulator being electrically connected to said out0put of said rectifier;

an encoder having a first input and an output side, said first input being electrically connected to said output side of said voltage regulator;

an output signal at said output side of said encoder being a binary coded voltage signal;

an RF generator having and input side and an output side, said input side of said RF generator being electrically connected to said output side of said encoder;

an antenna having an input side connected to said output side of said RF generator;

an output signal of said radio-frequency generator being a RF signal modulated by said binary coded voltage signal of said encoder;

said RF signal being transmitted by said antenna;

a pair of hinge pins mounted on said base;

a button for activating said deflector, said button comprising;

a button face, and four button walls extending perpendicularly from said button face;

a pair of button hinge holes in two opposing walls of said button, said button holes being pivotably attached to said button hinge pins;

whereby upon application of a force to said button face, said button pivots on said hinge pins and applies a force to said deflector;

a mounting plate for mounting said base to a mounting surface;

said mounting plate having a mounting plate face and four mounting plate walls extending perpendicularly from said mounting plate face;

said mounting plate face having an aperture therethrough, said aperture being of substantially the same dimensions as said button face and said aperture being adapted to allow said button to extend therethrough;

said mounting plate being adapted to receive and retain said base therein;

said mounting plate being adapted to being attached to a mounting surface with mounting hardware;

a first receiver for receiving said RF signal from said first radio-frequency transmitter;

said first receiver having an output side for generation a first receiver output signal; and

a relay having at least two positions for changing the operating state of an electrical appliance connected thereto;

said relay having an input side electrically connected to said output side of said first receiver;

wherein said relay changes from one position to another position in response to said first receiver output signal.