Tamper-resistant, energy-harvesting switch assemblies
First Claim
1. An improved, energy-harvesting switch assembly including, as individual components thereof, a retainer clip having a generally rectangular frame, at least one rocker, a decorative face plate, a carrier, and an energy-harvesting switch module having energy bows, said energy-harvesting module generating an induced current pulse and transmitting a radio frequency signal packet in response to pressure on the rocker, which causes the energy bows to snap, wherein the improvement comprises:
- said at least one rocker has been modified so that it has at least one tab which extends from an upper edge and from a lower edge thereof;
said retainer clip has been modified so that it has recesses on upper and lower frame members, said recesses capturing said at least one tab on the upper edge and said at least one tab on the lower edge of said at least one rocker so that said at least one rocker cannot be removed from the assembly without removing the retainer clip; and
said carrier and said retainer clip have been modified so that when the individual components are assembled, the carrier and the retainer clip lock together in a manner that precludes non-destructive disassembly without use of a unique tool having strategically-spaced, multiple wedge-shaped release prongs, which slides into gaps between adjacent components of the assembly and unlatches at least a portion of the retainer clip from the carrier.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Tamper-resistant, longer-lasting energy-harvesting switch assemblies that can accommodate longer antennas required for operation in the 315 MHz radio frequency band are provided. In order to accommodate longer antenna that will not fit within the energy-harvesting module, the front major face of the back plate is equipped with a perimetric channel or trough into which a wire antenna can be installed. The problem of rocker wear in prior-art devices caused by abrasive action of the bows is rectified by a redesign of the rocker and the manufacture of a wear-resistant insert that snaps into place at the rear of the rocker. The potential theft problem associated with prior-art devices has been resolved by redesigning the back plate and the retainer clip that engages latches on the redesigned back plate. Non-destructive removal of the retainer clip can be effected only with a special tool.
90 Citations
19 Claims
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1. An improved, energy-harvesting switch assembly including, as individual components thereof, a retainer clip having a generally rectangular frame, at least one rocker, a decorative face plate, a carrier, and an energy-harvesting switch module having energy bows, said energy-harvesting module generating an induced current pulse and transmitting a radio frequency signal packet in response to pressure on the rocker, which causes the energy bows to snap, wherein the improvement comprises:
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said at least one rocker has been modified so that it has at least one tab which extends from an upper edge and from a lower edge thereof; said retainer clip has been modified so that it has recesses on upper and lower frame members, said recesses capturing said at least one tab on the upper edge and said at least one tab on the lower edge of said at least one rocker so that said at least one rocker cannot be removed from the assembly without removing the retainer clip; and said carrier and said retainer clip have been modified so that when the individual components are assembled, the carrier and the retainer clip lock together in a manner that precludes non-destructive disassembly without use of a unique tool having strategically-spaced, multiple wedge-shaped release prongs, which slides into gaps between adjacent components of the assembly and unlatches at least a portion of the retainer clip from the carrier. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. An energy-harvesting switch assembly comprising:
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a retainer clip having a generally rectangular frame; at least one rocker, positioned within said rectangular frame; a carrier having latches thereon which interlock with snap arms on said retainer clip; a decorative face plate secured to the assembly by the retainer clip; and an energy-harvesting switch module, which snaps into a recess within said carrier, said switch module having spaced-apart pivot pins to which said at least one rocker is pivotally attached, said switch module also having a pair of energy bows, said energy-harvesting switch module generating an induced current pulse and transmitting a radio frequency signal packet in response to pressure on said at least one rocker, which causes the energy bows to snap; wherein disassembly of said retainer clip from said carrier requires the use of a unique tool having two sets of spaced-apart wedge pairs, with the wedges of each wedge pair having a notch therebetween that fits over a latch on the carrier, thereby allowing the wedges to simultaneously raise both sides of a snap arm that has engaged the latch, said two sets of spaced-apart wedge pairs sliding into gaps between adjacent components of the assembly and unlatching said retainer clip from said carrier. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. An energy-harvesting switch assembly comprising:
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a retainer clip having a generally rectangular frame; at least one rocker, positioned within said rectangular frame; a carrier which interlocks with said retainer clip to hold the entire assembly together in such a manner that it cannot be non-destructively disassembled without use of a unique tool having strategically-spaced, multiple wedge-shaped release prongs, which slides into gaps between adjacent components of the assembly and unlatches the retainer clip from the carrier; a decorative face plate secured to the assembly by the retainer clip; and an energy-harvesting switch module, which snaps into a recess within said carrier, said switch module having spaced-apart pivot pins to which said at least one rocker is pivotally attached, said switch module also having a pair of energy bows, said energy-harvesting switch module generating an induced current pulse and transmitting a radio frequency signal packet in response to pressure on said at least one rocker, which causes the energy bows to snap. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification