Radio frequency powered switch

• US 20030016136A1
• Filed: 04/22/2002
• Published: 01/23/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 07/20/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Delta Systems Inc.
• Original Assignee: Delta Systems Inc.
• Inventors: Harvey, Arthur James
• Granted Patent: US 6,618,022 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/686.1
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2300/032 using RFID technology in switching devices
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 9/167 Circuits for remote indication
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/2225 used in active tags, i.e. provided with its own power source or in passive tags, i.e. deriving power from RF signal
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 17/94 characterised by the way in which the control signals are generated
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 17/97 using a magnetic movable element
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 2217/94089 Wireless transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 2217/958 involving transponders
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 2217/965 Switches controlled by moving an element forming part of the switch
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/19 via 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 contained radio frequency identification integrated circuit (RFIDIC) switch. The RFIDIC switch includes a switch housing, a radio frequency identification integrated circuit enclosed in the switch housing and an actuator extending into the switch housing. The RFIDIC is powered by a radio frequency carrier signal. The actuator is movable to a first position and to a second position. The radio frequency identification integrated circuit transmits a signal when said actuator is in one of the positions. Movement of the actuator to the other position alters said signal.

Claims

1. A self contained radio frequency identification integrated circuit switch, comprising:

a) a switch housing;

b) a radio frequency powered circuit enclosed in said switch housing; and

c) an actuator extending into said switch housing, said actuator being movable to a first position and to a second position such that said radio frequency powered circuit transmits a signal when said actuator is in one of said first and second positions and wherein movement of said actuator to the other of said first and second positions alters said signal.

2. The switch of claim 1 wherein said radio frequency powered circuit is a radio frequency identification integrated circuit.

3. The switch of claim 1 wherein said actuator alters an electrical connection between an antenna and said radio frequency powered circuit to alter said signal.

4. The switch of claim 1 wherein said actuator shorts an antenna of said radio frequency powered circuit in one of said first position and said second position to alter said signal.

5. The switch of claim 1 wherein said actuator is in communication with a detuning lead of said radio frequency powered circuit and movement of said actuator to one of said first position and said second position prevents said radio frequency powered circuit from detuning an antenna of said radio frequency powered circuit to alter said signal.

6. The switch of claim 1 wherein movement of said actuator to one of said first position and said second position causes a short across an antenna of said radio frequency powered circuit to alter said signal.

7. The switch of claim 1 wherein movement of said actuator to one of said first position and said second position opens a lead from an antenna to said radio frequency powered circuit to alter said signal.

8. The switch of claim 1 wherein movement of said actuator to one of said first position and said second position causes said radio frequency powered circuit to transmit a second signal.

9. The switch of claim 1 wherein movement of said actuator to one of said first position and said second position shields an antenna of said radio frequency powered circuit to alter said signal.

10. The switch of claim 1 further comprising a resilient dome shaped conductive contact, and first and second conductive elements mounted in said switch housing, said first and second conductive elements being electrically connected to said radio frequency powered circuit, movement of said actuator to one of said first position and said second position causes said dome shaped conductive contact to contact said first and second conductive elements to alter said signal.

11. The switch of claim 1 further comprising a magnet connected to said actuator and a reed switch mounted in said switch housing and coupled to said radio frequency powered circuit, movement of said actuator to one of said first position and said second position alters a magnetic field sensed by said reed switch to change said reed switch to an open state or a closed state to alter said signal.

12. The switch of claim 1 further comprising a magnet and a reed switch mounted in said switch housing, said reed switch being coupled to said radio frequency powered circuit, movement of said actuator to one of said first position and said second position alters a magnetic field sensed by said reed switch to change said reed switch to an open state or a closed state to alter said signal.

13. The switch of claim 1 further comprising a magnet connected to said actuator and a hall sensor mounted in said switch housing and coupled to said radio frequency powered circuit, movement of said actuator to one of said first position and said second position alters a magnetic field sensed by said hall sensor to alter an output from said hall sensor to said radio frequency powered circuit to alter said signal.

14. The switch of claim 1 further comprising a magnet and a hall sensor mounted in said switch housing, said hall sensor being coupled to said radio frequency powered circuit, movement of said actuator to one of said first position and said second position alters a magnetic field sensed by said hall sensor to alter an output from said hall sensor to said radio frequency powered circuit to alter said signal.

15. The switch of claim 1 further comprising a contact coupled to said actuator and a conductive element in said switch housing that is electrically connected to said radio frequency powered circuit, movement of said actuator to one of said first position and said second position brings said contact into engagement with said conductive element to alter said signal.

16. The switch of claim 1 further comprising a wiper contact coupled to said actuator and first and second conductive elements in said switch housing that are electrically connected to said radio frequency powered circuit, movement of said actuator to one of said first position and said second position brings said wiper contact into engagement with said conductive elements to alter said signal.

17. The switch of claim 1 further comprising a point contact coupled to said actuator and a conductive element in said switch housing that is electrically connected to said radio frequency powered circuit, movement of said actuator to one of said first position and said second position brings said point contact into engagement with said conductive element to alter said signal.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein said radio frequency powered circuit is a radio frequency identification integrated circuit.

20. The method of claim 18 wherein said signal is altered by altering an electrical connection between an antenna and said radio frequency powered circuit.

21. The method of claim 18 wherein said signal is altered by shorting an antenna of said radio frequency powered circuit.

22. The method of claim 18 wherein said signal is altered by preventing said radio powered circuit from detuning an antenna of said radio frequency powered circuit.

23. The method of claim 18 wherein said signal is altered by opening a lead from an antenna to said radio frequency powered circuit.

24. The method of claim 18 wherein moving of said actuator to one of said first position and said second position causes said radio frequency powered circuit to transmit a second signal.

25. The method of claim 18 wherein said signal is altered by shielding an antenna of said radio frequency powered circuit.

26. The method of claim 18 further comprising enclosing a resilient dome shaped conductive contact, and first and second conductive elements in said switch housing, and electrically connecting said first and second conductive elements to said radio powered circuit, said resilient dome shaped contact being positioned such that moving said actuator to one of said first position and said second position causes said dome shaped conductive contact to contact said first and second conductive elements to alter said signal.

27. The method of claim 18 further comprising moving said actuator to one of said first position and said second position to alter a magnetic field sensed by a reed switch mounted in said switch housing to change said reed switch to an open state or a closed state to alter said signal.

28. The method of claim 18 further comprising moving said actuator to one of said first position and said second position to alter a magnetic field sensed by a hall sensor mounted in said switch housing to alter an output from said hall sensor to said radio frequency powered circuit to alter said signal.

29. The method of claim 18 further comprising coupling a contact to said actuator, mounting a conductive element in said switch housing, and electrically connecting said conductive element to said radio frequency powered circuit, wherein moving said actuator to one of said first position and said second position brings said contact into engagement with said conductive element to alter said signal.

30. The method of claim 18 further comprising coupling a wiper contact to said actuator, mounting first and second conductive elements in said switch housing, and electrically connecting said conductive elements to said radio frequency powered circuit, wherein moving said actuator to one of said first position and said second position brings said wiper contact into engagement with said conductive elements to alter said signal.

31. The method of claim 18 further comprising coupling a point contact to said actuator, mounting a conductive element in said switch housing, and electrically connecting said conductive element to said radio frequency powered circuit, wherein moving said actuator to one of said first position and said second position brings said point contact into engagement with said conductive element to alter said signal.

18. A method of transmitting a signal that indicates a position of an actuator of a radio frequency powered switch, comprising:

a) enclosing a radio frequency powered circuit in a housing of a switch having an actuator that is movable to a first position and to a second position;

b) moving said actuator to one of said first position and said second position,

c) transmitting a signal with said radio frequency powered circuit;

d) moving said actuator to the other of said first position and said second position to alter said signal.

32. A radio frequency identification control system, comprising:

a) an oscillator for producing a radio frequency carrier signal;

b) a self contained radio frequency identification integrated circuit switch that receives and is powered by said carrier signal, said switch includes;

i) a switch housing;

ii) a radio frequency identification integrated circuit enclosed in said switch housing;

iii) an actuator extending into said switch housing, said actuator being movable to a first position and to a second position such that said radio frequency identification integrated circuit transmits a data signal when said actuator is in one of said first and second positions and wherein movement of said actuator to the other of said first and second positions alters said data signal; and

c) a data signal detection circuit that detects said data signal transmitted by said radio frequency identification integrated circuit and provides an output that is indicative of the position said switch actuator.

33. The control system of claim 32 wherein said actuator alters an electrical connection between an antenna and said radio frequency identification integrated circuit in one of said first position and said second position to alter said data signal.

34. The control system of claim 32 wherein movement of said actuator to one of said first position and said second position causes said radio frequency identification integrated circuit to transmit a second data signal.

35. The control system of claim 32 wherein movement of said actuator to one of said first position and said second position shields an antenna of said radio frequency identification integrated circuit to alter said data signal.

36. The control system of claim 32 further comprising a contact coupled to said actuator and a conductive element in said switch housing that is electrically connected to said radio frequency identification integrated circuit, movement of said actuator to one of said first position and said second position brings said contact into engagement with said conductive element to alter said data signal.

38. The method of claim 37 wherein said data signal is altered by altering an electrical connection between an antenna and said radio frequency identification integrated circuit.

39. The method of claim 37 wherein moving of said actuator to one of said first position and said second position causes said radio frequency identification integrated circuit to transmit a second data signal.

40. The method of claim 37 wherein said data signal is altered by shielding an antenna of said radio frequency identification integrated circuit.

41. The method of claim 37 further comprising coupling a contact to said actuator, mounting a conductive element in said switch housing, and electrically connecting said conductive element to said radio frequency identification integrated circuit, wherein moving said actuator to one of said first position and said second position brings said contact into engagement with said conductive element to alter said data signal.

37. A method of detecting the position of an actuator of a radio frequency identification integrated circuit switch, comprising:

a) producing a radio frequency carrier signal;

b) receiving said carrier signal to power a radio frequency identification integrated circuit that is enclosed in a switch housing having an actuator that is movable to a first position and to a second position;

c) moving said actuator to one of said first position and said second position,

d) transmitting a data signal with said radio frequency identification integrated circuit;

e) moving said actuator to the other of said first position and said second position to alter said data signal;

f) receiving said data signal with a data signal detection circuit; and

g) providing an indication of the position of said actuator with said data signal detection circuit.

42. A self contained radio frequency identification integrated circuit pushbutton switch, comprising:

a) a switch housing;

b) a switch actuator that extends through a wall of said switch housing, said switch actuator being movable to an extended position and to a depressed position;

c) a spring in communication with said actuator that biases said actuator to said extended position;

d) a printed circuit mounted in said switch housing;

e) first and second conductive surfaces on said printed circuit;

f) a radio frequency identification integrated circuit mounted to said printed circuit and electrically connected to said first and second conductive surfaces;

g) a contact coupled to said actuator that shorts said first and second conductive surfaces in one of said extended position and said depressed position to alter a signal transmitted by said radio frequency identification integrated circuit.

43. A self contained radio frequency identification integrated circuit switch, comprising:

a) a switch housing;

b) a switch actuator that extends through a wall of said switch housing, said switch actuator being movable to an extended position and to a depressed position;

c) a spring in communication with said actuator that biases said actuator to said extended position;

d) a printed circuit mounted in said switch housing;

e) a radio frequency identification integrated circuit mounted to said printed circuit, said radio frequency identification integrated circuit transmits a signal when said actuator is in one of said extended position and said depressed position and wherein movement of said actuator to the other of the extended position and the depressed position alters said signal.

44. The switch of claim 43 further comprising one or more conductive surfaces on said printed circuit board that are electrically connected to an antenna of said radio frequency identification integrated circuit and a contact coupled to said actuator, wherein said contact engages one or more of said conductive surfaces to alter said signal.

45. The switch of claim 43 further comprising a shield connected to said actuator, wherein movement of said actuator to one of said extended position and said depressed position shields an antenna of said radio frequency identification integrated circuit to alter said signal.

48. The switch of claim 47 further comprising one or more conductive surfaces on said printed circuit board that are electrically connected to an antenna of said radio frequency identification integrated circuit and a contact connected to said rotary actuator, wherein said contact engages one or more of said conductive surfaces to alter said signal.

49. The switch of claim 47 further comprising a shield coupled to actuator, wherein movement of said rotary actuator to one of said first position and said second position shields an antenna of said radio frequency identification integrated circuit to alter said signal.

50. The switch of claim 47 further comprising a contact coupled to said actuator and first and second conductive surfaces on said printed circuit electrically connected to said radio frequency identification integrated circuit, movement of said actuator to one of said first position and said second position brings said contact into engagement with said conductive surfaces to alter said signal.

51. The switch of claim 47 wherein said rotary actuator accepts a key and rotation of said key rotates said rotary actuator.

46. A self contained radio frequency identification integrated circuit slide switch, comprising:

a) a switch housing;

b) a switch actuator that extends through a face of said switch housing, said switch actuator being constrained by said switch housing such that said actuator is movable from a first position along a linear path to a second position;

c) a printed circuit mounted in said switch housing;

d) a radio frequency identification integrated circuit mounted to said printed circuit, said radio frequency identification integrated circuit transmits a signal when said actuator is in one of said first position and said second position and wherein movement of said actuator to the other of the first position and the second position alters said signal.

47. A self contained radio frequency identification integrated circuit rotary switch, comprising:

a) a switch housing;

b) a rotary actuator that extends into said switch housing and is rotatable from a first position to a second position;

c) a printed circuit mounted in said switch housing;

d) a radio frequency identification integrated circuit mounted to said printed circuit, said radio frequency identification integrated circuit transmits a signal when said rotary actuator is in one of said first position and said second position and wherein rotation of said rotary actuator to the other of the first position and the second position alters said signal.

52. A self contained radio frequency identification integrated circuit rotary switch, comprising:

a) a switch housing;

b) a rotary actuator that extends into said switch housing, said actuator being rotatable to a first position and to a second position;

c) a printed circuit mounted in said switch housing;

d) first and second conductive surfaces on said printed circuit;

e) a radio frequency identification integrated circuit mounted to said printed circuit and electrically connected to said first and second conductive surfaces; and

f) a contact coupled to said rotary actuator that shorts said first and second conductive surfaces when said actuator is in one of said first position and said second position to alter a signal transmitted by said radio frequency identification integrated circuit.

53. The switch of claim 52 wherein said rotary actuator includes an opening that accepts a key that is used to rotate said rotary actuator.

54. The switch of claim 52 further comprising a knob connected to said rotary actuator for rotating said rotary actuator.

55. A self contained radio frequency identification integrated circuit push/pull switch, comprising:

a) a switch housing;

b) a switch actuator that extends into a switch housing, said switch actuator being movable to an extended position and to a depressed position;

c) a printed circuit mounted in said switch housing;

d) first and second conductive surfaces on said printed circuit;

e) a radio frequency identification integrated circuit mounted to said printed circuit and electrically connected to said first and second conductive surfaces; and

f) a contact coupled to said actuator that shorts said first and second conductive surfaces in one of said extended position and said depressed position to alter a signal transmitted by said radio frequency identification integrated circuit.

56. The switch of claim 55 wherein said contact is a wiper contact.

58. The switch of claim 57 further comprising first and second conductive surfaces on said printed circuit board that are electrically connected to an antenna of said radio frequency identification integrated circuit and a contact coupled to said actuator, wherein said contact engages said first and second conductive surfaces to alter said signal.

59. The switch of claim 57 further comprising a shield connected to said actuator, wherein movement of said actuator to one of said extended position and said depressed position shields an antenna of said radio frequency identification integrated circuit to alter said signal.

57. A self contained radio frequency identification integrated circuit switch, comprising:

a) a switch housing;

b) a switch actuator that extends into switch housing, said switch actuator being movable to an extended position and to a depressed position;

c) a printed circuit mounted in said switch housing; and

d) a radio frequency identification integrated circuit mounted to said printed circuit, said radio frequency identification integrated circuit transmits a signal when said actuator is in one of said extended position and said depressed position and wherein movement of said actuator to the other of the extended position and the depressed position alters said signal.

60. A self contained radio frequency identification integrated circuit switch, comprising:

a) a switch housing;

b) an actuator pivotally connected to said switch housing such that said actuator can rotate to a first position and to a second position, said actuator including an elongated portion that extends into said housing;

c) a printed circuit mounted in said switch housing; and

d) a radio frequency identification integrated circuit mounted to said printed circuit, said radio frequency identification integrated circuit transmits a signal when said rocker actuator is in one of said first position and said second position and wherein movement of said actuator to the other of the first position and the second position alters said signal.

61. The switch of claim 60 wherein said actuator is a rocker actuator.

62. The switch of claim 60 wherein said actuator is a toggle actuator.

63. The switch of claim 60 further comprising a retainer mounted in said switch housing that maintains said actuator in said first position when said rocker actuator is moved to said first position and maintains said actuator in said second position when said rocker is moved to said second position.

64. The switch of claim 60 further comprising a printed circuit board having first and second conductive surfaces that are electrically connected to said radio frequency identification integrated circuit mounted in said housing and a contact mounted in said housing having a pivot point in contact with said first conductive surface, wherein movement of said actuator to one of said first position and said second position pivots said contact into engagement with said second conductive surface to alter said signal.

65. The switch of claim 60 further comprising first and second conductive surfaces on said printed circuit board that are electrically connected to an antenna of said radio frequency identification integrated circuit and a contact coupled to said elongated portion, wherein said contact engages said first and second conductive surfaces to alter said signal.

66. The switch of claim 60 further comprising a contact connected to said elongated portion and first and second conductive surfaces on said printed circuit board electrically connected to said radio frequency identification integrated circuit, movement of said actuator to one of said first position and said second position brings said wiper contact into engagement with said conductive surfaces to alter said signal.

67. The switch of claim 66 further comprising a snap acting contact coupled to said actuator and a conductive element in said switch housing that is electrically connected to said radio frequency identification integrated circuit, movement of said actuator to one of said first position and said second position brings said snap acting contact into engagement with said conductive element to alter said signal.

68. A self contained radio frequency identification integrated circuit wall switch, comprising:

a) a switch housing including mounting tabs that include mounting openings that align with mounting holes for a conventional electrical wall switch;

b) a switch actuator constrained by said switch housing such that said actuator is movable from a first position to a second position;

c) a printed circuit mounted in said switch housing; and

d) a radio frequency identification integrated circuit mounted to said printed circuit and in communication with said actuator such that said radio frequency identification integrated circuit transmits a signal when said actuator is in one of said first position and said second position and wherein movement of said actuator to the other of the first position and the second position alters said signal.

69. In an illumination system for a building that includes a power source that is selectively electrically connected to a lamp by actuation of a switch wherein the improvement comprises:

a) a controller that is electrically connected to said power source and said lamp, said controller including an oscillator that produces a radio frequency carrier signal;

b) a self contained radio frequency identification integrated circuit switch spaced apart and electrically isolated from said controller that receives and is powered by said carrier signal, said radio frequency identification integrated circuit switch includes;

i) a switch housing;

ii) a radio frequency identification integrated circuit enclosed in said switch housing;

iii) an actuator extending into said switch housing, said actuator being movable to a first position and to a second position such that said radio frequency identification integrated circuit transmits a data signal when said actuator is in one of said first and second positions and wherein movement of said actuator to the other of said first and second positions alters said data signal, said controller detects said data signal transmitted by said radio frequency identification integrated circuit and selectively applies power to said lamp in response to a detected position of said switch actuator.