Element B:
Analysis of Prior Solutions
Analysis of Prior Solutions
Element B is a collection of all the research conducted on prior solutions and related patents to our problem. This contains product descriptions, pros and cons for each solution, and an overview of related patents. This Element provides insight on how others ventured to solve the same problem.
Solution 1: RAYZEEK 3 in 1 Motion Sensor Switch
The RAYZEEK Wall Switch is an alternative that you must rewire and mount to your wall. The solution will then automatically turn on and off your lights by detecting heat emitted by human motion.
Pros:
Motion Sensing (150 degrees)
Adjust lux value manually
Cons:
Requires self-wiring/installation
Adjustment switch difficult to reach
Rayzeek 3 in 1 motion sensor switch with occupancy sensor/vacancy ... (n.d.). https://www.amazon.com/RAYZEEK-Occupancy-Vacancy-Options-Activated/dp/B09PV4KF3X
Solution 2: Lutron Maestro Motion Sensor Switch
The Lutron Maestro Switch is a replacement for your current switch which you rewire and install. The product then is able to detect motion turning on and off the lights for you.
Pros:
Motion sensing
Programmable light time out
Adjusts to daylight
Cons:
Requires self-wiring/installation
Coordinated wall plates sold separately
Does not work with all light bulb types
Lutron Maestro Motion Sensor Switch, 2 amp/single-pole, white (MS-OPS2H-wh) MS-OPS2H-wh. The Home Depot. (n.d.). https://www.homedepot.com/p/Lutron-Maestro-Motion-Sensor-Switch-2-Amp-Single-Pole-White-MS-OPS2H-WH-MS-OPS2H-WH/203202128
Solution 3: Switchmate Snap On Smart Light Switch
Switchmate is a smart switch placed over your current switch which allows for a home system, depending on the consumers wants, controlled with your phone.
Pros:
Does not require self-wiring
Voice Control
Controlled through app
Cons:
Voice control works through phone app
Does not include motion
Does not fit over certain switches
Expensive ($31)
Switchmate for rocker style light switches by simplysmarthome. snapon ... (n.d.-b). https://www.amazon.com/Switchmate-Rocker-Switches-SimplySmartHome-Listens/dp/B06Y2HL3SP
Patent Number - US10085332B2
This patent presents a power management system for lighting circuits, including a grid-shifting controller that communicates with lighting fixtures. The controller directs how these fixtures use power from both an external source and an onboard energy storage device. This system offers wireless control and power options for LED lighting, making installation easier, saving costs, and improving energy efficiency while enabling grid load management. The patented light switch offers a design aligned with our concept, emphasizing energy efficiency through its LED compatibility and wireless communication. While it includes features for energy conservation and motion sensing, it falls short by not incorporating a room vacancy sensor and an overlay for existing switches, features we deem critical for our innovative solution. This patent highlights areas where we can introduce unique enhancements to truly set our product apart.
Google. (n.d.). US10085332B2 - motion sensitive communication device for controlling lighting. Google Patents. https://patents.google.com/patent/US10085332B2/en?q=%28motion%2Blight%2Bswitch%29&oq=motion%2Blight%2Bswitch
Patent Number - US10873997B2
This patent is for a device that situates itself in the existing light bulb socket and adjusts the light output based on user’s preference, behavior, the time of the day, energy efficiency, and cost. This patent does not require any rewiring but only the removal of the current light bulb and replacing it in the apparatus. This system is a smart system that can adapt to its surroundings by attaining habitual use to enable it to become smarter. This item addresses our problem by making the motion and smart sensing built into the light bulb threading. Some good attributes of this item is that it provides a cost effective and conscientious solution that can save on money, along with not requiring any rewiring. Additionally, the aspects of it involving a smart system where it can learn and adapt based on the user is admirable. The main downfall of this item is that one would have to take their existing light bulb out in order to use the apparatus. This finding is helpful to our research as it mentions smart systems that can learn, which is along the path that we may want to use to enhance our solution.
Google. (n.d.-b). US10873997B2 - voice controlled artificial intelligent smart illumination device. Google Patents. https://patents.google.com/patent/US10873997B2/en?q=%28light%2Bswitch%2Badapters%29&oq=light%2Bswitch%2Badapters
Patent Number - US10360782B2
This patent is a solution to when you get up at night and cannot see. You set motion sensors and LED lights around your house on the floor. When you awake, they sense your motion and turn on a downward lighting to brighten up the floor. This patent was specifically made for elderly use, having an intelligence system that can sense falling or wandering and set off an alarm. The lighting can turn a specific color indicating each situation that may have happened for the responders. This patent solves the issue of awaking and being unable to see where you are going in the night. This product is specified for elderly use especially in nursing homes so in a residential setting, it is less effective at creating the alarms. Another negative is that the sensors must be concealed and plugged in, or they could pose as a tripping hazard. This is also bad for power consumption. A positive aspect is that it is completely autonomous and contains intelligence to track the persons path. The lighting is also controlled to not irritate eyes after being in the darkness.
Google. (n.d.-b). US10360782B2 - motion-based lighting system with intelligent alerts. Google Patents. https://patents.google.com/patent/US10360782B2/en?q=%28motion%2Blighting%29&oq=motion%2Blighting&page=1
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