Element C

Element C

Element C outlines our design requirements which we deem necessary for our design. We use these parameters and constraints to define what we want for the product personally and our consumers.

The solution shall:

1. Be able to sense motion and function accordingly.

   • The product will sense motion, or like features, that will then digitally enable a mechanical feature, that is situated over the light switch, that will turn the light switch on or off, based on the reported information, thus automating the process.

2. Fit over existing light switches, and have all mechanical and electrical functionalities remaining inside a 2.75" x 4.5" (width x height rectangular) constraint.

   • The standard size of a light wall plate is around 2.75" x 4.5" (Light Switch) and thus the product should not go beyond the plate for both functionality and aesthetic reasons.

   • While this is the standard size, the goal would be to consume as minimal space as possible, setting the max dimensions above.

3. Work for both toggle and rocker light switches and not require connection to existing switch wires.

   • In comparison to prior solutions, creating a system that is adaptable such that it would be universal for the most common light switches would create a further need for the desired product solution, creating a better product than the competition too (Switchmate for Rocker).

4. Only require maintenance out of the box, not needing to be extensively interacted with after setting up the first time, aside from battery replacement/recharge or personal settings adjustment, with an assembly/set-up time of under 3 minutes.

   • Maintenance and assembly/set-up time is something that consumers do not want to deal with much. In comparison to current solutions, it takes approximately 30+ minutes to set up the system (How to Install), thus a product with set up time under 3 minutes is extremely desirable.

5. Have all components, materials, and manufacturing prices for a single product add up to below $40, with a MSRP estimation of below $20, in a theoretical mass production.

   • In comparison to prior solutions to the desired product path, prices range from $20 to $50, thus, creating a product with a below average price increases consumer appeal, as seen through responses to the early solution development survey, ranking $15 to $20 as the most reasonable for such alternative (Illum-Innovators Survey).

   • Keeping the price low also keeps the manufacturing costs down, lessening the monetary severity of any mistake or set backs that may occur.

6. Include a manual override button that allows users to override the automatic features, so that the usual use of the light switch could still be used.

   • While motion sensing and automatic on/off feature is the core of the system, the product is not intended to hinder usual use of the light switch in a manual way as many consumers may still want to override for certain situations (How to Stop).

7. Be able to be used on a daily basis, from morning to night, without dying for a minimum of 6 months.

   • In comparison to other battery powered motion lights, the battery life span is usually 1 to 1.5 years, however, those run on larger and more batteries (Battery-Powered). As the desired product will attempt to remain size conscious, only one or two batteries will be able to be incorporated into it, in an attempt to maximize minimal size and battery lifespan.

8. Not protrude any more than 3" from the existing light switch plate.

   • Due to this being in residential housing, the aesthetics are essential and, also because of weight distribution, the solution should not protrude more than 3" from the plate. One competing solution provides a profile of a 2.5" protrusion and so, this new solution should be around, if not less, than the competition (Switchmate for Rocker).

9. Contain no sharp edges or exposed wiring that may cause harm to the user.

   • With serrated edges or features, the likelihood of accidental self-harm is more likely.

   • Exposed wires can cause harm to the consumer through incidents or electrocution or electrical fires (What Do I Do).

10.  Have a total weight of no more than 4 lbs.

    • Due to the nature of the solution, the weight cannot exceed too much of a weight or else it will be weighed down and easily fall off the light switch plate. Depending on the mounting method, method's strength can hold 8-15 pounds (CommandTM) (Neodymium), thus a sub-4 pound system would be "lightweight" for such choices.

11. Contain a shell that will house the components of a motor, micro-controller, and power source, along with the mechanical features, and will be 3D Printed in a PLA or PETG filament material to protect and streamline function.

    • The shell is essential as all components will be attached to it. This shell is the housing for both the electrical and mechanical features that make the product be able to execute.

    • PLA is an easy filament to print and prototype with, while PETG is an easily manipulative plastic that is also very durable and highly resistant (O'Connell).

12. Remain minimalistic, neutrally colored, such as white or light gray, so as to not distract from an existing appealing room through unnecessary unattractive features.

    • Homeowners do not wish to have any unappealing features on display in their houses; they value cohesion and attractiveness within their homes (Functionality vs Aesthetics).

13. Contain a user “control panel” will be situated on either the outer sides or front face of the system, with easy to press buttons or other suitable alternatives.

    • This "panel", in the most likely form of a few buttons, will serve as a way for the user to adjust their timer preset. This is essential as consumers enjoy a product that they can customize to their liking, especially when it will work best for their life (Lee).