Element D
Design Concept Generation, Analysis, and Selection
Design Concept Generation, Analysis, and Selection
Element D demonstrates the brainstorming process and prior design concepts. It shows the comparison of our solutions to our requirements, slimming down the list to our final concept and design.
Product Description: This concept is a replacement for traditional light switch panels. It would include screws that would mount it to the wall, with several components on the inside, a hole on the front for the switch type, one sensor on the front, and a control panel on the back.
Operation: The built-in sensor will track the occupancy of the room and turn on or off lights based on that data. It also can be overridden by a button the user can operate as a normal light switch.
Justification: This modern light switch panel, featuring an occupancy sensor, offers energy-efficient, automated lighting control while retaining a manual override for user convenience. It's an easy-to-install, eco-friendly solution, perfect for enhancing smart living.
Product Description: This concept will turn a light switch on and off without having to adjust wiring. It will be a device that will be situated over existing light switches, adhering to the existing panel. This system will use a sensor to determine occupancy of the area it is placed in and will function accordingly, turning the light switch on/off.
Operation: The sensor on the machine will pick up motion or occupancy and will send a signal to make mechanical adjustments when needed. When no occupancy is sensed, the system will mechanically move the light switch off and vice versa, when movement is sensed.
Justification: This concept removes the aspect of having to tamper with wiring, which many previous solutions consisted of, which will make implementation and use safer. Additionally, this system will require little to no assembly time which will streamline use and pique consumer interest with its efficiency.
Product Description: This concept will situate itself adjacent to existing light switches and will act as an arm to manually turn on or off the light switch. It will consist of a system housing with a sensor, motor, some gear system, and a protruding arm and will attach to the wall via an adhesive.
Operation: When motion or occupancy is detected in the location where the system is placed, it will function accordingly. A well-functioning concept would detect when there is no motion or occupancy and move the in-system arm to manually turn off the household’s light switch. Vice Versa, when motion is detected, it will turn the light on.
Justification: This concept would allow for consumers to have both the automation of a motion light, while still being able to manually turn it off. As the system does not require any rewiring and does not cover the existing light switch, it is a safer and more adaptable alternative.
Product Description: This solution is a watch on your wrist that keeps track of which of your lights are on. It would be connected to a mechanical overlay which is mounted over the switch. This device has a toggle through rooms option, a status of the current light and the ability to turn on and off your lights remotely.
Operation: The device is a wristwatch with a Fitbit-style screen. On the top would be a button to toggle through the rooms with the overlay, below would have the status of the light: On or Off. Another button when pressed would toggle the light using a mechanical overlay. It would contain a fork like interior so that either uniform switches work. The watch and overlay would be rechargeable. The overlay would have a button on the outside so you can still turn your light on and off.
Justification: This solution is helpful because you can check your lights at any time. If you leave the kitchen light on and realize on your way to work, you can simply turn it off with your watch. Having your lights on your wrist can help remind you to turn them off.
Product Description: This product is specially designed for closets pantries and small rooms where the light only be triggered when the door is open. The product will include a sensor that clips onto the doorway and senses whether the door is closed. It will then trigger the light based on that input using a controller which can be screwed on before the lightbulb.
Operation: Using a closed network the clip-on sensor, a limit switch, will wirelessly communicate with the bulb controller to easily switch on and off the power. The screw-on connector will include a small circuit and wifi module that will be set up when manufactured and only needs to be powered on by the user. The clip-on sensor will have a small battery to power the switch and wireless connection.
Justification: A clever lighting solution for small spaces like closets and pantries. Easy to install and operate, this product offers automatic, energy-efficient lighting, eliminating the need for manual switches and enhancing convenience in compact areas.
Product Description: The product will be a small module placed behind an existing light switch panel. It will include connectors and wires to allow the existing light switch to function, but also for the app to be able to control the light switch.
Operation: The smart chip placed behind the panel will be installed and set up with a wireless connection. Using the app, the user will be able to control all smart chips in their home. The chip will be able to have a user-set timer to turn off whenever the switch is flipped on. Additionally, the app will allow brightness adjustment, and be easily accessible.
Justification: This smart module transforms existing light switches into app-controlled devices, offering features like a user-set timer and brightness adjustment. It seamlessly integrates with current smart home systems, enhancing convenience and energy efficiency without the need for major installations. This product is a simple, effective solution for modernizing home lighting control.
Our group decided to move forward with the Complete Overlay design concept, as it stood out among our various innovative ideas. This concept involves a device that fits over existing light switches, utilizing a sensor to detect occupancy and automatically control the light switch without needing to alter existing wiring. Its key advantages include safety, simplicity, and minimal installation effort, appealing to consumer preferences for efficient and easy-to-use solutions. Additionally, the design's nearly perfect score in the decision matrix, despite being not fully CAD-developed or finalized, indicates its strong potential. As we further develop the Complete Overlay, integrating insights from our original concepts, its effectiveness and appeal are have enhanced, reinforcing our choice.