U.S. patent application number 09/990617 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-22 for self-powered trainable switching network.
Invention is credited to Boyd, Clark Davis, Face, Bradbury R..
Application Number | 20030094856 09/990617 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22955137 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030094856 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Face, Bradbury R. ; et
al. |
May 22, 2003 |
Self-powered trainable switching network
Abstract
A self-powered switching device using a prestressed
flextensional electroactive member generates a signal for
activation of a latching relay. The electroactive member has a
piezoelectric element with a convex and a concave face that may be
compressed to generate an electrical pulse. The flextensional
electroactive member and associated signal generation circuitry can
be hardwired directly to the latching relay or may be coupled to a
transmitter for sending an RF signal to a receiver which actuates
the latching relay.
Inventors: |
Face, Bradbury R.; (Norfolk,
VA) ; Boyd, Clark Davis; (Radford, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Stephen E. Clark
Face International Corporation
427 West 35th Street
Norfolk
VA
23508
US
|
Family ID: |
22955137 |
Appl. No.: |
09/990617 |
Filed: |
November 21, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
307/116 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02B 90/20 20130101;
H01H 2300/03 20130101; H03K 2217/94089 20130101; H03K 17/964
20130101; H01H 47/226 20130101; H01H 2239/076 20130101; Y04S 20/14
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
307/116 |
International
Class: |
H02B 001/24 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A self-powered switching system comprising: a flextensional
transducer, said flextensional transducer comprising; a first
electroactive member having opposing first and second electroded
major faces; said first opposing major face being substantially
convex and said second opposing major face being substantially
concave; a prestress layer bonded to said second major face of said
first electroactive member; said prestress layer applying a
compressive force to said electroactive member; wherein said
flextensional transducer is adapted to deform from a first position
to a second position upon application of a force to said
flextensional transducer; and wherein upon said deformation to said
second position, said flextensional transducer is adapted to
generate a first voltage potential between said first electroded
major face and said second electroded major face; a first conductor
electrically connected to said first electroded major face of said
first electroactive member; a second conductor electrically
connected to said second electroded major face of said first
electroactive member; first signal transmission means electrically
connected to said first and second conductors; said first signal
transmission means comprising a first radio frequency generator
subcircuit connected to an antenna; signal reception means for
receiving a first signal transmitted by said first signal
transmission means; said signal reception means being adapted to
generate a second signal in response to said first signal
transmitted by said signal transmission means; and a switch having
a first position and a second position; said switch being in
communication with said signal reception means; said switch being
adapted to change between said first position and said second
position in response to said second signal.
2. The switching system according to claim 1, further comprising:
pressure application means for application of a force to said
flextensional transducer, said pressure application means being
adapted to apply a force sufficient to deform said flextensional
transducer from said first position to said second position,
thereby generating said first voltage potential.
3. The switching system according to claim 1, further comprising: a
voltage regulator having an input side and an output side; said
input side of said voltage regulator being electrically connected
to said first and second conductors; said output side of said
voltage regulator being electrically connected to said signal
transmission means.
4. The switching system according to claim 3, further comprising: a
diode having an anode and a cathode connected in parallel with said
flextensional; said cathode of said diode being electrically
connected to said first conductor and said input side of said
voltage regulator; said anode of said diode being electrically
connected to said second conductor and said input side of said
voltage regulator; whereby said diode is connected in parallel with
first and second electroded major faces of said first electroactive
member.
5. The switching system according to claim 4, wherein said signal
transmission means further comprises: a tone generator subcircuit
having an input side and an output side; said input side of said
tone generator subcircuit being connected to said output side of
said voltage regulator; said output side of said tone generator
subcircuit being connected to said first radio frequency generator
subcircuit.
6. The switching system according to claim 5, wherein said tone
generator subcircuit comprises: an oscillator array having an input
side and an output side; said input side of said oscillator array
being connected to said output side of said voltage regulator; and
a transistor having a grounded emitter and a base connected to said
output side of said oscillator array; and wherein said first radio
frequency generator subcircuit comprises a resonant subcircuit
having a first and a second junction; said first junction of said
resonant subcircuit being connected to said voltage regulator; said
second junction of said resonant subcircuit being connected to a
collector of said transistor.
7. The switching system according to claim 6, wherein said first
radio frequency generator subcircuit further comprises: a radio
frequency choke connected in series between said output side of
said voltage regulator and said first junction of said resonant
subcircuit.
8. The switching device according to claim 7, wherein said resonant
subcircuit comprises: a first capacitor having a first and a second
plate; and an inductive loop of a third conductor having first and
second ends; said first plate of said first capacitor being
connected to said first end of said fifth conductor, thereby
forming said first junction of said resonant subcircuit; said
second plate of said first capacitor being connected to said second
end of said fifth conductor, thereby forming said second junction
of said resonant subcircuit.
9. The switching system according to claim 8, wherein said
oscillator array further comprises an inverter array connected
between said output side of said voltage regulator and said base of
said transistor.
10. The switching system according to claim 9, wherein said radio
frequency choke comprises an inductor.
11. The switching system according to claim 10, wherein said
resonant subcircuit further comprises: a tuning jumper comprising a
sixth conductor having first and second ends each connected to said
fifth conductor; said tuning jumper being adapted to pivot at said
first and second ends, thereby rotating relative to said fifth
conductor.
12. The switching system according to claim 11, wherein said first
radio frequency generator subcircuit is tunable to a first
frequency different from a second frequency of second radio
frequency generator subcircuit.
13. The switching device according to claim 12, wherein said signal
reception means further comprises: a first radio signal receiver
for intercepting said first signal transmitted by said first radio
frequency generator subcircuit and a second signal transmitted by
said second radio frequency generator subcircuit; and decoding
means electrically connected between said radio signal receiver and
said switch for generating a switching signal in response to said
first and second intercepted signals.
14. The switching device according to claim 13, wherein said
decoding means further comprises: a memory for storage of one or
more signal profiles; and comparator means for determining whether
said first or second intercepted signal matches said one or more
signal profiles in said memory; wherein said decoding means
generates a switching signal in response to said first intercepted
signal upon said comparator means determination that said first
intercepted signal matches said one or more signal profiles in said
memory; and wherein said decoding means does not generate a
switching signal in response to said second intercepted signal upon
said comparator means determination that said second intercepted
signal does not match any of said one or more signal profiles in
said memory; and wherein said switch is adapted to change from said
first position to said second position in response to said
switching signal generated by said decoding means.
15. The switching system according to claim 14, wherein said
decoder means comprises: a microprocessor for differentiating
between said first intercepted signal and said second intercepted
signal.
16. The switching system according to claim 15, wherein said
decoder means further comprises: storage means for entering one or
more signal profiles into said memory.
17. The switching system according to claim 16, wherein said
storage means further comprises: a second radio signal receiver for
intercepting a third signal transmitted by a third radio frequency
generator subcircuit.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to switching devices
for energizing lights, appliances and the like. More particularly,
the present invention relates to a self-powered switch initiator
device to generate an activation signal for the latching relay. The
power is generated through a piezoelectric element or through
relative motion between a magnet and a series of coils. The power
is sent through signal generation circuitry coupled to a
transmitter for sending a unique coded RF signal to one or more
receivers that actuate the latching relay. The receivers are
trainable and can respond to multiple transmitters so as to turn on
the building's lighting or appliance systems.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Switches and latching relays for energizing lights,
appliances and the like are well known in the prior art. Typical
light switches comprise, for example, single-pole switches and
three-way switches. A single-pole switch has two terminals that are
hot leads for an incoming line (power source) and an outgoing line
to the light. Three-way switches can control one light from two
different places. Each three-way switch has three terminals: the
common terminal and two traveler terminals. A typical pair of
three-way switches uses two boxes each having two cables with the
first box having an incoming line from a power source and an
outbound line to the second box, and the second box having the
incoming line from the first box and an outbound line to the
light.
[0005] In each of these switching schemes it is necessary drill
holes and mount switches and junction boxes for the outlets as well
as running cable. Drilling holes and mounting switches and junction
boxes can be difficult and time consuming. Also, running electrical
cable requires starting at a fixture, pulling cable through holes
in the framing to each fixture in the circuit, and continuing all
the way back to the service panel. Though simple in theory, getting
cable to cooperate can be difficult and time consuming. Cable often
kinks, tangles or binds while pulling, and needs to be straightened
out somewhere along the run.
[0006] Remotely actuated switches/relays are also known in the art.
Known remote actuation controllers include tabletop controllers,
wireless remotes, timers, motion detectors, voice activated
controllers, and computers and related software. For example,
remote actuation means may include modules that are plugged into a
wall outlet and into which a power cord for a device may be
plugged. The device can then be turned on and off by a controller.
Other remote actuation means include screw-in lamp modules wherein
the module is screwed into a light socket, and then a bulb screwed
into the module. The light can be turned on and off and can be
dimmed or brightened by a controller.
[0007] An example of a typical remote controller for the above
described modules is a radio frequency (RF) base transceiver. With
these controllers, a base is plugged into an outlet and can control
groups of modules in conjunction with a hand held wireless RF
remote. RF repeaters may be used to boost the range of compatible
wireless remotes, switches and security system sensors by up to 150
ft. per repeater. The base is required for all wireless RF remotes
and allows control of several lamps or appliances. Batteries are
also required in the hand held wireless remote.
[0008] Rather than using a hand held RF remote, remote wall
switches may be used. These wall switches, which are up to 3/4"
thick, are affixed to a desired location with an adhesive. In
conjunction with a base unit (plugged into a 110V receptacle) the
remote wall switch may control compatible modules or switches
(receivers). The wireless switches send an RF signal to the base
unit and the base unit then transmits a signal along the existing
110V wiring in the home to compatible switches or modules. Each
switch can be set with an addressable signal. Wireless switches
also require batteries.
[0009] These remotes control devices may also control, for example,
audio/video devices such as the TV, VCR, and stereo system, as well
as lights and other devices using an RF to infrared (IR) base. The
RF remote can control audio/video devices by sending proprietary RF
commands to a converter that translates the commands to IR. IR
commands are then sent to the audio/video equipment. The console
responds to infrared signals from the infrared remotes and then
transmits equivalent commands to compatible receivers.
[0010] A problem with conventional wall switches is that extensive
wiring must be run both from the switch boxes to the lights and
from the switch boxes to the power source in the service
panels.
[0011] Another problem with conventional wall switches is that
additional wiring must be run for lights controlled by more than
one switch.
[0012] Another problem with conventional wall switches is that the
high voltage lines are present as an input to and an output from
the switch.
[0013] Another problem with conventional wall switches is the cost
associated with initial installation of wire to, from and between
switches.
[0014] Another problem with conventional wall switches is the cost
and inconvenience associated with remodeling, relocating or
rewiring existing switches.
[0015] A problem with conventional RF switches is that they still
require an external power source such as high voltage AC power or
batteries.
[0016] Another problem with conventional RF switches is the cost
and inconvenience associated with replacement of batteries.
[0017] Another problem with conventional RF switches is that they
require high power to individual modules and base units.
[0018] Another problem with conventional AC-powered RF switches is
the difficulty when remodeling in rewiring or relocating a wall
switch.
[0019] Another problem with conventional RF switches is that a pair
comprising a transmitter and receiver must generally be purchased
together.
[0020] Another problem with conventional RF switches is that
transmitters may inadvertently activate incorrect receivers.
[0021] Another problem with conventional RF switches is that
receivers may accept an activation signal from only one
transmitter.
[0022] Another problem with conventional RF switches is that
transmitters may activate only one receiver.
[0023] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a network of
switching and/or latching relay devices that overcomes the
aforementioned problems of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The present invention provides a self-powered switching or
latching relay device using an electroactive or electromagnetic
actuator. The piezoelectric element in the electroactive actuator
is capable of deforming with a high amount of axial displacement,
and when deformed by a mechanical impulse generates an electric
field. In an electromagnetic device, the relative motion between a
magnet and a series of coils develops the electrical signal. The
electroactive or electromagnetic actuators are used as
electromechanical generators for generating a momentary signal that
actuates a latching/relay mechanism. The latching or relay
mechanism thereby turns electrical devices such as lights and
appliances on and off or provides an intermediate or dimming
signal.
[0025] The mechanical actuating means for the electroactive
actuator element should apply pressure to the electroactive
actuator element with sufficient force/acceleration to generate an
electrical pulse of sufficient magnitude and duration. A switch
similar to a light switch, for example, may apply pressure through
a toggle, snap action or roller mechanism. Larger or multiple
electroactive actuator elements may also be used to generate
pulses.
[0026] In one embodiment, the electroactive actuator is depressed
by the manual or mechanical actuating means and the electrical
signal generated by the electroactive actuator is applied directly
to a relay switch. In another embodiment of the invention,
circuitry is installed to modify the electrical pulse generated by
the electromagnetic or electroactive actuator. In yet another
embodiment, the electromagnetic or electroactive actuator signal
powers an RF transmitter which sends an RF signal to an RF receiver
which then actuates the relay. In yet another embodiment, the
electromagnetic or electroactive actuator signal powers a
transmitter, which sends a pulsed RF signal to an RF receiver which
then actuates the relay. Digitized RF signals may be coded (as with
a garage door opener) to only activate the relay that is coded with
that digitized RF signal. The transmitters may be capable of
developing one or more coded RF signals and the receivers likewise
may be capable of receiving one or more coded RF signal.
Furthermore, the receivers may be "trainable" to accept coded RF
signals from new or multiple transmitters.
[0027] Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention
to provide a switching or relay device in which an electroactive or
piezoelectric element is used to activate the device.
[0028] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
switching or relay device in which an electromagnetic element is
used to activate the device.
[0029] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
device of the character described in which switches may be
installed without necessitating additional wiring.
[0030] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
device of the character described in which switches may be
installed without cutting holes into the building structure.
[0031] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
device of the character described in which switches do not require
external electrical input such as 120 or 220 VAC or batteries.
[0032] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
device of the character described incorporating an electroactive or
electromagnetic device that generates an electrical signal of
sufficient magnitude to activate a latching relay.
[0033] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
device of the character described incorporating an electroactive or
electromagnetic device that generates an electrical signal of
sufficient magnitude to activate a radio frequency transmitter for
activating a latching relay.
[0034] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
device of the character described incorporating an electromagnetic
actuator that generates an electrical signal of sufficient
magnitude to activate a radio frequency transmitter for activating
a latching relay.
[0035] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
device of the character described incorporating a transmitter that
is capable of developing at least one coded RF signal.
[0036] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
device of the character described incorporating a receiver capable
of receiving at least one coded RF signal from at least one
transmitter.
[0037] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
device of the character described incorporating a receiver capable
of "learning" to accept coded RF signals from one or more
transmitters.
[0038] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
device of the character described for use in actuating lighting,
appliances, security devices and other fixtures in a building.
[0039] Further objects and advantages of the invention will become
apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing
description thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] FIG. 1 is an elevation view showing the details of
construction of a flextensional piezoelectric actuator used in the
present invention;
[0041] FIG. 2 is an elevation view showing the details of
construction of an alternate multi-layer flextensional
piezoelectric actuator used in a modification the present
invention;
[0042] FIG. 3 is an elevation view of a device for mechanical
application and removal of a force to an actuator;
[0043] FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the device of FIG. 3
illustrating the deformation of the actuator upon application of a
force;
[0044] FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the device of FIG. 3
illustrating the recovery of the actuator upon removal of the force
by tripping of a quick-release device;
[0045] FIG. 6 is a schematic showing the switching device of the
present invention incorporating flextensional piezoelectric
actuator;
[0046] FIG. 7 is a detailed schematic showing the pulse
modification, tone generator and RF generator subcircuit portions
of FIG. 6;
[0047] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the tuned loop antenna of FIG. 7
illustrating the jumper at a position maximizing the inductor
cross-section;
[0048] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the tuned loop antenna of FIG. 7
illustrating the jumper at a position minimizing the inductor
cross-section;
[0049] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a linear electromagnetic
actuator for generation of an electrical signal in the present
invention;
[0050] FIG. 11 is a is a schematic view of a rotary electromagnetic
actuator for generation of an electrical signal in the present
invention; and
[0051] FIG. 12 is a partial schematic of a voltage regulation
subcircuit for use in an alternate embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0052] Electroactive Actuator
[0053] Piezoelectric and electrostrictive materials (generally
called "electroactive" devices herein) develop a polarized electric
field when placed under stress or strain. The electric field
developed by a piezoelectric or electrostrictive material is a
function of the applied force causing the mechanical stress or
strain. Conversely, electroactive devices undergo dimensional
changes in an applied electric field. The dimensional change (i.e.,
expansion or contraction) of an electroactive device is a function
of the applied electric field. Electroactive devices are commonly
used as drivers, or "actuators" due to their propensity to deform
under such electric fields. These electroactive devices or
actuators also have varying capacities to generate an electric
field in response to a deformation caused by an applied force.
[0054] Existing electroactive devices include direct and indirect
mode actuators, which typically make use of a change in the
dimensions of the material to achieve a displacement, but in the
present invention are preferably used as electromechanical
generators. Direct mode actuators typically include a piezoelectric
or electrostrictive ceramic plate (or stack of plates) sandwiched
between a pair of electrodes formed on its major surfaces. The
devices generally have a sufficiently large piezoelectric and/or
electrostrictive coefficient to produce the desired strain in the
ceramic plate. However, direct mode actuators suffer from the
disadvantage of only being able to achieve a very small
displacement (strain), which is, at best, only a few tenths of a
percent. Conversely, direct mode generator-actuators require
application of a high amount of force to piezoelectrically generate
a pulsed momentary electrical signal of sufficient magnitude to
activate a latching relay.
[0055] Indirect mode actuators are known in the prior art to
exhibit greater displacement and strain than is achievable with
direct mode actuators by achieving strain amplification via
external structures. An example of an indirect mode actuator is a
flextensional transducer. Flextensional transducers are composite
structures composed of a piezoelectric ceramic element and a
metallic shell, stressed plastic, fiberglass, or similar
structures. The actuator movement of conventional flextensional
devices commonly occurs as a result of expansion in the
piezoelectric material which mechanically couples to an amplified
contraction of the device in the transverse direction. In
operation, they can exhibit several orders of magnitude greater
strain and displacement than can be produced by direct mode
actuators.
[0056] The magnitude of achievable strain of indirect mode
actuators can be increased by constructing them either as
"unimorph" or "bimorph" flextensional actuators. A typical unimorph
is a concave structure composed of a single piezoelectric element
externally bonded to a flexible metal foil, and which results in
axial buckling or deflection when electrically energized. Common
unimorphs can exhibit a strain of as high as 10%. A conventional
bimorph device includes an intermediate flexible metal foil
sandwiched between two piezoelectric elements. Electrodes are
bonded to each of the major surface of the ceramic elements and the
metal foil is bonded to the inner two electrodes. Bimorphs exhibit
more displacement than comparable unimorphs because under the
applied voltage, one ceramic element will contract while the other
expands. Bimorphs can exhibit strains up to 20%.
[0057] For certain applications of electroactive actuators known in
the prior art, asymmetrically stress biased electroactive devices
have been proposed in order to increase the axial deformation of
the electroactive material, and therefore increase the achievable
strain of the electroactive material. In such devices, (which
include, for example, "Rainbow" actuators (as disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,471,721), and other flextensional actuators) the
asymmetric stress biasing produces a curved structure, typically
having two major surfaces, one of which is concave and the other
which is convex.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 1: A unimorph actuator called "THUNDER",
which has improved displacement, strain and load capabilities, has
recently been developed and is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,632,841. THUNDER (which is an acronym for THin layer composite
UNimorph ferroelectric Driver and sEnsoR), is a unimorph actuator
in which a pre-stress layer is bonded to a thin piezoelectric
ceramic wafer at high temperature, and during the cooling down of
the composite structure asymmetrically stress biases the ceramic
wafer due to the difference in thermal contraction rates of the
pre-stress layer and the ceramic layer.
[0059] The THUNDER actuator 12 is as a composite structure, the
construction of which is illustrated in FIG. 1. Each THUNDER
actuator 12 is constructed with an electroactive member preferably
comprising a piezoelectric ceramic layer 67 of PZT which is
electroplated 65 and 65a on its two opposing faces. A pre-stress
layer 64, preferably comprising steel, stainless steel, beryllium
alloy or other metal substrate, is adhered to the electroplated 65
surface on one side of the ceramic layer 67 by a first adhesive
layer 66. In the simplest embodiment, the adhesive layer 66 acts as
a prestress layer. The first adhesive layer 66 is preferably
LaRC.TM.-SI material, as developed by NASA-Langley Research Center
and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,639,850. A second adhesive layer
66a, also preferably comprising LaRC-SI material, is adhered to the
opposite side of the ceramic layer 67. During manufacture of the
THUNDER actuator 12 the ceramic layer 67, the adhesive layer 66 and
the pre-stress layer 64 are simultaneously heated to a temperature
above the melting point of the adhesive material. In practice the
various layers composing the THUNDER actuator (namely the ceramic
layer 67, the adhesive layers 66 and 66a and the pre-stress layer
64) are typically placed inside of an autoclave or a convection
oven as a composite structure, and slowly heated by convection
until all the layers of the structure reach a temperature which is
above the melting point of the adhesive 66 material but below the
Curie temperature of the ceramic layer 67. It is desirable to keep
the temperature of the ceramic layer 67 beneath the Curie
temperature of the ceramic layer in order to avoid disrupting the
piezoelectric characteristics of the ceramic layer 67. Because the
multi-layer structure is typically convectively heated at a slow
rate, all of the layers tend to be at approximately the same
temperature. In any event, because an adhesive layer 66 is
typically located between two other layers (i.e. between the
ceramic layer 67 and the pre18 stress layer 64), the ceramic layer
67 and the pre-stress layer 64 are usually very close to the same
temperature and are at least as hot as the adhesive layers 66 and
66a during the heating step of the process. The THUNDER actuator 12
is then allowed to cool.
[0060] During the cooling step of the process (i.e. after the
adhesive layers 66 and 66a have re-solidified) the ceramic layer 67
becomes compressively stressed by the adhesive layers 66 and 66a
and pre-stress layer 64 due to the higher coefficient of thermal
contraction of the materials of the adhesive layers 66 and 66a and
the pre-stress layer 64 than for the material of the ceramic layer
67. Also, due to the greater thermal contraction of the laminate
materials (e.g. the first pre-stress layer 64 and the first
adhesive layer 66) on one side of the ceramic layer 67 relative to
the thermal contraction of the laminate material(s) (e.g. the
second adhesive layer 66a) on the other side of the ceramic layer
67, the ceramic layer deforms in an arcuate shape having a normally
convex face 12a and a normally concave face 12c, as illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 2. One or more additional pre-stressing layer(s) may be
similarly adhered to either or both sides of the ceramic layer 67
in order, for example, to increase the stress in the ceramic layer
67 or to strengthen the actuator 12. Furthermore, the substrate
comprising a separate prestress layer 64 may be eliminated and the
adhesive layer 66 may apply the prestress to the ceramic layer 067.
Alternatively, only the prestress layer(s) 64 and the adhesive
layer(s) 66 may be heated and bonded to a ceramic layer 67, while
the ceramic layer 67 is at a lower temperature, in order to induce
greater compressive stress into the ceramic layer 67 when cooling
the actuator 12.
[0061] Referring now to FIG. 2: An alternate actuator 12D may
include a composite piezoelectric ceramic layer that comprises
multiple thin layers 67 and 67a of PZT which are bonded to each
other. Each layer 67 and 67a comprises a thin layer of
piezoelectric material, with a thickness preferably on the order of
about 1 mil. Each thin layer 67 and 67a is electroplated 65 and
65a, and 65b and 65c on each major face respectively. The
individual layers 67 and 67a are then bonded to each other with an
adhesive layer 66a, using an adhesive such as LaRC-SI.
Alternatively, and most preferably, the thin layers 67 and 67a may
be bonded to each other by cofiring the thin sheets of
piezoelectric material together. As few as two layers, but
preferably at least four sheets of piezoelectric material may be
bonded/cofired together. The composite piezoelectric ceramic layer
may then be bonded to prestress layer(s) 64 with the adhesive
layer(s) 66 and 66b, and heated and cooled as described above to
make a modified THUNDER actuator 12D. By having multiple thinner
layers 67 and 67a of piezoelectric material in a modified actuator
12D, the composite ceramic layer generates a lower voltage and
higher current as compared to the high voltage and low current
generated by a THUNDER actuator 12 having only a single thicker
ceramic layer 67.
[0062] A flexible insulator may be used to coat the convex face 12a
of the actuator 12. This insulative coating helps prevent
unintentional discharge of the piezoelectric element through
inadvertent contact with another conductor, liquid or human
contact. The coating also makes the ceramic element more durable
and resistant to cracking or damage from impact. Since LaRC-SI is a
dielectric, the adhesive layer 67a on the convex face 12a of the
actuator 12 may act as the insulative layer. Alternately, the
insulative layer may comprise a plastic, TEFLON or other durable
coating.
[0063] Electrical energy may be recovered from or introduced to the
actuator element 12 by a pair of electrical wires 14. Each
electrical wire 14 is attached at one end to opposite sides of the
actuator element 12. The wires 14 may be connected (for example by
glue or solder 20) directly to the electroplated 65 and 65a faces
of the ceramic layer 67, or they may alternatively be connected to
the pre-stress layer(s) 64. As discussed above, the pre-stress
layer 64 is preferably adhered to the ceramic layer 67 by LaRC-SI
material, which is a dielectric. When the wires 14 are connected to
the pre-stress layer(s) 64, it is desirable to roughen a face of
the pre-stress layer 64, so that the pre-stress layer 64
intermittently penetrates the respective adhesive layers 66 and
66a, and make electrical contact with the respective electroplated
65 and 65a faces of the ceramic layer 67. The opposite end of each
electrical wire 14 is preferably connected to an electric pulse
modification circuit 10.
[0064] Prestressed flextensional transducers 12 are desirable due
to their durability and their relatively large vertical
displacement, and concomitant relatively high voltage that such
transducers are capable of developing. The present invention
however may be practiced with any electroactive element having the
properties and characteristics herein described, i.e., the ability
to generate a voltage in response to a deformation of the device.
For example, the invention may be practiced using magnetostrictive
or ferroelectric devices. The transducers also need not be normally
arcuate, but may also include transducers that are normally flat,
and may further include stacked piezoelectric elements.
[0065] In operation, as shown in FIG. 4, when a force indicated by
arrow 16 is applied to the convex face 12a of the actuator 12, the
force deforms the piezoelectric element 12. The force may be
applied to the piezoelectric actuator 12 by any appropriate means
such as by application of manual pressure directly to the
piezoelectric actuator, or by other mechanical means. Preferably,
the force is applied by a mechanical switch (e.g., a plunger,
striker, toggle or roller switch) capable of developing a
mechanical impulse for application to and removal from the actuator
12. The mechanical impulse (or removal thereof) should be of
sufficient force to cause the convex face 12a of the actuator 12 to
deform quickly and accelerate over a distance (approximately 10 mm)
which generates an electrical signal of sufficient magnitude to
activate an electromechanical latching relay.
[0066] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5: An illustration of a suitable
means for application of mechanical force comprises a switch plate
and a plunger assembly 13. The two ends of the piezoelectric
actuator are each pivotably held in place within a recess 44 of a
switch plate 18. The switch plate 18 is the same shape as the
actuator 12 contained therein, preferably rectangular. In an
alternate embodiment, a circular actuator may be mounted in a
circular recess of a circular switch plate. The recess(es) 44 in
the switch plate 18 hold the actuator 12 in place in its relaxed,
i.e., undeformed state. The recesses 44 are also sufficiently deep
to fully receive the ends or edges of the actuator 12 in its fully
deformed, i.e., flat state. The plunger assembly comprises a push
button 22 pivotably connected to a hinged quick-release mechanism
24. The opposite end of the quick-release mechanism 24 contacts
shaft 26 connected to a pair of plates 27 and 28 which are clamped
on both sides of the actuator 12. A release cog 25 is located along
the path of the quick-release mechanism 24.
[0067] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5: In operation, when the push
button 22 is depressed in the direction of arrow 16, the
quick-release mechanism 24 pushes down on the shaft 26 and plates
27 and 28 and deforms the actuator 12. When the quick-release
mechanism 24 reaches the release cog 25, the quick-release
mechanism 24 pivots on its hinge and releases the downward pressure
from the shaft 26, plates 27 and 28 and actuator 12. The actuator
12, on account of the restoring force of the substrate of the
prestress layer 64, returns quickly to its undeformed state in the
direction of arrow 30 as in FIG. 5. Other means by which a force
may be applied to and/or released from the actuator include
twisting of door knob, opening a door that places pressure on an
actuator in the jamb, stepping onto the actuator on the ground,
floor or in a mat, or even sitting down.
[0068] As previously mentioned, the applied force causes the
piezoelectric actuator to deform. By virtue of the piezoelectric
effect, the deformation of the piezoelectric element 12 generates
an instantaneous voltage between the faces 12a and 12c of the
actuator 12, which produces a pulse of electrical energy.
Furthermore, when the force is removed from the piezoelectric
actuator 12, the actuator recovers its original arcuate shape. This
is because the substrate or prestress layer 64 to which the ceramic
67 is bonded exerts a compressive force on the ceramic 67, and the
actuator 12 thus has a coefficient of elasticity that causes the
actuator 12 to return to its undeformed neutral state. On the
recovery stroke of the actuator 12, the ceramic 67 returns to its
undeformed state and thereby produces another electrical pulse of
opposite polarity. The downward (applied) or upward (recovery)
strokes should cause a force over a distance that is of sufficient
magnitude to create the desired electrical pulse. The duration of
the recovery stroke, and therefore the duration of the pulse
produced, is preferably in the range of 50-100 milliseconds,
depending on the amount of force applied to the actuator 12.
[0069] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the electrical
pulse that is generated upon removal of the force i.e., when the
actuator 12 recovers its shape, is the pulse that is used. This is
because the downward force applied, by hand for example, may be
inconsistent, whereas the recovery force of the actuator is a more
predictable and consistent force. Furthermore, because the second
pulse has an opposite polarity to the first pulse, rapid
application of the first and second pulse may cause an attached
relay to simply open and close. Electrical filtering components
(such as a diode or zero voltage switching circuitry) may be used
to isolate the relay from the first pulse in order to only use the
second pulse.
[0070] Electromagnetic Actuator
[0071] Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11: In another embodiment of
the invention the actuation means for generating the electrical
signal comprises a magnet and a series of coils, which generate an
electrical signal in response to relative motion between the magnet
and the coils.
[0072] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11: In the preferred embodiments
of the electromagnetic actuator 98 or 99, mechanical or manual
actuation means, such as a linear switch 103 or rotary switch 203
is coupled to one or more magnets 105 or 205a-c respectively, and
more preferably a rare earth magnet. Rare earth magnets are
preferred because they have higher magnetic fields than typical
permanent magnets. A small rare earth magnet may be used so that
the electromagnetic actuator may be made more compact.
[0073] The electromagnetic actuator 98 or 99 also comprises a
series of wire coils 106 or 206. More specifically, for a magnet
105 coupled to a linear switch 103, a series of small wire coils
106 are arranged along a substrate 104 in close proximity to and
substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis along which the
rare earth magnet 105 moves in response to actuation of the linear
switch 103.
[0074] Alternately, the coils comprise a series of coils 206
arranged on the interior of a circular substrate 204, i.e., around
a central axis about which the magnets 205a, 205b and 205c rotates
in response to actuation of a rotary switch 203. There may be as
few as one coil, but preferably at least three coils are located
along the axis relative to which the magnet moves. More
specifically, 6 or more coils are preferably evenly spaced along
the axis of motion of the magnet, which for a linear actuator 98 is
at least three times the length of the magnet.
[0075] In operation, when the manual or mechanical actuation of the
linear switch 103, the attached magnet 105 moves along longitudinal
axis from position 111 to position 112. As the magnet 105 passes a
coil 106, the changing magnetic field creates an electric field in
the coil 106. The current flows from ground (not shown) through the
coil 106 and into a wire 107 connected to a conductor 14. This
happens at each coil 106 so that as the magnet 105 passes the
series of coils 106 an electric field is generated in each coil 106
and is summed at conductor 14. In a like manner, when the rotary
switch 203 in the embodiment of FIG. 11 is rotated, the magnet(s)
205a-c move in relation to the coils 206 attached to the periphery
of the casing 204 of the electromagnetic motor 99, and generate an
electric field in a like manner.
[0076] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7: The pulse of electrical energy
is transmitted from the actuator 12, 98 or 99 via the electrical
wires 14 connected to each of the actuator 12 to a switch or relay
90. The pulse of electrical energy is of sufficient magnitude to
cause the switch/relay 90 to toggle from one position to another.
Alternatively and preferably, the electrical pulse is first
transmitted through a pulse modification circuit 10 in order to
modify the character, i.e, current, voltage, frequency and/or pulse
width of the electrical signal.
[0077] Referring now to FIG. 7: The electrical pulse modification
circuit 10 essentially comprises a diode-capacitor array and a
voltage regulator U1. The anode and cathode of the diode D1 are
connected to each wire 14 respectively. More specifically, the
anode is connected via a first wire 14 to the convex face 12a of
the actuator 12, and the cathode is connected via the other wire to
the concave face 12c of the actuator 12. This connection allows
only the voltage pulse generated on the recovery stroke of the
actuator 12 to be transmitted past the diode D1.
[0078] The pulse modification circuit 10 also comprises a voltage
regulator U1, which controls the input electrical pulse downstream
of the diode D1. The output signal of voltage regulator U1 is
preferably 3.3 volts DC. One or more capacitors C1, C2 and C3 may
be provided between the diode D1 and the voltage regulator U1. The
capacitors C1, C2 and C3 are connected in parallel with the diode
D1. The capacitors C1, C2 and C3 act as filters to provide a more
uniform voltage input to the voltage regulator U1. The capacitors
C1, C2 and C3 also prevent excessive peak voltages from affecting
downstream components of the circuit (such as the voltage regulator
U1). The output of the voltage regulator is a pulse of uniform
voltage with a duration of approximately 50-100 milliseconds
depending on the load applied to the actuator 12. The output
voltage signal of the pulse modification circuit 10 may then be
transmitted via another wire to the relay switch 90, in order to
change the position of the relay switch 90 from one position to
another.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 12: An alternate pulse modification
circuit contains a capacitor-diode array that operates in a
different manner. More specifically, the alternate capacitor-diode
array preferably has four capacitors C11, C12, C13 and C14 and nine
diodes D11-D19 connected between the positive and negative
terminals of the actuator. More specifically, the four capacitors
C11, C12, C13 and C14 and three diodes D11, D12 and D13 are
connected in series across the output of the actuator, in an
alternating fashion, i.e., the capacitors and diodes are connected
with C11, D11, C12, D12, C13, D13 and C14 in series in that order.
Each of the capacitors C11, C12, C13 and C14 preferably has the
same value, and each of the diodes D11, D12 and D13 preferably has
the same value. Each of the diodes D11, D12 and D13 are preferably
connected to each other anode to cathode, with the cathode of diode
D13 connected to the ground terminal of the actuator and the anode
of diode D11 connected to the positive terminal of the
actuator.
[0080] Each junction between a capacitor C11, C12, C13 and C14 and
a diode D11, D12 and D13 is connected through another diode either
to ground or the positive terminal of the actuator. More
specifically, the junctions of the capacitors C11, C12, C13 and C14
with the cathodes of the series diodes D11, D12 and D13 is
connected through the anode of another diode D16, D17 and D18 to
the positive terminal of the actuator. Also, the junctions of the
capacitors C11, C12, C13 and C14 with the anodes of the series
diodes D11, D12 and D13 is connected through the cathode of another
diode D14, D15 and D19 to the negative or ground terminal of the
actuator. Thus, the first series diode D11 has its anode connected
through C1 to the positive terminal of the actuator and through the
cathode of diode D19 to the negative terminal of the actuator, and
also has its cathode connected though the anode of diode D17 to the
positive terminal of the actuator. Likewise, the second series
diode D12 has its anode connected through C2, D1 and C1 to the
positive terminal of the actuator and through the cathode of diode
D15 to the negative terminal of the actuator, and also has its
cathode connected though the anode of diode D16 to the positive
terminal of the actuator. Finally, the third series diode D13 has
its anode connected through C3, D2, C2, D1 and C1 to the positive
terminal of the actuator and through the cathode of diode D14 to
the negative terminal of the actuator, and has its cathode
connected though the anode of diode D18 to the positive terminal of
the actuator, and also has its cathode connected through C4 to the
negative terminal of the actuator.
[0081] In operation, the voltage pulse from the actuator charges
the series capacitors C11, C12, C13 and C14 through the series
diodes D11, D12 and D13. Since the capacitors C11, C12, C13 and C14
preferably are of equal value, each of them carries one quarter of
the charge of the voltage pulse. As the pulse subsides to one
quarter of its original value, the diodes D17, D16 and D18
connected between each of the series diodes series capacitors C11,
C12, C13 and C14 and the positive terminal become positively biased
and the capacitors C12, C13 and C14 discharge through them. As the
capacitors discharge, the diodes D14, D15 and D19 become positively
biased, placing each capacitor in parallel with the output voltage.
Thus as the voltage pulse subsides, capacitor C11 is placed in
parallel with the output through diode D19, Capacitor C12 through
diodes D15 and D15, capacitor C13 through diodes D14 and D16 and
capacitor C14 through diode D18.
[0082] This modified diode-capacitor array essentially quadruples
the amount of energy from the voltage pulse. By splitting the pulse
into lower voltages and then adding the current in parallel, the
array transforms the pulse into a more useable value, with lower
voltage, but higher current and duration, which is desirable in
downstream components of the self-powered switching relay.
[0083] Referring again to FIGS. 6 and 7: More preferably, the
output of the voltage regulator U1 is used to power tone generator
or encoder 40 comprising an inverter array U2, which generates a
pulsed tone. This pulsed tone modulates an RF generator section 50
which radiates an RF signal using a tuned loop antenna 60. The
signal radiated by the loop antenna is intercepted by an RF
receiver 70 and a decoder 80 which generates a relay pulse to
activate the relay 90.
[0084] The output of the voltage regulator U1 is connected to an
inverter array U2, which acts as an encoder 40 for the electrical
pulse. More specifically, the output conductor for the output
voltage pulse (nominally 3.3 volts) is connected to the input pin
of a hex inverter array U2. Preferably 3 of the 6 inverters U2A,
U2B and U2C in the inverter array U2 are connected in series, and
the other inverters (not shown) are not used (grounded). The last
inverter U2C is connected in parallel with a series combination of
a resistor R2 and a capacitor C5, which determine the oscillation
frequency of the inverter array U2. The first two of the series
connected inverters U2A and U2B are connected in parallel with a
series combination of a resistor R1 and capacitor C5. In operation,
capacitor C5 is charged through the first resistor R2. After the
capacitor C5 is fully charged, the voltage then follows resistor R1
which triggers each of the inverters U2A, U2B and U2C to toggle in
series. This cyclic toggling of the inverters U2A, U2B and U2C
generates a square wave output determined by the RC constant of the
R2-C5 combination. Connecting the inverters U2A, U2B and U2C in
series generates a faster switching signal for the final inverter
U2C of the series and thus a clean, abrupt output signal. Thus, the
output of the inverter array U2 is a series of square waves
oscillating between 0 and a positive voltage, preferably +3.3 VDC,
the duration of the series of square waves being determined by the
duration of the output voltage pulse of the voltage regulator U1.
By choosing an appropriate R-C time constant, one can determine
from the duration of the pulse, the desired pulse width and hence,
the number of cycles of the square wave. In the preferred
embodiment of the invention, R2 has a value of about 1.2 megaohms
and the capacitor C5 has a value of 220 picofarads. Alternatively
capacitor C5 is tunable in order to adjust the frequency of
oscillation of the inverter array U2. These values provide a one
millisecond long square wave having a pulse width of one half
millisecond which equates to approximately 100 square wave
cycles.
[0085] The tone generator or encoder 40 may be constructed as an IC
and therefore may be miniaturized and also programmed with a
variety of values. Thus the encoder 40 is capable of generating one
of many unique encoded signals by simply varying the RC constant of
the encoder 40. More specifically, the encoder 40 can generate one
of a billion or more possible codes. It is also possible and
desirable to have more than one encoder 40 included in the circuit
in order to generate more than one code from one actuator or
transmitter. Alternately, any combination of multiple actuators and
multiple pulse modification subcircuits may be used together to
generate a variety of unique encoded signals.
[0086] The DC output of the voltage regulator U1 and the square
wave output of the inverter array U2 are connected to an RF
generator 50. The RF generator 50 consists of tank circuit
connected to the voltage regulator U1 through both a bipolar
transistor (BJT) Q1 and an RF choke. More specifically, the tank
circuit consists of a resonant circuit comprising an inductor L2
and a capacitor C8 connected to each other at each of their
respective ends (in parallel). Either the capacitor C8 or the
inductor L2 or both may be tunable in order to adjust the frequency
of the tank circuit. An inductor L1 acts as an RF choke, with one
end of the inductor L1 connected to the output of the voltage
regulator U1 and the opposite end of the inductor L1 connected to a
first junction of the L2-C8 tank circuit. Preferably, the RF choke
inductor L1 is an inductor with a diameter of approximately 0.125
inches and turns on the order of thirty and is connected on a loop
of the tank circuit inductor L2. The second and opposite junction
of the L2-C8 tank circuit is connected to the collector of BJT Q1.
The base of the BJT Q1 is also connected through resistor R3 to the
output side of the inverter array U2. A capacitor C7 is connected
to the base of a BJT Q1 and to the first junction of the tank
circuit. Another capacitor C9 is connected in parallel with the
collector and emitter of the BJT Q1. This capacitor C9 improves the
feedback characteristics of the tank circuit. The emitter of the
BJT is connected through resistor R4 to ground. The emitter of the
BJT is also connected to ground through capacitor C10 which is in
parallel with the resistor R4. The capacitor C10 in parallel with
the resistor R4 provides a more stable conduction path from the
emitter at high frequencies.
[0087] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9: The RF generator 50 works in
conjunction with a tuned loop antenna 60. In the preferred
embodiment, the inductor L2 of the tank circuit serves as the loop
antenna 60. More preferably, the inductor/loop antenna L2 comprises
a single rectangular loop of copper wire having an additional
smaller loop or jumper 61 connected to the rectangular loop L2.
Adjustment of the shape and angle of the smaller loop 61 relative
to the rectangular loop L2 is used to increase or decrease the
apparent diameter of the inductor L2 and thus tunes the RF
transmission frequency of the RF generator 50. In an alternate
embodiment, a separate tuned antenna may be connected to the second
junction of the tank circuit.
[0088] Additional filtering components in the circuit include a
grounded capacitor C4 connected to the input of the inverter array
U2 and a grounded capacitor C6 connected to the output of the
inverter array U2.
[0089] In operation: The positive voltage output from the voltage
regulator U1 is connected the inverter array U2 and the RF choke
inductor L1. The voltage drives the inverter array U2 to generate a
square wave output, which is connected to the base of the BJT Q1
through resistor R3. When the square wave voltage is zero, the base
of the BJT remains de-energized, and current does not flow through
the inductor L1. When the square wave voltage is positive, the base
of the BJT Q1 is energized through resistor R3. With the base of
the BJT Q1 energized, current is allowed to flow across the base
from the collector to the emitter and current is also allowed to
flow across the inductor L1. When the square wave returns to a zero
voltage, the base of the BJT Q1 is again de-energized.
[0090] When current flows across the choke inductor L1, the tank
circuit capacitor C8 charges. Once the tank circuit capacitor C8 is
charged, the tank circuit begins to resonate at the frequency
determined by the circuit's LC constant. For example, a tank
circuit having a 7 picofarad capacitor and an inductor L2 having a
single rectangular loop measuring 0.7 inch by 0.3 inch, the
resonant frequency of the tank circuit is 310 MHz. The choke
inductor L1 prevents RF leakage into upstream components of the
circuit (the inverter array U2) because changing the magnetic field
of the choke inductor L1 produces an electric field opposing
upstream current flow from the tank circuit. To produce an RF
signal, charges have to oscillate with frequencies in the RF range.
Thus, the charges oscillating in the tank circuit inductor/tuned
loop antenna L2 produce an RF signal of preferably 310 Mhz. As the
square wave output of the inverter turns the BJT Q1 on and off, the
signal generated from the loop antenna 60 comprises a pulsed RF
signal having a duration of 100 milliseconds and a pulse width of
0.5 milliseconds thus producing 100 pulses of 310 MHz. The RF
generator section is tunable to multiple frequencies. Therefore,
not only is the transmitter capable of a great number of unique
codes, it is also capable of generating each of these codes at a
different frequency, which greatly increases the number of possible
combinations of unique frequency-code signals.
[0091] The RF generator 50 and antenna 60 work in conjunction with
an RF receiver 70. More specifically, an RF receiver 70 in
proximity to the RF transmitter 60 (within 150 feet) can receive
the pulsed RF signal transmitted by the RF generator 50. The RF
receiver comprises a receiving antenna 70 for intercepting the
pulsed RF signal (tone). The tone generates a pulsed electrical
signal in the receiving antenna 70 that is input to a
microprocessor chip that acts as a decoder 80. The decoder 80
filters out all signals except for the RF signal it is programmed
to receive, e.g., the signal generated by the RF generator 50. An
external power source is also connected to the microprocessor
chip/decoder 80. In response to the intercepted tone from the RF
generator 50, the decoder chip produces a pulsed electrical signal.
The external power source connected to the decoder 80 augments the
pulsed voltage output signal developed by the chip. This augmented
(e.g., 120VAC) voltage pulse is then applied to a conventional
relay 90 for changing the position of a switch within the relay.
Changing the relay switch position is then used to turn an
electrical device with a bipolar switch on or off, or toggle
between the several positions of a multiple position switch. Zero
voltage switching elements may be added to ensure the relay 90
activates only once for each depression and recovery cycle of the
flextensional transducer element 12 or electromagnetic
actuator.
[0092] Switch Initiator System with Trainable Receiver
[0093] Several different RF transmitters may be used that generate
different tones for controlling relays that are tuned to receive
that tone. In another embodiment, digitized RF signals may be coded
and programmable (as with a garage door opener) to only activate a
relay that is coded with that digitized RF signal. In other words,
the RF transmitter is capable of generating at least one tone, but
is preferably capable of generating multiple tones. Most
preferably, each transmitter is coded with one or more unique
signals. This is easily done, since programmable ICs for generating
the tone can have over 230 possible unique signal codes which is
the equivalent of over 1 billion codes. Most preferably the
invention comprises a system of multiple transmitters and one or
more receivers for actuating building lights and appliances. In
this system for remote control of these devices, an extremely large
number of codes are available for the transmitters for operating
the lights and or appliances and each transmitter has at least one
unique, permanent and nonuser changeable code. The receiver and
controller module at the light or appliance is capable of storing
and remembering a number of different codes corresponding to
different transmitters such that the controller can be programmed
so as to actuated by more than one transmitted code, thus allowing
two or more transmitters to actuate the same light or
appliance.
[0094] The remote control system includes a receiver/controller for
learning a unique code of a remote transmitter to cause the
performance of a function associated with the system, light or
appliance with which the receiver/controller module is associated.
The remote control system is advantageously used, in one
embodiment, for interior or exterior lighting, household appliances
or security system.
[0095] Preferably, a plurality of transmitters is provided wherein
each transmitter has at least one unique and permanent non-user
changeable code and wherein the receiver can be placed into a
program mode wherein it will receive and store two or more codes
corresponding to two or more different transmitters. The number of
codes which can be stored in transmitters can be extremely high as,
for example, greater than one billion codes. The receiver has a
decoder module therein which is capable of learning many different
transmitted codes, which eliminates code switches in the receiver
and also provides for multiple transmitters for actuating the light
or appliance. Thus, the invention makes it possible to eliminate
the requirements for code selection switches in the transmitters
and receivers.
[0096] Referring to FIG. 12: The receiver module 101 includes a
suitable antenna 60 for receiving radio frequency transmissions
from the transmitters 126 and 128 and supplies an input to a
decoder 80 which provides an output to a microprocessor unit 144.
The microprocessor unit 144 is connected to a relay device 90 or
controller which switches the light or appliance between one of two
or more operation modes, i.e., on, off, dim, or some other mode of
operation. A switch 122 is mounted on a switch unit 119 connected
to the receiver and also to the microprocessor 144. The switch 122
is a two position switch that can be moved between the "operate"
and "program" positions to establish operate and program modes.
[0097] In the invention, each transmitter such as transmitters 26
and 28 will have at least one unique code which is determined by
the tone generator/encoder chip 40 contained in the transmitter.
The receiver unit 101 is able to memorize and store a number of
different transmitter codes which eliminates the need of coding
switches in either the transmitter or receiver which are used in
the prior art. This also eliminates the requirement that the user
match the transmitter and receiver code switches. Preferably, the
receiver 101 is capable of receiving many transmitted codes, up to
the available amount of memory locations 147 in the microprocessor
144, for example one hundred or more codes.
[0098] When the controller 90 for the light or appliance is
initially installed, the switch 122 is moved to the program mode
and the first transmitter 126 is energized so that the unique code
of the transmitter 126 is transmitted. This is received by the
receiver antenna 70 and decoded by the decoder 80 and supplied to
the microprocessor unit 144. The code of the transmitter 126 is
then supplied to the memory address storage 147 and stored therein.
Then if the switch 122 is moved to the operate mode and the
transmitter 126 energized, the receiver 70, decoder 80 and the
microprocessor 144 will compare the received code with the code of
the transmitter 126 stored in the first memory location in the
memory address storage 147 and since the stored memory address for
the transmitter 126 coincides with the transmitted code of the
transmitter 126 the microprocessor 144 will energize the controller
mechanism 90 for the light or appliance to energize de-energize or
otherwise operate the device.
[0099] In order to store the code of the second transmitter 128 the
switch 122 is moved again to the program mode and the transmitter
28 is energized. This causes the receiver 70 and decoder 80 to
decode the transmitted signal and supply it to the microprocessor
144 which then supplies the coded signal of the transmitter 128 to
the memory address storage 147 where it is stored in a second
address storage location. Then the switch 122 is moved to the
operate position and when either of the transmitters 126 and 128
are energized, the receiver 70 decoder 80 and microprocessor 144
will energize the controller mechanism 90 for the light or
appliance to energize de-energize or otherwise operate the
device.
[0100] Thus, the codes of the transmitters 126 and 128 are
transmitted and stored in the memory address storage 147 during the
program mode after which the light or appliance controller will
respond to either of the transmitters 126 and 128. Any desired
number of transmitters can be programmed to operate the light or
appliance up to the available memory locations in the memory
address storage 147.
[0101] This invention eliminates the requirement that binary
switches be set in the transmitter or receiver as is done in
systems of the prior art. The invention also allows a controller to
respond to a number of different transmitters because the specific
codes of a number of the transmitters are stored and retained in
the memory address storage 147 of the receiver module 101.
[0102] In yet another more specific embodiment of the invention,
each transmitter 126 or 128 contains two or more unique codes for
controlling an appliance. One code corresponds in the
microprocessor to the "on" position and another code corresponds in
the microprocessor 144 to the "off" position of the controller.
Alternately, the codes may correspond to "more" or "less"
respectively in order to raise or lower the volume of a sound
device or to dim or undim lighting for example. Lastly, the unique
codes in a transmitter 126 or 128 may comprise four codes which the
microprocessor interprets as "on", "off", "more" and "less"
positions of the controller 90, depend on the desired setup of the
switches. Alternatively, a transmitter may only have two codes, but
the microprocessor 144 interprets repeated pushes of "on" or "off"
signals respectively to be interpreted as dim up and down.
[0103] In another embodiment of the invention, receivers may be
trained to accept the transmitter code(s) in one-step. Basically,
the memory 147 in the microprocessor 144 of the receiver modules
101 will have "slots" where codes can be stored. For instance one
slot may be for all of the codes that the memory 147 accepts to be
turned on, another slot for all the off codes, another all the 30%
dimmed codes, etc.
[0104] Each transmitter 126 will have a certain set of codes, maybe
just one, the "toggle" code, wherein the receiver module 101 knows
only to reverse its current state, if it's on, turn off, and if
it's off, turn on. But, the transmitter 126 may have many codes as
listed above, and many more codes for the complex control of
appliances. Each of these codes is "unique". The transmitter 126
will send out its code set in a way in which the receiver 101 knows
in which slots to put each code. Also, with the increased and
longer pulse of electricity that can be generated in the
transmitter 126, a single transmission of a code set is doable even
with mechanically produced voltage. As a back-up, if this is not
true, and if wireless transmission uses up more electricity than we
have available, some sort of temporary wired connection (jumper not
shown) between each transmitter and receiver target is possible.
Although the disclosed embodiment shows manual or mechanical
interaction with the transmitter and receiver to train the
receiver, it is yet desirable to put the receiver in reprogram mode
with a wireless transmission, for example a "training" code.
[0105] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the transmitter
126 may have multiple unique codes and the transmitter randomly
selects one of the multitude of possible codes, all of which are
programmed into the memory allocation spaces 147 of the
microprocessor 144.
[0106] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the transmitter
126 signal need not be manually operated or triggered, but may as
easily be operated by any manner of mechanical force, i.e., the
movement of a window, door, safe, foot sensor, etc. and that a
burglar alarm sensor might simultaneously send a signal to the
security system and a light in the intruded upon room. Likewise,
the transmitter 126 may be combined with other apparatus. For
example, a transmitter 126 may be located within a garage door
opener which can also turn on one or more lights in the house, when
the garage door opens.
[0107] Furthermore, the transmitters can talk to a central system
or repeater which re-transmits the signals by wire or wireless
means to lights and appliances. In this manner, one can have one
transmitter/receiver set, or many transmitters interacting with
many different receivers, some transmitters talking to one or more
receivers and some receivers being controlled by one or more
transmitters, thus providing a broad system of interacting systems
and wireless transmitters. Also, the transmitters and receivers may
have the capacity of interfacing with wired communications like
SMARTHOME or BLUETOOTH.
[0108] While in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the
actuation means has been described as from mechnical to electric,
it is within the scope of the invention to include batteries in the
transmitter to power or supplement the power of the transmitter.
For example, rechargeable batteries may be included in the
transmitter circuitry and may be recharged through the
electromechanical actuators. These rechargeable batteries may thus
provide backup power to the transmitter.
[0109] It is seen that the present invention allows a receiving
system to respond to one of a plurality of transmitters which have
different unique codes which can be stored in the receiver during a
program mode. Each time the "program mode switch" 122 is moved to
the program position, a different storage can be connected so that
the new transmitter code would be stored in that address. After all
of the address storage capacity have been used additional codes
would erase all old codes in the memory address storage before
storing a new one.
[0110] This invention is safe because it eliminates the need for
120 VAC (220 VAC in Europe) lines to be run to each switch in the
house. Instead the higher voltage overhead AC lines are only run to
the appliances or lights, and they are actuated through the
self-powered switching device and relay switch. The invention also
saves on initial and renovation construction costs associated with
cutting holes and running the electrical lines to/through each
switch and within the walls. The invention is particularly useful
in historic structures undergoing preservation, as the walls of the
structure need not be destroyed and then rebuilt. The invention is
also useful in concrete construction, such as structures using
concrete slab and/or stucco construction and eliminate the need to
have wiring on the surface of the walls and floors of these
structures.
[0111] While the above description contains many specificities,
these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the
invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred
embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible, for
example:
[0112] In addition to piezoelectric devices, the electroactive
elements may comprise magnetostrictive or ferroelectric
devices;
[0113] Rather than being arcuate in shape, the actuators may
normally be flat and still be deformable;
[0114] Multiple high deformation piezoelectric actuators may be
placed, stacked and/or bonded on top of each other;
[0115] Multiple piezoelectric actuators may be placed adjacent each
other to form an array.
[0116] Larger or different shapes of THUNDER elements may also be
used to generate higher impulses.
[0117] The piezoelectric elements may be flextensional actuators or
direct mode piezoelectric actuators.
[0118] A bearing material may be disposed between the actuators and
the recesses or switch plate in order to reduce friction and
wearing of one element against the next or against the frame member
of the switch plate.
[0119] Other means for applying pressure to the actuator may be
used including simple application of manual pressure, rollers,
pressure plates, toggles, hinges, knobs, sliders, twisting
mechanisms, release latches, spring loaded devices, foot pedals,
game consoles, traffic activation and seat activated devices.
[0120] Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined
not by the embodiment illustrated, but by the appended claims and
their legal equivalents.
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