Detachable Light Switch

[Floyd Pink]

Hi All,

I have a project that I was working on a couple of years ago, but I put it to rest as I was busy with something else. Anyway, I think there is great mileage in this and would like to open it up for opportunity as it seems a shame to keep putting it on the backburner.

The idea is a detachable light switch which will allow the face plate to be removed, changed, upgraded etc without the need for any wiring knowledge. Using much the same concept as detachable front panels on car stereos.

I originally worked on the idea around customizability, ie your favourite football team light switch, cartoon character, pop star, rock band etc etc. However, it soon became clear that this is ideal for the workplace, furnished apartments, hotels etc where the law is very strict as to what can and can’t be done by people non skilled/qualified in electrics.

Whilst the patent application was being developed, it also became apparent that the same technology can be used for wall lights, making these very easy to replace. Simply pop them on and off. Leading on further from that, there are digital photo frames, promotional DVD screens and a large number of applications/accessories that could utilise the technology.

Why don’t I move it forward? I simply don’t have the money, time, knowledge or experience to pursue this without the assistance of somebody who possesses these assets. I firmly believe contacts and experience count for much more than just a good idea, neither of which I possess in this trade/field. All I have is what I consider to be a great idea and a patent, again, neither of which have the power alone to make this succeed.

Anyway, I just thought I’d take a punt and throw it out there to see if anybody can, wants or is able to do this justice.

For reference, the patent number is GB2460572

Thank you, Chris.

 

[Floyd Pink]

That went down well

 

[Root 66 Woodshop]

Can you put a 2" screen "touch-screen" onto this say with a promotional company logo of any company (hotel etc) where all people have to do is "Touch the screen" to turn the light on and off?

 

[Floyd Pink]

Can you put a 2" screen "touch-screen" onto this say with a promotional company logo of any company (hotel etc) where all people have to do is "Touch the screen" to turn the light on and off?

Yes, in theory. All manner of things were discussed with designers and most are possible, within reason of course.

Only thing with hotels, public places etc is security, but there are many ways they can be secured and still easily released.

 

[Esk247]

It's converting the switch bit in to a plug basically isn't it?

I actually like the idea because then you can change your decor and sockets to match, you can also remove the socket temporarily while decorating and stick it back. Perfecto.

You could develop it further with safety features too.

Thumbs up from me.

 

[Esk247]

Yes, in theory. All manner of things were discussed with designers and most are possible, within reason of course.

Only thing with hotels, public places etc is security, but there are many ways they can be secured and still easily released.

Can just use a small key underneath for hotels. Pin hole size thing.

 

[Floyd Pink]

Can just use a small key underneath for hotels. Pin hole size thing.

Exactly that.

 

[Floyd Pink]

It's converting the switch bit in to a plug basically isn't it?

I actually like the idea because then you can change your decor and sockets to match, you can also remove the socket temporarily while decorating and stick it back. Perfecto.

You could develop it further with safety features too.

Thumbs up from me.

Pretty much, yes.

I originally got the idea when I was a kid. My Mum was a single Mum, when it came to decorating she was terrified of electrics, so of course we used to end up with paint around the old black light switches.

When detachable front plates in car stereos first came on the market, I then thought back to when I was a kid and thought that would be the best way to get round that problem.

Since then, my though train has stopped at a million and one stations. (That's a terribly cheesy line, apologies for that).

 

[Root 66 Woodshop]

I'm assuming here that the mechanism for the "detachable" part is that similar to the car radio? therefore only one side would be detachable while the other side would be a pin effect?

If so, would it not be easy to also add a "locking" screw mechanism, say with a security screw within this pin effect onto the face plate, therefore giving you a security device which would enable not only "hotel users" but parents the knowledge that people/kids can not remove the fascia without the correct equipment.

 

[Floyd Pink]

I'm assuming here that the mechanism for the "detachable" part is that similar to the car radio? therefore only one side would be detachable while the other side would be a pin effect?

If so, would it not be easy to also add a "locking" screw mechanism, say with a security screw within this pin effect onto the face plate, therefore giving you a security device which would enable not only "hotel users" but parents the knowledge that people/kids can not remove the fascia without the correct equipment.

Exactly.

The theory is that once the face plate is removed then any the electricity supply is cut off anyway, but I'm no electrical expert so couldn't tell you how this is done.

But yes, it would be beneficial to have a locking system somewhere, or at least options available.

 

[Root 66 Woodshop]

Exactly.

The theory is that once the face plate is removed then any the electricity supply is cut off anyway, but I'm no electrical expert so couldn't tell you how this is done.

But yes, it would be beneficial to have a locking system somewhere, or at least options available.

I think in order to be secure for a hotel for instance, this would be a necessary requirement, otherwise people wouldn't take on the product due to fear of people nicking the fascia's with the 2" monitor... cost would be an obvious issue here.

Out of interest, assuming that the plate would be the "storage" area for the memory for the screen to encompass a company logo, how much deeper than a standard light-switch are we talking here? or would the memory be held in the back plate?

With regards to the electricity being cut off, that wasn't my actual theory for wanting to use the locking screw, the theory was based upon the lovely children (or thieving git's from hotel's) wouldn't be able to detach it "if they're not meant to" Although I do actually like the fact that the electricity would be cut off from the plate... that in itself is an interesting fact.

Going back to screens, the memory storage product is available out there already, all you'd need to do is incorporate it into your product... I'll post an image for you later.

 

[Floyd Pink]

I think in order to be secure for a hotel for instance, this would be a necessary requirement, otherwise people wouldn't take on the product due to fear of people nicking the fascia's with the 2" monitor... cost would be an obvious issue here.

Out of interest, assuming that the plate would be the "storage" area for the memory for the screen to encompass a company logo, how much deeper than a standard light-switch are we talking here? or would the memory be held in the back plate?

For public places, a security system is essential.

A basic rocker switch would no deeper than a standard light switch.

We looked into various option as to where to store memory, chips etc, and the main consensus was in the detachable front plate, which would increase bulk fractionally depending on what the application is. The main reason for the front plate, if you are having the most basic of light switch then you wouldn't really want to pay for electronic devices that wouldn't be used.

That said, nothing is set in stone and this hasn't been taken to prototype and should it go further I'm more than happy to listen to the experts and what the trade wants.

 

[Floyd Pink]

Going back to screens, the memory storage product is available out there already, all you'd need to do is incorporate it into your product... I'll post an image for you later.

Absolutely, most of the "stuff" that can be adapted to fit this is already out there. Screens, dimmers, sensors etc can all be used, but none of it is new.

The main patent and USP is focused around of the detachability of the unit.

 

[Root 66 Woodshop]

Do you have any idea roughly on how much these unit's would sell for?

 

[Floyd Pink]

Do you have any idea roughly on how much these unit's would sell for?

No, the project was put on hold before the final designs and costings were done. It's very much in it's infancy in terms of work carried out on it. If time was no object, I would push this through right now. But I'm spending 6 months per year in Japan and can't commit to it just yet.

I will have time in a couple of years, but for now I'd thought I'd just "throw it out there" and see if anybody else could do it justice who understands the market/technology.

 

[Root 66 Woodshop]

Despite you not having the time for it, you're visiting one of the best places every year that could actually move this on for you, are you sure you not have a contact in Japan that could actually help with this idea?

Isn't it something like the step 3 thing? you've got 3 steps within your group of colleges/friends that know someone or a company that can do something that you need/want?

 

[Moneyman]

To change a light switch: 5 mins maximum. i can do it in three easily.
you can get a switch for a quid.
They all fit the same box already and two wires. I cant see any business paying out sums to get an even easier product.

the big cost will be getting certification, kite marks etc.

 

[vvaannmmaann]

These people offer a quick and cheap fix.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PLAIN-COL...WITCH-COVER-STICKER-SKIN-DIMMER-/310346697252

 

[TPSOxford]

I could be totally wrong here but to my mind, bearing in mind light switches aren't exactly the sort of thing you replace every year, the value would be if you could make the switch work wirelessly. I know when I do a presentation having to shout to the back of the room to dim the lights is a pain - if you could have a detachable control panel that would be ideal. You could even have it controlling blinds etc.

It could also be used for bedrooms or care homes where getting out of bed to change the lights is undesirable or difficult.

They already have air con remotes but these have the problem of needing battery replacement, and also a line of sight. Presumably if it is rechargeable from the mains you could use bluetooth or similar for more reliable controls. It would also save the electrical safety aspect as the switch would be charged by 12V, with the 230V electrics all switched remotely.

 

[Super Simon]

I don't get it.

If I want to change the light switches in my house, I simply go to B&Q, buy one that I like, unscrew the current one off and screw the new one on. Done within minutes and I am by no means an electrician.

 

[Esk247]

You're all missing the point.

My missus thinks its a good idea and i think you're all over complicating it with buttons and switches and computers.

If you're redecorating the house, on your own, and you've never taken a plug off the wall before this be perfect! Unplug, wall paper, plug back in..ta da. forget 3 minutes, try 10 seconds! and you don't even need to turn the power off!

Also beneficial if you have very young children and don't want them sticking their fingers in to plug sockets in their bedroom. Yes you can get the little plastic things but then you either can't get the things out when you need to or the kids just prise them off anyway.

If this thing had a very basic safety feature fitted it means you could remove plug sockets and lights or fit different types of plug/lighting.

It can be a right faff on changing the lights in the living room, especially if you end up twisting the wire or snipping too much off..darn..now you need an electrician.

 

[Digger]

You don't need wireless - or storage cards - just a RX unit that decodes a signal sent over the mains.
Ergo you could in theory control content on screens - and switch any ( or all ) the lights from a single point - just a thought like.