Dimmer switch module
AssigneeProtectConnect
InventorMichael P. Gorman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A dimmer switch module removably connects to a wiring module mounted within an electrical box and connected to a power source. The dimmer switch module is configured to control electrical current flowing from the power source to a power sink, such as a light. The dimmer switch module has a front cover and a back cover housing a circuit board. A dimmer control is accessible on the front cover. Shielded plugs are disposed on the back cover and are configured to mate with corresponding structured sockets of a wiring module so as to electrically connect to a power source routed to the wiring module. A power control element mounted on the circuit board is responsive to the dimmer control so as to vary the amount of electrical current flowing between the shielded plugs.
Claims9
A dimmer switch module adapted to removably connect to a wiring module mounted within an electrical box and connected to a power source, the dimmer switch module configured to control electrical current flowing from the power source to an electrical light, the dimmer switch module comprising:
- a front cover and a back cover providing a housing;
- a dimmer control disposed proximate the front cover;
- a plurality of shielded plugs disposed proximate the back cover;
- and
- a circuit board enclosed by the front and back covers;
- a power control element mounted on the circuit board,
- wherein the shielded plugs each comprise a prong extending from the circuit board through the back cover and a shield extending from the back cover to about the extent of the prong and surrounding the prong on all sides, the shielded plugs configured to mate with corresponding structured sockets of a wiring module so as to electrically connect to a power source routed to the wiring module,
- wherein the power control element controls the electrical current flowing between the shielded plugs, and
- wherein the dimmer control is coupled to the circuit board so as to vary the conductivity of the power control element.
A dimmer switch module comprising:
- a housing having a front side and a back side;
- a power control accessible on the front side;
- a dimmer control accessible on the front side;
- a circuit board disposed within the housing;
- a plurality of prongs disposed on the circuit board and extending through the back side;
- a power control element disposed on the circuit board and configured to adjust electrical current flowing between the prongs;
- and
- an on/off switch disposed on the circuit board and configured to enable and disable the power control element,
- wherein the prongs are configured to plug into corresponding sockets of a wiring module mounted within an electrical box and routed to a power cable,
- wherein the power control is coupled to the circuit board so as to actuate the on/off switch, and
- wherein the dimmer control is coupled to the circuit board so as to vary the conductivity of the power control element.
A dimmer switch module comprising:
- a front cover and a back cover;
- a circuit board enclosed by the front cover and back cover;
- a heat sink disposed between and partially enclosed by the front cover and the back cover;
- a plurality of prongs extending from the circuit board through the back cover;
- and
- a power control element mounted on the circuit board,
- wherein the prongs are configured to mate with corresponding sockets of a wiring module so as to electrically connect to a power source via the wiring module,
- wherein the heat sink is thermally coupled to the power control element and configured to mount the dimmer switch module to the wiring module.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.