NEED
Inteli•Touch:
the world's first computerized control that allows you to use the two
wires from your existing light switch already in place in your home
without installing a costly third wire. It offers a full range of fan
operation, light dimming, and programming features, including Safe-Exit,
Home-Safe, Fan Minder® which automatically adjusts fan speed to
compensate for cooler night air, and Light Minder® that helps you save
energy by automatically turning off lights two hours
after they are turned on.
Casablanca Fan
Company envisioned an advanced fan control system that would enhance
their reputation with both dealers and the buying public and thus
result in an increased share of a stable market. Marketing objectives
included convenient control and straight-forward operation, and a small
price differential from their manual fan control system. Remote control
of fan speed, light intensity and fan direction was required so that all
switches could be removed from the fan. Extremely quiet motor speed was
required along with no household wiring changes. Additionally, the
design was to be the basis for a series of future product releases as
the control was implemented in their full line of ceiling fans.
SOLUTION
Mitsi employed a
unique method of AC line information communication utilizing the AC
power to the fan. The standard wall switch was replaced with a
"zero power" communications switch interface. A microprocessor
was placed inside the fan to receive the commands from the wall mounted
switch and to control the fan motor and lights as commanded. Special
detection circuitry was implemented to filter noise on the AC such as
reverse EMF generated by the motor or noise from other household
appliances.
Quiet motor speed
control was performed by a very simple and clever approach which
balanced heat dissipation between the control and motor and was simple,
reliable, inexpensive. It produced the quietest possible motor control.
The microcomputer in the fan also allowed sophisticated motor control to
further smooth power and dampen the motor. Special modes such as Light
Minder (TM), Safe-Exit (TM), and Home SAFE (TM) were made possible by
the presence of the microcomputer. In fact, a special demonstration mode
which exercises all the capabilities of the fan was included to enhance
the salability of the fan, a first for a household appliance.
Try turning off
your Casablanca for a few seconds. Then turn it on, and within 5
seconds, hit the following sequence quickly:
You'll be
rewarded by a tone sequence and a continuous demo of the fan's
features. ( I have many Casablanca fans at home, and showing
this off is GREAT FUN. fkb.)
RESULTS
All these
features were implemented with a cost differential of less than ten
dollars over their previous manual control. Also, the control was
designed to be easily manufactured in high volume with high reliability.
With technical support from Mitsi, within four months the production
rate was over 1,000 units per day with a first pass yield of over 97%.
Additionally, sales doubled over the previous years' rate, and today
this fan is a fundamental part of the success of Casablanca Fan
Company.
