Adapter Modules for Universal Circuit Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical installation devices face issues where manufacturer-specific rocker switches can only fit on specific mounts, making it difficult to replace outdated or defective switching modules without increasing storage and production costs, and limiting the use of universal circuit modules.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a set of adapter modules with a movable transmission element and a mechanical interface that allows for the use of manufacturer-specific operating parts with universal circuit modules, enabling compatibility with various control panels and reducing storage and production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manufacturer-specific rocker switches are directly connected to circuit modules, then the switching function is reliable and simple, but the adapter modules cannot be used with universal circuit modules, increasing storage and production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter module as an intermediary component between the manufacturer-specific rocker switch and the universal circuit module. The adapter module contains a transmission element that mechanically couples the rocker switch to the circuit module, enabling compatibility without compromising the reliability of the switching function. This mediator approach allows the system to maintain both manufacturer-specific reliability and universal adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the switching system into three independent components: the rocker switch, the adapter module, and the circuit module. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the rocker switch maintains its manufacturer-specific design for reliability, the adapter module provides universal compatibility, and the circuit module remains standardized. The transmission element within the adapter module establishes the mechanical connection between segmented components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple manufacturer-specific circuit modules are kept in inventory to support different rocker switches, then all rocker switches can be used, but storage costs and production costs drastically increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter module is designed as a universal component that can interface with multiple types of manufacturer-specific rocker switches while connecting to a standardized universal circuit module. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to maintain multiple types of circuit modules in inventory, as a single universal circuit module配合 different adapter modules can support all rocker switch variants, drastically reducing storage and production costs.
3Ease of manufacture
If only one type of circuit module attachment is kept, then production and storage are simplified, but original rocker switches cannot be used when replacing switching modules
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter module serves as a mediator that enables backward compatibility during replacement scenarios. When a switching module needs replacement, the adapter module allows original manufacturer-specific rocker switches to be reused by interfacing them with the new universal circuit module, maintaining adaptability while keeping production and storage simple through standardization.
4Adaptability or versatility
If radio-controlled circuit modules are introduced, then modernization is achieved, but compatibility with existing manufacturer-specific control panels is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter module acts as an intermediary that preserves compatibility with existing manufacturer-specific control panels while enabling modernization through radio-controlled circuit modules. The transmission element in the adapter module mechanically couples the existing control panel to the modern radio-controlled circuit module, allowing seamless integration of new technology without abandoning proven existing installations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
A set consisting of a plurality of different adapter modules (3) for mechanically connecting various manufacturer-specific control units (2) to a uniform circuit module (4), wherein each of the adapter modules (3) can be placed on the uniform circuit module (4) and mechanically connected, and wherein the adapter modules (3) each have a retaining frame (6) for attaching a decorative frame (12) matching the manufacturer-specific control unit (2) and each have a transmission element (5) for mechanically contacting a manufacturer-specific control unit (2), wherein each adapter module (3) is adapted to a manufacturer-specific control unit (2) with its associated decorative frame (12), and the adapter modules (3) of the set differ from each other with respect to this adaptation.