Central Cover With Integrated Lighting Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical installation devices with integrated lighting require complete replacement of the socket for retrofitting, making it difficult and costly to implement universal lighting in a simpler and faster manner.
Innovation Solution
A central cover with an integrated lighting device and connecting contacts that automatically make electrical contact with the device insert, allowing for easy retrofitting by replacing only the central cover, utilizing a standard device insert and incorporating a twilight sensor for automatic lighting control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If lighting components are integrated into the device insert (base part), then lighting functionality is achieved, but retrofitting requires complete replacement of the socket
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrical installation device into two separate functional modules: the device insert (base part) containing the electrical connection components, and the central cover containing the lighting device. This segmentation allows the lighting functionality to be added or replaced by changing only the central cover, enabling simple retrofitting without replacing the entire socket or dismantling the device insert.
2Ease of manufacture
If electroluminescent film is used with lateral plug-in contacts, then lighting is achieved, but connection assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inserting contacts laterally into the insulating part as in prior art, the patent inverts the connection approach by having the connecting contacts protrude from the central cover in the joining direction (toward the device insert). This allows the contacts to automatically engage with the contact elements of the device insert during assembly, making the connection process simpler and more intuitive.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard device insert is used with customized central cover, then retrofitting is simplified, but connecting contacts must be adapted to existing contact elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the connecting contacts on the central cover to be adaptable to different contact element configurations in the device insert. The contacts are positioned and configured to work with standard device inserts while maintaining the ability to accommodate variations, ensuring broad compatibility across different socket types and enabling universal retrofitting application.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables universal lighting to be implemented in a simpler, faster, and more cost-effective manner, allowing for easy retrofitting without dismantling the device insert and providing automatic lighting activation and deactivation based on ambient light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of, in particular four, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are preferably provided as lighting means
Implementation Method 2
the lighting device has a twilight sensor, the lighting means being controlled via the supply circuit as a function of output signals from the twilight sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
An electric installation device (1) has a fixed part (2) and a central covering (4) mechanically joined to the fixed part (2). The central covering (4) has an integrated lighting device (16) with a light source and connecting contacts, that during mechanical joining of the central cover (4) to the fixed part (2) the connecting contacts automatically electrically contact the contact elements of the fixed part (2). Independent claims are included for the following. (1) Central covering for an electric installation device and (2) A circuit board for an installation device.