Electric Connector Switch for Independent Lighting Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric connector switches cannot individually control or turn on/off specific lighting fixtures while keeping others off, especially when multiple fixtures are connected to the same power cable, leading to inefficient power management.
Innovation Solution
An electric connector switch with a grounding unit, conducting unit, and switching member that allows for independent control of lighting fixtures by using a movable electrode and fixed electrodes to establish or break contact with the power cable, enabling on/off switching through a handle-operated mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional connector switch is used to connect multiple lighting fixtures to a power cable, then all lighting fixtures can be controlled together as a group, but individual control of specific lighting fixtures is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the switching mechanism into multiple independent switching members (first switching member, second switching member, etc.), each corresponding to a specific lighting fixture. This segmentation allows each fixture to be controlled individually while maintaining the group control capability through the shared connector body and power cable connection.
2Loss of energy
If all lighting fixtures connected through a single connector switch are turned on, then power is supplied to all fixtures, but power consumption cannot be optimized by turning off specific fixtures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation by providing multiple independent switching members, each associated with a specific lighting fixture. This allows users to selectively turn on or off individual fixtures based on their needs, thereby optimizing power consumption while maintaining simple operation through the intuitive on/off switching mechanism for each fixture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a simple connector switch structure is used, then the device is easy to manufacture and install, but it lacks the capability to provide individual control of multiple lighting fixtures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs segmentation by dividing the control function into multiple independent switching members within a single connector body. This approach enhances adaptability and control capability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, as each switching member can be produced using standard components and assembled into the connector body following a modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body serves multiple functions: it provides the structural housing, contains the grounding unit, houses the conducting unit, and accommodates multiple switching members. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving individual control capability for multiple lighting fixtures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switching members are added to enable individual control of lighting fixtures, then control flexibility is improved, but the internal structure of the connector becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing multiple switching members and their associated electrodes within the single connector body housing. The grounding unit, conducting unit, and multiple switching mechanisms are nested within the same structural envelope, allowing individual control capability while containing the internal structure within a compact, organized arrangement that does not excessively increase overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric connector switch for connecting lighting fixtures to a power cable is disclosed to include an electrically insulative housing, a connector body mounted inside the housing to hold a grounding unit and a conducting unit, and a switching member for controlling on/off status between the conducting unit and the power cable. The conducting unit has two fixed electrodes respectively connected to the positive and negative poles of the power cable, and a movable electrode, which has one end constantly kept in contact with one fixed electrode and the other end movable by the switching member between the on position to contact the other fixed electrode and the off position to be disconnected from the other fixed electrode.