Electronic Module Power Supply Routing and Strain Relief

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic modules for electrical installation devices are often specific to particular installations and have error-prone power supply connections, limiting their versatility and reliability.

Innovation Solution

An electronic module with a printed circuit board, insulated power supply line, and design frame that can be securely connected to a standard carrier, featuring a keyhole fastening opening for universal compatibility and strain relief, allowing for easy installation across various devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a cover frame with power contacts is used to supply power to the installation device, then the installation device can be illuminated, but the contacting becomes error-prone and requires a specially tailored carrier

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with installation devicesVSAvoidpower supply connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a standardized carrier design with uniform fastening openings that can accommodate different electronic modules (illumination modules, communication modules, charging modules) through a common interface. This universal carrier allows the same installation device structure to support multiple functional modules without requiring specially tailored carriers for each module type, thereby improving versatility while maintaining reliable power supply connections through consistent mechanical and electrical contact interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If electronic modules are specifically designed for particular installations, then they can be reliably connected, but they cannot be used variably for many installation devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidapplicability to different installation devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the electronic module into separable components: a standardized carrier portion that interfaces with the installation device and a functional electronic unit that can be attached or removed. The carrier includes standardized fastening openings for mechanical connection and power supply line routing, while the electronic unit contains the specific functionality (illumination, communication, charging). This segmentation allows the same carrier to reliably connect different electronic units to various installation devices, achieving both reliability and versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If power supply lines are routed through fastening openings in the carrier, then installation is simplified, but the power supply connection may become strained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidpower supply line connection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates strain relief features in the power supply line routing, such as bending radii constraints and cushioning elements at the entry points through the fastening openings. The power supply lines are routed through the fastening openings with sufficient clearance and protective routing that prevents strain on the electrical connections during installation and operation. This beforehand cushioning ensures that the simplified routing through fastening openings does not compromise connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP3540886A1Electronics module for an electric installation apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.09.18 BERKER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3540886A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3540886A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3540886A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to an electronic module (10) for an electrical installation device (60) that can be installed in a junction box (90), comprising an electronic unit (12) provided with at least one conductive circuit board (26) and a design frame (40). The electronic unit (12) can be permanently connected to the carrier (64) of the installation device (60) and arranged between the carrier (64) and the design frame (40). The electronic module (10) includes a power supply line (27) designed as an insulated cable, which is electrically connected to the conductive track of the circuit board (26) and can be guided through a first mounting opening (66) arranged in a carrier (64) of the installation device (60) in order to be electrically connected to the installation device (60) or to an electrical installation accessible in the junction box (90).