Expandable Electrical Installation Device with Modular Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical installation devices require extensive assembly work to upgrade or replace modules, as they need to be fully removed from the stationary installation housing, making the process cumbersome and impractical.
Innovation Solution
An expandable installation device design allows for easy upgrading by removing only the function-specific front element, with a cylindrical receiving space created within the device base for modules to be mounted flush, eliminating the need to dismantle the device base or support frame, and featuring a snap-in mechanism for secure and protected electrical contacting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the installation device is designed with attachable modules for functional upgrades, then the adaptability and versatility of the device is improved, but the device complexity and installation effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The installation device is divided into modular components: a base element that remains fixed in the installation housing, and separate function-specific front elements or modules that can be attached or detached. This segmentation allows functional upgrades without replacing the entire device, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base element is designed with universal mounting structures and interfaces that can accommodate different types of front elements or modules. This universal design enables the same base to support multiple functions through interchangeable modules, improving adaptability while maintaining simple assembly procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modules can be attached to the rear of the installation device, then functional upgrades are enabled, but the installation effort and practicality worsen due to required disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The function-specific front element is extracted as a separate, independently replaceable component. This allows the front element to be removed and replaced without affecting the base element or requiring disassembly from the installation housing, significantly reducing installation effort while maintaining module attachability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base element is pre-equipped with mounting structures, contact elements, and alignment features during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation ensures that module attachment can be performed quickly and easily later, without requiring complex assembly procedures or disassembly of the installation housing.
3Volume of moving object
If the receiving space for modules is created within the device base, then no additional space is required, but the manufacturing precision and structural integrity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving space for modules is merged with the base element structure, creating an integrated mounting chamber within the base. This eliminates the need for separate housings or additional space, achieving space efficiency while the modular design allows the mounting features to be standardized for manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The base element is designed with localized mounting structures and contact elements in specific regions to accommodate modules. This local quality approach concentrates the precision requirements to specific areas rather than the entire base, making manufacturing more feasible while maintaining the integrated space-efficient design.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical installation device (1) which consists of a base (3), contact elements (8, 9, 12) arranged in the base (3) being connectible on the back of the base (3) to a mains voltage, a supporting frame (4) secured to the base (3), a function-specific front element (5) that can be secured to a front of the base (3), and a module (2) that can be secured to the base (3). The aim of the invention is to provide a expandable installation device (1) which is easy to install and convenient. The installation device is characterized in that the base (3) has a receiving compartment (19) which is delimited at the back by a base plate (21) of the base (3) and at the periphery by walls (17, 18) of the base (3), a separate module (2) being insertable in said compartment from the front.