Flush Control Device Modular Interface Actuation Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flush-type control devices for electric user appliances require replacement of the entire device upon failure of either the user interface or actuation circuits, leading to high maintenance costs and bulkiness due to the integration of both components in a single box-shaped body.
Innovation Solution
A control device comprising a separable interface module and actuation module connected via a communication BUS, allowing for modular replacement and configuration, with each module housed in a distinct box-shaped body, enabling flexible installation and maintenance without the need for a single, integrated unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the interface means and actuation circuits are integrated in the same box-shaped body, then the device has a compact form factor, but it requires replacement of the entire device upon failure of either component, leading to high maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is divided into two separate modules: a first module housing the interface means and a second module housing the actuation circuits. Each module can be independently replaced, allowing cost-effective maintenance by replacing only the faulty module rather than the entire device.
2Ease of repair
If the interface means and actuation circuits are separated into distinct modules, then maintenance becomes simpler and less expensive, but the device has greater bulk requiring space for mounting two separate bodies
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second modules are designed to be nested within a single box-shaped body, with each module occupying a separate compartment or space. This nesting arrangement allows the separated modules to be mounted within the volume of a single flush-mounted box, avoiding the need for additional mounting space while maintaining modular replaceability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two separate modules are used with microprocessors in both interface and actuation modules, then modular replacement is enabled, but the device becomes very expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor is extracted from the actuation module and relocated to the interface module. The actuation module contains only the actuation circuits without a microprocessor, while the interface module houses both the interface means and the microprocessor. This extraction reduces the complexity and cost of the actuation module while maintaining modular replacement capability.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2f
AI summary
Control device (10) of the flush type for at least one electric user appliance comprising: an interface module (20) having a box-shaped body arranged to be mounted on a frame for closing boxes of the flush type for electric systems and having a front face (21) intended to remain visible and a rear face (22) opposite the front face (21), the interface module (20) comprising user interface means (23) configured for receiving a command from a user and for generating a corresponding actuation signal; an actuation module (30) having a box-shaped body and arranged to be connected to said interface module (20), to a supply line and to the at least one electric user appliance, the actuation module (30) comprising electric and/or electronic actuation circuits configured for controlling the power supply of the electric user appliance based on the actuation signal, the control device (10) being characterised in that the interface module (20) and the actuation module (30) comprise connection means (25, 35, 26, 36) capable of reversibly coupling the actuation module (30) at the back of the interface module (20) so that they become integral with one another.