Flush-Mounted Thermostat Switch With Elastic Sealing Cushion

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermostatic fittings in bathrooms are bulky and surface-mounted, making them aesthetically unappealing and difficult to clean, while existing solutions for flush-mounted switches lack effective moisture sealing and secure fixation.

Innovation Solution

A switch design featuring a cylindrical ring switch body with a protruding plate, fixed via a press connection into an elastic plastic cushion within a bore in the paneling element, optionally supported by a U-shaped bracket for additional stability, ensuring flush mounting and moisture sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If surface-mounted thermostatic fittings are used, then the control functions are accessible, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised and cleaning becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The switch is nested within a recess in the paneling element, creating a flush-mounted appearance that integrates seamlessly with the surface. The switch body is received by a cushion within the recess, allowing the control function to be accessible while maintaining a sleek, minimalist aesthetic without protruding edges

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Shape

If switches are flush-mounted in paneling elements, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but moisture sealing and secure fixation become problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A cushion made of elastic plastic material is used to seal the recess and accommodate the switch. The cushion deforms to create an effective moisture seal around the switch body while maintaining flush mounting, preventing water penetration in wet bathroom environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The cushion is pre-installed in the recess before the switch is mounted. This preliminary placement ensures proper sealing and positioning, allowing the switch to be securely fixed while maintaining the moisture barrier from the outset

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Shape

If switches are flush-mounted in paneling elements, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but secure fixation is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion is pre-installed in the recess with adhesive before the switch is mounted. This preliminary placement ensures proper sealing and positioning, allowing the switch to be securely fixed while maintaining the flush mounting appearance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The fixation system is divided into multiple components: adhesive for the cushion to the recess, and the elastic cushion itself to hold the switch body. This segmentation provides both secure fixation and easy replacement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If adhesive connection alone is used for the cushion, then installation is simple, but stability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Two fixation methods are merged: adhesive connection for the cushion to the recess and the elastic cushion itself to hold the switch body. This combination provides both simple installation and stable fixation, ensuring the switch remains securely in place

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

5Stability of the object's composition

If the switch is firmly fixed, then stability is improved, but replacement becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation system is segmented into reversible adhesive connection and elastic cushion support, allowing the switch to be firmly held during use but easily removed when needed. The adhesive allows for clean separation without damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic cushion provides dynamic fixation that adapts to the switch body. The cushion's elasticity allows it to maintain firm holding force during operation while enabling easy removal when the switch needs replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution allows for a minimalist, easily cleanable, and aesthetically integrated switch design that is securely fixed and sealed against moisture, suitable for natural stone panels, enabling easy replacement and maintaining the bathroom's sleek appearance.

Implementation Method 1

a cushion (30) which consists of an elastically yielding plastic

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP1953888B1Switch in a controller for an electric thermostat console for actuating the console

Publication Date: 2018.01.03

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AI summary

The switch (10) has a disk (11), with which the switch overlies on a holder. The switch is accommodated by a borehole (4) in a lining unit of a washstand or a wall by the holder that is formed as a cushion (30), in a viewable manner. The cushion is pasted in the borehole and made of elastic and soft plastic material. The cushion has a feedthrough (30a) for the switch. The cushion is supported on a stand.