Installation Device Polarity Reversal Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical/electronic installation devices for building automation require laborious rewiring of connection lines to correct the running direction of electromotive drives, involving time-consuming disassembly and reassembly processes.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a switching device on the insert unit with a microcontroller and electrical switch that allows polarity reversal of connection lines by user action, eliminating the need for supply voltage interruption and physical rewiring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the running direction of electromotive drives is corrected by rewiring connection lines, then the correct operation is achieved, but the installation time and labor cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrect operation of electromotive driveVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of physically rewiring connection lines with an electronic/software-based solution. The control unit automatically detects incorrect running direction and corrects it through software control logic, eliminating the need for manual disassembly, cable reconnection, and reassembly. This substitution of mechanical rewiring with electronic control achieves the same functional correction while dramatically reducing installation time and labor requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the insert unit is disassembled and reassembled for rewiring, then the polarity correction is achieved, but the complexity of the installation process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolarity correctionVSAvoidinstallation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs automatic self-diagnosis and self-correction of polarity issues. When incorrect running direction is detected, the system automatically identifies the polarity problem and corrects it through its own control logic without requiring external intervention for physical rewiring. This self-service capability simplifies the installation process by eliminating complex manual disassembly and reassembly steps while maintaining reliable polarity correction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If manual rewiring is performed to correct running direction, then the correct operation is achieved, but the labor cost and assembly technology expenditure increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrect running directionVSAvoidassembly technology
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the control unit to accommodate polarity correction. Instead of physically altering the wiring configuration, the system modifies its control parameters and software logic to detect and correct incorrect polarity conditions. This parameter-based approach allows the same hardware configuration to operate correctly regardless of wiring polarity, significantly reducing assembly technology requirements and labor costs while ensuring reliable correct operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3471125B1Electric/electronic installation device
Publication Date: 2020.09.30 INSTA ELEKTRO GMBH
  • EP3471125B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3471125B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3471125B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electrical/electronic installation device for building installation technology is proposed, consisting of an insert unit designed for use in junction boxes and for connection to an installation system with multiple connecting cables, and an add-on unit. The add-on unit includes an integrated control unit, enabling an installer and/or user to control connected actuators. To create an electrical/electronic installation device that effectively avoids the significant effort required to rewire the two connecting cables determining the direction of travel, the insert unit is equipped with at least one switching device that can be controlled by the installer and/or user. Controlling this switching device reverses the polarity of two outputs connected to it.