Installation Switch With Detachable Remote Control Holder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote control systems for electrical consumers, such as lighting, often require users to search for the remote control in the dark, leading to safety hazards like tripping over obstacles.

Innovation Solution

An installation switch that integrates a remote control holder, allowing the remote control to be attached or removed, enabling operation from a familiar location, with inductive charging and magnetic or snap-in attachment options, and combining with conventional switch components for seamless integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a remote control is used to control lighting, then the lighting can be controlled from a distance, but the remote control must be found in the dark which creates safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting controlVSAvoidsafety hazard
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the remote control unit with the installation switch housing, creating an integrated device where the remote control is permanently attached to the switch. This merging eliminates the need to search for a separate remote control in the dark, as the control function is permanently located at the known position of the switch on the wall.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The installation switch housing serves as an intermediary structure that houses and positions the remote control unit. By using the existing switch infrastructure as a mounting platform, the system provides a familiar, easily locatable position for remote control operation without requiring a separate handheld device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the remote control is permanently attached to the installation switch, then it is always accessible at a known location, but the remote control cannot be removed for portability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control accessibilityVSAvoidremote control portability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a detachable connection between the remote control unit and the installation switch housing, allowing the remote control to be dynamically attached or removed as needed. This dynamic connection provides the flexibility to have the remote control permanently mounted for easy accessibility or removed for portability when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into separate components - the installation switch housing and the remote control unit - that can be independently handled. The remote control unit can be detached from the housing, allowing it to be used separately while maintaining the option for permanent attachment when accessibility is the priority.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the remote control is integrated with the installation switch, then both can be operated from the same location, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol operation locationVSAvoidinstallation switch structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The installation switch housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it houses the traditional switch operating elements and simultaneously provides mounting and power supply functionality for the remote control unit. This multi-functionality allows both the traditional switch and remote control to be operated from the same location without requiring entirely separate systems.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The installation switch system provides self-service by using its own housing and power supply infrastructure to support the remote control unit. The housing already present in the wall provides the mounting structure and electrical power, eliminating the need for additional external mounting hardware or separate power supplies for the remote control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Provides a safe and convenient method to control lighting and other electrical consumers by allowing operation from a known location, ensuring the remote control is easily accessible and charged, reducing the risk of accidents when entering a dark room.

Implementation Method 1

The remote control can have an accumulator that can be charged via an inductive charger, with a primary part of the inductive charger with rectifier, inverter, intermediate circuit capacitor and primary coil being arranged in the device base of the installation switch and a secondary part of the inductive charger with secondary coil and rectifier being arranged in the housing of the remote control

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The remote control can be detachably attached to the installation switch using magnetically active structural components

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2421333B1Installation switch with removable remote control
Publication Date: 2015.02.25 ABB AG(DE)
  • EP2421333B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2421333B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2421333B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An installation switch (1) with a device base (2), control unit (10) with at least one control element (11, 12) and cover frame (13) is proposed, • wherein a switch electronics (3) including radio transmitter and radio antenna (4) for controlling a remotely controllable electrical load (28), in particular a light source, is provided, • wherein a remote control (17) is detachably attached to the installation switch (1), • and wherein the remote control (17) has at least one control element (20, 21) and remote control electronics (26) including radio transmitter and radio antenna (27) for controlling the remotely controllable electrical load (28).