In-Wall Switch Module Integrating Radar Sensor and Button

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wall-mounted switches that incorporate radar sensors lack a functional switch button and are limited by energy consumption and space constraints, restricting their functionality and compatibility with home automation systems.

Innovation Solution

A combined electric or electronic switch module integrating a radar sensor and a switch button within a compact housing, allowing independent operation and easy retrofitting, with optional connection to home automation systems, and featuring a power source and switching element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If a radar sensor is integrated into a wall-mounted switch, then presence detection capability is improved, but the device loses traditional switch functionality and user control capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepresence detection capabilityVSAvoiduser control capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a radar sensor module and a traditional switch button module into a single integrated wall-mounted device. The housing contains both the sensor that detects presence and the mechanical button that allows manual switching, merging two previously separate functions into one unified device that provides both automated and manual control capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated switch device provides multiple functions: it can detect presence automatically using the radar sensor to control lighting, and it also allows manual on/off control through the physical button. This multi-functional design makes the device adaptable to different user needs and scenarios, resolving the contradiction between automated detection and user control

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

2Area of stationary object

If a radar sensor and switch button are integrated in a compact housing, then space efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice footprintVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The radar sensor operates in periodic pulses rather than continuously, transmitting radar signals at intervals to detect presence. This periodic operation mode reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining effective presence detection capability, allowing the device to stay in low-power state between radar pulses

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The device dynamically adjusts its operational state based on detected presence. When presence is detected, the system activates the switch function and relevant circuits; when no presence is detected, it enters a low-power state. This dynamic operation optimizes energy consumption while maintaining compact form factor

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Extent of automation

If a radar sensor is added to a wall switch, then automation capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a radar sensor module for presence detection, a switch button module for manual control, and a control circuit module that processes inputs from both modules. This modular segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall system architecture despite the added automation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enhances presence detection robustness, maintains traditional switch functionality, and supports home automation by combining sensor inputs, while being energy-efficient and space-efficient for in-wall installations.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor module comprising at least one radar sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Data Source

PatentEP3731251B1Switch and radar for in-wall applications
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 NIKO NV
  • EP3731251B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3731251B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3731251B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention provides an electric or electronic switch module (100) for triggering the start of an action of an electric or electronic device. The electric or electronic switch module (100) comprises a housing (101) with a housing cover (110), an actor module (102) comprising at least a power source (104) for powering the electric or electronic switch module (100) and comprising a switching element (106), and a sensor module (103) comprising at least one radar sensor (108) and at least a switch function (105) for activating the switching element (106), the actor module (102) and the sensor module (103) being provided in the housing (101) and being electrically connected to each other. The electric or electronic switch module (100) furthermore comprises a switch button (107) for activating the switch function (105).