Decentralized KNX Power Supply Insert for Flush-Mounted Boxes

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional KNX system installations require significant interventions in building structures for expansion or modification, involving plaster removal and structural alterations, due to the need for additional or different power distribution boxes, leading to high acquisition costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A decentralized power supply insert for KNX systems that can be installed in existing flush-mounted or cavity wall boxes, providing a flexible and stable power supply without requiring additional distribution boards, using a power supply insert with a mains connection, bus terminal, rectifier, and filter circuit housed in a plastic enclosure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If conventional KNX power distribution boxes are used for system expansion, then power supply capability is improved, but building structure intervention increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply capabilityVSAvoidbuilding structure intervention
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the traditional centralized power distribution box into decentralized power supply units that can be independently installed in existing flush-mounted boxes throughout the building. This segmentation allows power supply capability to be distributed and expanded without requiring a single large intervention point, thereby resolving the contradiction between power supply capability and building structure intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides power supply, stabilizes bus voltage, and can be installed in standard flush-mounted boxes. This multi-functionality allows a single device to address both power supply needs and voltage stabilization without requiring additional separate installations, thus improving power capability while minimizing building structure intervention.

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

2Area of stationary object

If additional distribution boards are installed for KNX system expansion, then power supply coverage is improved, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply coverageVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines the power supply function and voltage stabilization function into a single integrated unit that can be installed in existing flush-mounted boxes. This merging eliminates the need for separate distribution boards and reduces installation complexity while maintaining comprehensive power supply coverage throughout the building.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply unit acts as an intermediary device that can be installed in existing standard flush-mounted boxes rather than requiring new distribution boards. This intermediary approach leverages existing infrastructure to expand power supply coverage while avoiding the complexity of installing additional distribution boards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If centralized power distribution boxes are used, then power supply stability is improved, but installation flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply stabilityVSAvoidinstallation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the centralized power distribution into multiple decentralized units installed in various flush-mounted boxes throughout the building, the system achieves both power supply stability through distributed redundancy and installation flexibility by utilizing existing standardized mounting locations across different areas of the building.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies local quality by installing power supply units with voltage stabilization capability at specific local positions throughout the building rather than relying on a single centralized source. This local distribution of power supply and stabilization functions provides both stability through proximity to load centers and flexibility through distributed installation options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables flexible and cost-effective expansion of KNX systems without damaging building structures, allowing for easy installation and maintenance, while stabilizing bus voltage and ensuring reliable data communication.

Implementation Method 1

a rectifier (140) configured to convert the mains voltage into the data bus DC voltage (121)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification:

Implementation Method 2

a filter circuit (141) connected upstream of the bus terminal (120) for decoupling the data communication from the data bus DC voltage (121)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentEP4637086A1Power supply insert for decentralized power supply of a building automation system
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4637086A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4637086A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4637086A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a power supply insert (100) for the decentralized power supply of a wired building automation system with a data bus (130) for data communication, in particular a KNX system, wherein the power supply insert (100) can preferably be inserted into a cavity wall socket/flush-mounted socket and comprises the following features: a mains connection (110) for connecting a mains voltage; a two-pole (120a, 120b) bus terminal (120) for connecting the data bus (130) and providing a data bus DC voltage (121) to the data bus (130); a rectifier (140) designed to convert the mains voltage into the data bus DC voltage (121) and to provide it to the bus terminal (120); a filter circuit (141) connected upstream of the bus terminal (120) for decoupling the data communication from the data bus DC voltage (121) provided on the data bus (130);and a plastic housing (150) in which the mains connection (110), the bus terminal (120), the rectifier (140) and the filter circuit (141) are accommodated;