Magnetic Rocker Lever Switching Assembly for Toggle Switch Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switching arrangements require a rocker switch for magnetic field detection, which is not feasible with toggle switches due to space constraints and lack of a rear side for magnet attachment, limiting their application and increasing installation complexity.
Innovation Solution
A toggle switch design with a pivotable rocker arm equipped with a magnet, such as a magnetic sleeve or adhesive film, allows magnetic field detection without the need for additional wiring, enhancing signal-to-noise ratio and enabling toggle switch integration with minimal installation effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rocker switch is used for magnetic field detection, then magnetic field detection is reliable, but the application is limited and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the magnetic field detection system to work with multiple types of switching devices (rocker switches, toggle switches, push buttons) through a common evaluation unit that identifies different switch types based on magnetic field change patterns. This allows one functional module to serve multiple switching device types without requiring type-specific hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by detecting different magnetic field change patterns (parameters) caused by different switching device types. The evaluation unit identifies the switching device type by analyzing characteristics of the magnetic field changes, such as the magnitude, duration, or waveform of the field changes, allowing differentiation between rocker switches, toggle switches, and push buttons.
2Reliability
If a magnet is attached to a rocker switch, then magnetic field detection works well, but toggle switches cannot be used due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing the magnet at specific locations on the switching device actuator where it produces the most effective magnetic field changes for detection. The evaluation unit is configured to detect magnetic field changes from magnets positioned on various types of switching devices, including compact toggle switches, by optimizing the detection parameters for each device type's specific geometry and magnet location.
3Ease of manufacture
If additional wiring is used for functional module connection, then installation effort increases, but magnetic field detection becomes unnecessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the mechanical/electrical wiring system with a magnetic field-based communication system. Instead of using physical cables to connect the switching device to the functional module, the system uses magnetic field changes generated by a magnet on the switching device actuator to transmit actuation signals wirelessly to the functional module's sensor.
4Ease of manufacture
If magnetic field detection is used without switch type identification, then installation is simple, but control functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the functional module to automatically identify the switching device type through the evaluation unit's analysis of magnetic field change patterns. The system performs self-configuration without requiring manual setup or programming, automatically adapting its control functionality based on the detected switch type, whether rocker switch, toggle switch, or push button.
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 reliable magnetic field detection in toggle switches, improving installation efficiency and visual appeal while maintaining functional reliability, and expanding the application of magnetic field detection to toggle switches with improved signal-to-noise ratio.
Implementation Method 1
at least one magnet is arranged on the switching device, which changes its position upon actuation of the actuating element, and wherein the functional module has a sensor for detecting the magnetic field, so that the change in the magnetic field is detected upon actuation of the actuating element
Data Source
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AI summary
An arrangement is presented comprising a switching device S, in particular a switch or a push-button, an installation box D and a functional module F, which functional module F can be influenced by the actuation of an actuating element of an upper part O of the switching device S, which actuating element is connected to the switching device S, wherein the functional module F has at least one interface by means of which at least one actuator can be controlled in accordance with an actuation of the actuating element, wherein at least one magnet is arranged on the switching device S, which magnet changes its position upon actuation of the actuating element, and wherein the functional module F has a sensor H for detecting the magnetic field MF, so that the change in the magnetic field MF is detected upon actuation of the actuating element, wherein the functional module F has an evaluation unit for evaluating the magnetic field change, which is designed toDepending on the sensed magnetic field change, it is possible to identify the switching device type S, which identification is incorporated into the actuator control on the function module side. A special feature here is that the actuating element is designed as a rocker arm K that can pivot about an axis, with the rocker arm K containing the magnet.