Magnetic Wall Switch Insert for Haptic Rotary Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical/electronic installation devices lack intuitive and sensitive haptic feedback for users operating rotary control elements, often requiring detent tracks and springs for mechanical adjustments, which complicates design and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A compact electrical/electronic installation device with a functional module as an insert, featuring a magnetic active connection between sensors and control elements, using evenly distributed magnetic metal and magnetic elements in guide tracks and grooves for sensitive haptic feedback without detent tracks or springs, and a galvanically isolated sensor arrangement for intuitive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If detent tracks and detent springs are used for mechanical adjustments in rotary control elements, then mechanical stability and positioning are improved, but device complexity and structural compactness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical detent track and spring system with a magnetic field-based sensing system. The rotary control element incorporates a magnet that interacts with a magnetic field sensor, eliminating the need for mechanical detent components while maintaining positioning stability through magnetic field detection and electronic feedback control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the rotary control element and the sensor system. The magnet on the rotary element generates a magnetic field that the sensor detects, serving as a non-contact intermediary that transfers positional information without requiring direct mechanical contact or complex mechanical structures.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms are used in rotary control elements, then structural stability is improved, but ease of operation and haptic feedback quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a magnetic field-based detection system combined with electronic control. The rotary element with an integrated magnet provides smooth rotation without mechanical detents, while electronic sensors and control circuits generate haptic feedback through actuator elements, improving operational ease and feedback quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback system where magnetic sensors detect the position of the rotary control element and send signals to electronic control circuits. These circuits control actuators that provide haptic feedback to the user, creating an intuitive operating experience with clear tactile responses without requiring complex mechanical feedback mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If magnetic sensors are used for detecting rotary control element position, then ease of operation and haptic feedback are improved, but manufacturing complexity and sensor arrangement complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the magnetic sensor, evaluation electronics, and actuator control circuits into an integrated functional unit within the installation device. This merging of components simplifies the overall system architecture and manufacturing process, as the sensor and its associated electronics are designed as a cohesive module rather than separate components requiring complex integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the magnetic sensor system to serve multiple functions: detecting rotary element position, providing haptic feedback through actuators, and enabling intuitive user interaction. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system design and manufacturing process.
4Reliability
If galvanically isolated sensor arrangement is implemented, then electrical safety and signal stability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic field coupling as an intermediary to achieve galvanic isolation between the sensor side and the evaluation electronics. The magnet on the rotary element creates a magnetic field that is detected by the sensor without requiring direct electrical contact, providing inherent galvanic isolation while maintaining signal transmission and simplifying the isolation implementation.
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
The solution provides users with clear, sensitive haptic feedback and intuitive operating options for influencing connected actuators, while maintaining a simple and compact structure, and simplifies the implementation of galvanic isolation.
Implementation Method 1
The insert E accommodates at least one sensor 2 which detects changing magnetic fields and interacts with at least one magnetic element 9 present in the operating element 1
Implementation Method 2
The guide track 5 is equipped with several magnetic metal elements 6, and the operating element 1 has a guide device designed as a guide groove 7 that interacts with the guide track 5. Several magnetic elements 9 are assigned to the guide groove 7
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical/electronic installation device with a functional module designed as an insert is proposed, which is intended for installation in a junction box embedded in a building wall, and which has electrical/electronic components necessary for its function, and which is provided on the back with connecting elements for connection to a building's installation system and on the front with coupling elements for establishing a magnetic connection with at least one operating element, wherein at least one sensor detecting changing magnetic fields is housed in the insert and wherein the operating element has at least one magnetic element which interacts with the at least one galvanically isolated sensor of the insert.For the purpose of creating an electrical/electronic installation device which, with a particularly simple and compact design, offers the user a variety of particularly intuitive operating options in order to influence connected actuators as required, the insert is provided on the front with a cover plate that is attached to the building wall at the rear, and the cover plate has at least one coupling element designed as a guide track on its outer surface facing the at least one operating element, wherein the at least one guide track is equipped with several magnetic metal elements, and wherein the at least one operating element has a guide device that interacts with the at least one guide track, and wherein the at least one guide device is assigned several magnetic elements, the number of which corresponds to the number of magnetic metal elements of the guide track.