Magnetic Switch Module Retrofit for Wiring-Free Actuator Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing functional modules for electrical/electronic switching devices in building installation technology require complex wiring and significant space, making them difficult to install and costly, especially for non-professional users, and often necessitate the conversion of switches to buttons for optimal control of actuators like blinds and dimmable lamps.
Innovation Solution
A functional module that magnetically detects the position of the actuating element of the switching device, eliminating the need for cable-based connections by using a magnet and sensor to control actuators without a button, allowing for a simple and cost-effective retrofitting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cable-based connections are used to connect the functional module to the switching device, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the wiring effort and installation complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based electrical connection system with a magnetic field-based communication system. The functional module uses a magnetic sensor to detect the position of a magnet on the switching device's actuating element, eliminating the need for complex cable connections while maintaining reliable communication between the components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the electrical connection requirement by implementing wireless magnetic field communication. The magnetic sensor and magnet system allows the functional module to communicate with the switching device without physical cable connections, removing the wiring complexity while preserving the essential communication function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cables are connected for dual and roller blind applications, then complete control functionality is achieved, but the space required in the installation cavity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple electrical cables with a compact magnetic field-based control system. The magnetic sensor detects the magnet's position to determine actuator state, enabling dual and roller blind control functionality without requiring multiple cable connections, thus reducing installation cavity space requirements.
3Ease of operation
If conventional switches are converted to buttons for optimal actuator control, then precise control of actuators is achieved, but the conversion costs and installation effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for mechanical button conversion with a magnetic field-based detection system. The magnetic sensor detects the magnet's position on the existing switch actuating element, enabling precise actuator control without physically converting switches to buttons, thereby reducing conversion costs and installation effort.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the functional module is installed in the installation cavity, then the switching device functionality is extended, but the limited space makes cable accommodation challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the cable-based connection system with a magnetic field-based communication system. The functional module extends switching device functionality through wireless magnetic communication, eliminating cable accommodation challenges in the limited installation cavity space.
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
This solution reduces installation costs and space requirements, enabling easier and safer installation by eliminating the need for complex wiring and allowing operation of actuators without a button, thus encouraging broader adoption by reducing infrastructural efforts.
Implementation Method 1
at least one magnet M is arranged on the upper part O or on the actuating element B of the electrical/electronic switching device S, which magnet changes its position when the actuating element is operated. This change in position is detected in the functional module via a sensor H for detecting the magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement of a functional module F is disclosed, for installing in an installation box with a manually operable switching device S used in building installation technology, which functional module F can be influenced by actuation of an actuating element B connected to the switching device S and associated with an upper part O of the switching device S, wherein the functional module F has at least one interface, by means of which at least one actuator can be activated in accordance with an actuation of the actuating element B, wherein at least one magnet M, which changes its position when the actuating element B is actuated, is arranged on the switching device S, and wherein the functional module F has a sensor H for sensing the magnetic field, so that the change in the magnetic field when the actuating element B is actuated is detected. A particularly characteristic feature is that the functional module F has an evaluation unit, which is intended for evaluating the change in the magnetic field and is designed to identify from the sensed change in the magnetic field what kind of switching device S is concerned, and this identification is used in the activation of the actuator by the functional module.