Manual Control Assembly for Cross-Range Interface Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aesthetic interfaces for home automation equipment are often incompatible across different product ranges, leading to complexity and size issues in implementing electronic control modules.

Innovation Solution

A customizable manual control device with a flexible assembly system, featuring a control assembly and an intermediate assembly that allows for easy integration with various aesthetic interfaces, using a support zone and a return device to manage force transmission to switches, enabling compatibility and simplifying production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an adapter module is used to provide a mechanical interface between control module and control part, then compatibility between different aesthetic interfaces is improved, but device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support is designed with multiple types of assembly means (screw holes, clipping members, retaining elements) integrated into a single component, allowing it to universally accommodate different control assemblies without requiring separate adapter modules for each interface type

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functions of multiple separate components (adapter module, control part, control module) into an integrated support structure where the assembly means are built-in, eliminating the need for separate adapter modules and reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an adapter module is used to provide a mechanical interface between control module and control part, then compatibility between different aesthetic interfaces is improved, but the size of the control device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidsize
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the adapter functionality directly into the support structure, eliminating the need for separate adapter modules and reducing the overall volume of the control device while maintaining compatibility across different interfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support incorporates multiple assembly means (screw holes, clipping members, retaining elements) into a single universal interface that accommodates various control assemblies without increasing device size, as the assembly means are integrated rather than added as separate components

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If control assemblies are made customizable for different functionalities, then adaptability is improved, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecustomizabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device is segmented into independent components (support, control assemblies, assembly means) that can be selectively combined, allowing customization of control assemblies for different functionalities while maintaining simple, standardized connection interfaces that reduce assembly complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support incorporates multiple types of assembly means (screw holes, clipping members, retaining elements) that can accommodate various control assemblies, enabling customization for different functions while using a universal mounting interface that simplifies the assembly process

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

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 device provides a flexible and compact solution that simplifies the assembly and reuse of control assemblies, ensuring compatibility across different functionalities while maintaining a consistent external shape and reducing production costs.

Implementation Method 1

a return device configured to induce a force tending to push the first support zone towards its stable inactive position when said first support zone is in its unstable active position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the support force applied to the first support zone causes a displacement of the first support zone causing a movement of said at least one rigid part of the intermediate assembly acting on the state of the first switch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4576146A1Manual control device
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP4576146A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4576146A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4576146A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The manual control device (100) comprises: • a control assembly comprising a first support zone; • an electronic control module (101) comprising a support (104) delimiting an outer face of the electronic control module (101) and comprising first assembly means, at least one part of which is suitable for mounting the control assembly and second assembly means; • an intermediate assembly (110) mounted to the second assembly means such that at least one rigid part (111) of the intermediate assembly (110) has the ability to move according to a degree of freedom relative to the support (104), said at least one rigid part (111) being arranged between the support (104) and the control assembly mounted to said at least one part of the first assembly means of the support (104).