Integrated Return Spring in Modular Automation Button

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of modular devices with operation buttons in the prior art is complex due to the need to insert and fit return springs into the casing, which also occupies valuable space.

Innovation Solution

The modular electronic device integrates elastic return elements within the operation button, eliminating the need for separate return springs and simplifying assembly while optimizing space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate return springs are used in the casing, then the operation button can return to rest position, but the assembly becomes complex and space is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebutton return functionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the return spring directly into the operation button structure, merging two previously separate components (button and return spring) into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate return springs in the casing and simplifies assembly while maintaining the button return function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the return spring function from the casing and relocates it to the operation button itself. By taking out the separate return spring component from the casing assembly, the patent reduces assembly complexity and frees up space within the casing while preserving the essential return-to-rest functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If separate return springs are fitted in the casing, then the button return mechanism works, but valuable space inside the casing is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebutton return functionVSAvoidavailable space in casing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the return spring functionality into the operation button itself, the patent eliminates the need for separate return spring components within the casing. This integration maximizes the available space inside the casing while maintaining full button return functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the return spring mechanism from the casing interior and relocates it to the operation button. This extraction frees up valuable space within the casing for other components while preserving the essential button return-to-rest function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 design simplifies the assembly process and maximizes the available space within the casing by integrating elastic return elements directly into the operation button, enhancing operational smoothness and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

at least one elastic return element integrated into the operation button and configured to return the operation button from said at least one operated position to said rest position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3924990B1Modular electronic device for electrical and/or home automation systems
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 BTICINO
  • EP3924990B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3924990B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3924990B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A modular electronic device (1) for electrical and/or home automation systems is described, comprising: an actuating module (2, 4) including: a casing (2) having a box-like shape; a circuit actuating assembly (4) housed in the casing (2) and comprising at least one microswitch (41, 42) and at least one circuit actuating device (45) suitable to be controlled by said at least one microswitch (41, 42); an operation button (6) operatively coupled to the actuating module (2, 4) to operate said at least one microswitch; at least one elastic return element (61, 62) associated with the operation button (6). The operation button (6) is adapted to assume a rest configuration, in which the operation button does not operate said at least one microswitch (41, 42), and at least one operation configuration, in which the operation button operates said at least one microswitch. The at least one elastic return element (61, 62) is configured to return the operation button (6) from said at least one operation configuration to said rest configuration and is integrated into the operation button.