Modular Home Automation Control Assembly With Removable Bus-Connected Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current home automation systems require complex installations and modifications, are space-consuming, and lack user-friendly reliability without significantly increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular control assembly with a support frame that houses actuation and power supply units, allowing easy addition, removal, and replacement of electronic modules, featuring a compact design and reliable communication via conductor means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electronic devices are installed in the same wall-mounted support to enable data exchange, then the system functionality is improved, but the footprint and space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control assembly is divided into separate functional modules (control unit, actuation unit, power supply unit) that can be independently installed and configured. Each module has its own connection means, allowing them to be mounted in series on the support frame, thereby distributing the footprint across multiple compact units rather than requiring a single large device.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame utilizes vertical mounting space on the wall, transitioning from horizontal footprint to vertical arrangement. Multiple modules are stacked vertically on the support frame, effectively using the third dimension (height) to accommodate multiple devices without increasing the wall-mounted footprint.
2Ease of operation
If a modular design with multiple separable units is implemented, then the ease of installation and modification is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame and connection means are designed as universal components that can accommodate different types of modules (control units, actuation units, power supply units). The standardized connection interface allows any module to be interconnected in various configurations, providing multi-functionality without requiring complex custom installation procedures for each module type.
Solution Approach 2:
The modules are equipped with self-aligning connection means that automatically establish electrical connections when modules are mounted on the support frame. The spring-loaded contacts and corresponding terminals automatically engage, eliminating the need for manual wiring or complex configuration during installation and modification.
3Reliability
If reliable communication between modules is ensured through conductor means, then the system reliability is improved, but the implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor means utilize simple, inexpensive spring-loaded contacts and terminal connections rather than complex wired communication systems. These basic electrical contacts provide sufficient reliability for the application while keeping manufacturing costs low, accepting that the connection elements are simple and replaceable rather than sophisticated and expensive.
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular control assembly for a home automation system comprises a support frame, at least one actuation unit configured in such a way as to provide an actuation signal of an electrical utility to a connection bus of the home automation system, a power supply unit configured in such a way as to power said actuation unit, and at least one control module operable in such a way as to generate an actuation signal. The support frame comprises conductor means comprising a plurality of contacts configured to power the control module and to transmit the actuation signal to the actuation unit. The modular control assembly further comprises first connection means configured to removably connect the control module to the support frame and to connect respective terminals of the control module to one or more of said contacts.