Modular Manual Control Interface for Construction-Phase Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manual control devices for home automation equipment, such as electromechanical actuators for sun protection or blackout screens, face issues with protection during construction sites that result in material waste and ecological impact due to disposable protective covers.

Innovation Solution

A manual control device with a modular design featuring reversible mounting systems for actuation and control assemblies, allowing temporary installation of a minimalist actuation assembly during construction and permanent installation of a more aesthetic control assembly post-construction, minimizing waste and ecological impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a disposable protective piece is applied to the aesthetic interface during construction, then the aesthetic interface is protected from paint and plaster splashes, but material waste increases and ecological impact worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from paint and plaster splashesVSAvoidmaterial waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The control device is divided into two separate assemblies: a temporary actuation assembly with a protective interface suitable for construction sites, and a permanent aesthetic control assembly with an aesthetic interface for end-user use. This segmentation allows each assembly to be optimized for its specific purpose and timeframe, eliminating the need for disposable protective covers on the aesthetic interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The temporary actuation assembly is installed beforehand during construction to provide the necessary protection and functionality. After construction is complete, it is replaced by the aesthetic control assembly, which is then permanently mounted. This preliminary action eliminates the need for ongoing protective measures that would generate waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a temporary actuation assembly is installed during construction, then the control device remains functional and protected, but device complexity increases due to multiple mounting systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality during constructionVSAvoidmultiple mounting systems
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic control module is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate both the temporary actuation assembly and the permanent aesthetic control assembly. The plate with mounting means serves multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling temporary installation during construction, and facilitating permanent installation afterward, all through a single integrated component.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is designed to be dynamic and adaptable, allowing the control device to transition from a temporary construction-phase configuration to a permanent end-use configuration. The reversible mounting mechanisms enable easy installation and removal of different assemblies based on the project phase, reducing complexity compared to fixed permanent installations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a disposable protective piece is used, then protection is provided during construction, but ease of operation deteriorates due to installation and removal steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection during constructionVSAvoidinstallation and removal steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the control device into temporary and permanent assemblies, the protective function is integrated into the temporary actuation assembly itself rather than requiring separate protective covers. The aesthetic control assembly is designed to be permanently mounted and does not require protective covers, eliminating repeated installation and removal operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If the aesthetic interface is exposed during construction, then ease of operation is maintained, but the aesthetic interface is damaged by paint and plaster splashes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility during constructionVSAvoiddamage from paint and plaster
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control device is segmented into a temporary actuation assembly that is used during construction and a permanent aesthetic control assembly that is installed afterward. The temporary assembly's interface is designed to withstand construction conditions, while the aesthetic assembly's interface remains protected and inaccessible during construction, preventing damage while maintaining eventual accessibility for end-users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4576147A1Manual control device
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP4576147A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4576147A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4576147A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A manual control device (100) comprising: • an electronic control module (101) comprising a plate (105); • an actuation assembly (102) comprising a first support region (108) having a capacity for movement relative to the electronic control module (101). the plate (105) comprising: • first mounting means cooperating with the actuation assembly (102) so as to ensure reversible mounting of the actuation assembly (102) to the electronic control module (101); • second mounting means (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d), independent of the first mounting means, capable of reversibly mounting a control assembly.