Modular Electrical Installation Device with Segmented Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical/electronic installation devices are typically designed for a single specific number of actuators, limiting their adaptability to different operational needs without requiring significant modifications.

Innovation Solution

The device is divided into two functional modules: a splash-proof and dust-tight basic module housing the electrical components and an actuation module with adjustable actuation members, allowing for easy configuration with one, two, or four actuators, with the basic module always equipped with four switching elements to accommodate varying requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the device is designed for a single specific number of actuators, then the device structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but the adaptability to different operational needs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidadaptability to different operational needs
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two separate modules: a basic module containing the housing and electrical components, and an actuation module containing the actuators. This segmentation allows the actuation module to be customized with different numbers of actuators (one, two, or four) while keeping the basic module unchanged, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The basic module is designed with a universal interface and mounting structure that can accommodate different actuation modules. The basic module always includes four switching elements, making it capable of working with any configuration of actuators. This universality allows a single basic module design to serve multiple applications with varying actuator requirements.

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

2Stability of the object's composition

If the device is designed as a single integrated unit, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of adjustment and reconfiguration deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the device into a basic module and an actuation module that can be easily assembled and disassembled, the invention maintains structural stability during operation while enabling simple reconfiguration when needed. The modular design with standardized interfaces ensures stable connections during use but allows quick changes by replacing the actuation module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from a static integrated design to a dynamic modular design where the actuation module can be easily attached and detached. This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt its configuration based on operational needs while maintaining structural integrity during each operational state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the basic module is always equipped with four switching elements, then the adaptability to different actuator configurations is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different actuator configurationsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the actuation functionality into a separate actuation module, allowing the basic module to always include all four switching elements without adding complexity to the overall system. The complexity of having four switching elements is contained within the basic module and does not propagate to the actuation module, which only contains the necessary actuators for the specific application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2811599B1Electric/electronic installation device
Publication Date: 2018.05.30 BERKER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2811599B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2811599B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2811599B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electrical/electronic installation device for building systems engineering is proposed, which can be easily adapted to different requirements with regard to the number of actuators available, and in particular, it should be possible to selectively use one, two, or four actuators with one and the same basic module. For this purpose, the actuator module of such an electrical/electronic installation device consists of a functional plate that can be securely connected to the basic module, at least one actuator adjustable to the functional plate and interacting with one of the electrical switching elements, and at least two covers that can be fixed to the functional plate.