Modular Electrical Switch With Add-On Functional Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical switches lack flexibility and customization capabilities, being limited to basic indicator or permanent lighting functions and unable to perform more sophisticated functionalities.

Innovation Solution

An electrical apparatus with a primary functional module for interrupting current and an additional functional module that can perform functions such as measuring physical parameters, electromagnetic radiation transmission, display, actuation, data processing, and signal transformation, with optional installation and removal without impacting the electrical installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an electrical switch is designed with only basic lighting functions, then the device structure remains simple, but the functionality and versatility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical switch is divided into separate functional modules: a primary functional module for current interruption and an additional functional module for supplementary functions (lighting, display, sensing). This segmentation allows the basic switch to remain simple while enabling optional addition of complex functions through modular components that can be independently installed or removed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The additional functional module is designed with universal connection means that can be electrically connected to the primary module's connection poles. This universal interface enables the same additional module to perform multiple functions (lighting, display, sensing) and be adaptable to different electrical switch configurations without requiring complex redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional functional modules are integrated into the electrical switch, then more sophisticated functionalities are achieved, but the ease of installation and maintenance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the electrical switch into a primary functional module and an additional functional module with distinct mechanical and electrical interfaces, the design enables independent installation, removal, and replacement of each module. This segmentation significantly improves ease of installation and maintenance compared to fully integrated designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between modules is designed to be dynamically configurable - the additional functional module can be electrically connected or disconnected from the primary module's connection poles. This dynamic connectivity allows users to adapt the system configuration based on operational needs, simplifying maintenance by allowing quick disconnection of problematic modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the additional functional module is electrically connected to the primary module, then power supply and functionality are enabled, but the independence from primary module state is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidindependence

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection architecture segments the power supply paths - the additional functional module receives power through its own connection means to the connection poles, separate from the load circuit controlled by the primary module. This segmentation provides electrical independence, allowing the additional module to maintain functionality even when the primary module's switching state changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection poles serve as intermediary elements that provide both mechanical support and electrical power supply to the additional functional module. By using these existing connection poles as intermediaries for power distribution, the design enables the additional module to draw power independently without being directly controlled by the primary module's switching operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11393645B2Electrical equipment and additional functional module associated therewith

Publication Date: 2022.07.19 BERKER GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

An electrical equipment (1) for an electrical installation suitable is provided, connected to an electrical grid having at least: —a primary functional module (2) suitable and intended for carrying out a current interruption function, and an additional functional module (5) for carrying out at least one function requiring a power supply The function of the additional functional module (5) is selected, alone or in combination, from a function of measuring at least one physical parameter and/or a function of emitting and/or receiving electromagnetic radiation, and/or a display function, and/or an actuation function, and/or a data processing function, and/or a function of converting a physical signal into an electrical signal or vice versa.