Modular Receiving Module for Easy Functional Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical/electronic installation devices require complete removal and reinstallation to expand or replace functions, which is time-consuming and typically only feasible by an installer.

Innovation Solution

An electrical/electronic installation device comprising a receiving module with a first switching element, connection devices, and poles, allowing for easy exchange of functional modules without removing the device from the installation box, enabling users to add or replace functions without professional assistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the complete device is removed and reinstalled to exchange functional modules, then function replacement is achieved, but installation time and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction replacement capabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into a fixed receiving module (housing with connection devices) and a removable functional module. This segmentation allows the functional module to be exchanged independently without removing the entire device from the installation box, thus reducing installation time while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The functional module is extracted as a separate, removable component from the receiving module. This extraction enables users to replace only the functional module rather than the complete device, significantly reducing the time and effort required for function replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the complete device is removed and reinstalled to exchange functional modules, then function replacement is achieved, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction replacement capabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the device into fixed and removable parts, the operation of function replacement is simplified to merely inserting or removing the functional module, eliminating the complex steps of complete device removal and reinstallation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design enables users to perform function replacement themselves without requiring professional installer assistance. The self-contained functional module with integrated connection devices allows for easy user-friendly replacement operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If professional installer assistance is required for function replacement, then proper installation is ensured, but user independence is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation qualityVSAvoiduser independence
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The functional module is designed to be self-contained with integrated connection devices that enable users to perform installations and replacements independently without requiring professional installer assistance, while maintaining reliable connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The connection devices are pre-configured and integrated into both the receiving module and functional module during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation ensures that users can achieve proper installation quality without needing professional assistance during the actual replacement operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3482471B1Receiving module, functional module and an electrical/electronic installation device
Publication Date: 2021.05.19 BERKER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3482471B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3482471B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3482471B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a receiving module (10) for receiving a functional module (60), a functional module (60) to be received in a receiving module (10), and an electrical/electronic installation device (100) comprising such a receiving module (10) in which a functional module (60) is received. A functional module (60) of this type can be replaced easily, for example, to expand the range of functions.