Modular Sensor Unit with Segmented Base Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor units for building system technology and conventional installation technology require fixed positions for operating elements, limiting flexibility and scalability, and often necessitate changes in cable lengths and additional bus couplers for multiple sensors.

Innovation Solution

A modular sensor unit design featuring a subdivided base support with interchangeable fields for various operating elements, allowing for vertical or horizontal configuration, optional positioning, and integration of multiple functional elements like buttons, rotary elements, and displays without needing to change cable lengths or add bus couplers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed positions are determined for operating elements within the base support, then the structure is stable and simple to manufacture, but flexibility and scalability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base support is divided into multiple fields (first field, second field, third field) that can independently accommodate different operating elements. This segmentation allows flexible arrangement of buttons, rotary elements, and displays without requiring a complete redesign of the entire structure, thus improving adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base support is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate various types of operating elements (buttons, rotary elements, displays) in its multiple fields. Each field can be configured for different functions, allowing the same base support structure to serve multiple purposes and adapt to different control scenarios without increasing structural complexity.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple bus couplers are added for multiple sensors, then measurement precision and functionality are improved, but device complexity and installation space increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple operating elements (sensors, buttons, rotary elements, displays) are combined into a single integrated sensor unit that mounts in one flush-mounted box. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate bus couplers and reduces the total number of components, while still providing comprehensive measurement and control functionality through the modular field configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base support serves as a universal mounting platform that can accommodate various types of operating elements within its fields, allowing a single sensor unit to perform multiple functions (temperature sensing, humidity sensing, control input, display) that would traditionally require multiple separate devices and bus couplers.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If cable lengths are changed for wiring extensions, then adaptability is improved, but installation complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovescalabilityVSAvoidinstallation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple operating elements are integrated into a single sensor unit with a unified cable connection system. This merging allows the entire assembly to be installed as one unit without requiring separate cable extensions or modifications to cable lengths, thereby maintaining ease of installation while providing scalability through the modular field configuration within the base support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP1993180B1Sensor unit for mounting in an installation box
Publication Date: 2018.09.26 ABB AG(DE)
  • EP1993180B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1993180B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1993180B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The sensor unit (64) has a basic device (1) mounted in a commercial standard flush-mounting socket, which connects an operational and functional element (52). The basic device has a field (9,10,11) for supporting the operational and functional element. A number of electrically conductive rails (18) are integrated in basic device, which is provided partly for an electrical energy supply and partly for communication. The electrically conductive rails are connected over an electrical contact file with the operational and functional element.