Modular Switching System with Configurable Key Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical switch systems in homes and buildings are aesthetically unappealing and confusing due to their uniformity, making it difficult for users to identify and control multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
A configurable switching system with a keypad that allows attachment of variously sized and typed key elements, such as buttons and rockers, which can be arranged in different positions to provide customizable control over electrical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple identical switches are used to control multiple electrical devices, then the switching system can control multiple devices, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates and user confusion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching system is segmented into a modular keypad with multiple independently attachable key elements. Each key element can be individually positioned and configured to control specific devices, allowing users to create logical groupings and reduce the perceived number of switches while maintaining control over multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
Different key elements with distinct sizes, shapes, and positions are used to provide local differentiation. This allows users to easily identify and distinguish between different device controls without requiring all switches to be uniformly identical, thereby improving user identification while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple identical switches are used to control multiple electrical devices, then the switching system can control multiple devices, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the switching interface into separate, attachable key elements on a single keypad. This segmentation allows for a cleaner, more unified aesthetic appearance compared to multiple separate switches, while still providing control over multiple devices through the modular key element configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple key elements are merged onto a single keypad body, creating a unified aesthetic appearance. This combining approach maintains the ability to control multiple devices while presenting a cleaner, more integrated visual design that improves aesthetic appearance.
3Ease of operation
If a configurable modular system is used instead of multiple identical switches, then aesthetic appearance and user identification improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses universal attachment features (domes and tabs with holes) that work with all key elements and keypad positions. This universality simplifies the configuration process despite the modular nature, as users can attach any key element to any position without requiring different attachment mechanisms, thereby reducing configuration complexity while maintaining ease of identification.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple key elements are attached to a single keypad, then the number of switches needed is reduced and aesthetics improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keypad incorporates universal attachment features (multiple domes and corresponding tabs with holes) that can accommodate different key elements in different positions. This universal design approach allows for switch consolidation and aesthetic improvement while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes, as the same attachment mechanism is used throughout the system.
Data Source
AI summary
A switching system may include a body and a set of key elements. The body may be electrically connectable to a first electrical device and a second electrical device, and may have a keypad with key element attachment features to which the key elements can be attached. The key elements may be attachable in various positions and/or combinations on the keypad. The key elements may include one or more buttons of various sizes and/or a rocker. The keypad may have multiple positions to which key elements can be attached, with larger key elements requiring multiple positions. The key element attachment features may be domes, which may be inserted into holes in tabs extending from the key elements to pivotably attach the key elements to the keypad. Each key element may be retained on the keypad independently of any other component aside from the keypad and the key element.