Modular Wall Switch Receptacle for Adaptable Module Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wall-mounted switches have a fixed mechanical size that does not accommodate new technologies, making it difficult to integrate them seamlessly into existing installations while maintaining a familiar design and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A module receptacle design featuring a main frame, insert frame, holding frame, and covering frame with fastening elements, allowing for the integration of functional modules with varying sizes while maintaining a conventional appearance, and incorporating photovoltaic solar power converters for energy supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional wall-mounted switches are used with fixed mechanical size, then the structural form and appearance are familiar and easy to recognize, but new technologies with different physical sizes cannot be accommodated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of new technologiesVSAvoidconventional structural form

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The wall switch is divided into two main segments: a covering frame that maintains the conventional appearance and a receptacle frame that accommodates the functional module. This segmentation allows each part to serve its specific function - the covering frame preserves familiarity while the receptacle frame provides adaptability for different module sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The functional module is nested within the receptacle frame, which itself is covered by the covering frame. This nested structure allows the smaller functional module to be contained within the larger conventional housing, enabling new technologies to be integrated while maintaining the familiar external form.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the physical size of functional elements is changed to accommodate new technologies, then adaptability improves, but the familiar design and conventional appearance are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of new technologiesVSAvoiduser recognition of function

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The covering frame is designed with local qualities that match conventional switches - including the outer dimensions, mounting hole positions, and overall shape - while the internal receptacle frame can be customized to fit different functional modules. This allows the critical user-facing aspects to remain familiar while the internal structure adapts to new technologies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The covering frame serves multiple functions: it provides the familiar conventional appearance for user recognition, houses the receptacle frame, and maintains the standard mounting interface. This multi-functionality allows the same external structure to accommodate various internal configurations for different technologies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Shape

If a covering frame is added to maintain conventional appearance, then aesthetic compatibility improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic compatibilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The covering frame and receptacle frame are merged into a single integrated assembly that functions as one unit during installation. The covering frame is designed to snap onto or be fastened to the receptacle frame, creating a unified structure that appears as a single component while internally separating the aesthetic and functional elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The aesthetic function is extracted into the covering frame, which can be detached and replaced independently from the functional module inside the receptacle frame. This extraction allows the appearance to be optimized for aesthetics while the internal structure focuses on functionality, reducing the complexity of designing a single component to satisfy both requirements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the integration of new technologies with a familiar design, providing aesthetic compatibility and self-explanatory operation, while allowing for the use of various functional modules, including sensors, without compromising the aesthetic appeal of house installations.

Implementation Method 1

incorporating photovoltaic solar power converters for energy supply

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8067690B2Module receptacle

Publication Date: 2011.11.29 ENOCEAN

AI summary

A module receptacle having a main frame arranged to hold a mountable functioning module in a specified position with respect to a covering frame. The covering frame can be attached by means of at least one fastening element to the main frame. The covering frame is at least large enough to cover the main frame.