Multi-Pushbutton Switch Layout With Single-Signal Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical installation devices are not cost-effective and lack flexibility in configuration and operation, particularly in managing simultaneous actuation of multiple pushbuttons.

Innovation Solution

An electrical installation device with a common actuating button that can activate multiple pushbuttons simultaneously, accompanied by an electronic means to output a single switching signal within a predetermined time window, and optionally mechanical means to ensure single actuation, along with a modular design and a display for flexible functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pushbuttons are actuated simultaneously within a time window, then multiple switching signals are generated, but this causes bounce-free switching to fail and creates operational errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in button configurationVSAvoidswitching signal accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An electronic means is introduced as an intermediary between the pushbuttons and the switching signal output. This electronic means monitors multiple pushbuttons simultaneously and acts as a mediator to ensure that only a single switching signal is generated even when multiple buttons are actuated within a predetermined time window, thus preventing bounce-free switching failures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic means performs preliminary detection and evaluation of pushbutton actuations before generating switching signals. By monitoring which button was actuated first within the time window and disabling subsequent buttons, the system proactively prevents multiple signal generation, ensuring reliable single-signal output before any potential errors can occur

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If traditional individual button actuation is used, then each button requires separate handling, but this increases device complexity and reduces manufacturing efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching signal accuracyVSAvoidbutton arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple pushbuttons are merged under a single common actuating button structure. Instead of requiring separate actuating mechanisms for each button, the invention combines them so that one actuating button can activate multiple pushbuttons simultaneously, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining reliable switching signal generation through the electronic means

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If fixed button configuration is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but the device lacks flexibility for different applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The button configuration is made dynamic and reconfigurable rather than fixed. The electronic means can be programmed to recognize different button arrangements and activate appropriate pushbuttons based on the specific application requirements. This allows the same physical device to be adapted to various configurations (1, 2, 4, or more buttons) without requiring different manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4315380B1Electric installation device
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP4315380B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4315380B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4315380B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical installation device comprising a housing (10) in which a plurality of push-buttons (12) are arranged, above which a common actuating button (14) is arranged. Electronic means (16) which output only a single switching signal when several buttons are actuated are provided.