Bidirectional Nautical Pushbutton Panel with Sealed Partition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pushbutton panels for nautical electro-mechanisms can only control one direction of rotation, requiring a second pedal for reversing operations, which complicates installation and increases costs.

Innovation Solution

A pushbutton panel with a housing containing two separated push button switches, each controlling a respective direction of rotation, integrated with an electronic control unit and DC-DC converter for voltage regulation, and self-protection against short circuits and water infiltration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single pedal push button is used for controlling the electro-mechanism, then the device structure is simple, but it can only control one direction of rotation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepush button structureVSAvoidrotation direction control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate push button functions (forward and reverse control) into a single integrated push button device. The push button contains two separate circuits within one housing, allowing bidirectional control of the motor without requiring two separate pedals, thus reducing installation complexity while maintaining full rotational control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two pedal push buttons are provided for bidirectional control, then both rotation directions can be controlled, but the installation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation direction controlVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate push button assemblies into one integrated unit that provides both forward and reverse control functions. This single unified device reduces the number of components to be installed and connected, thereby significantly reducing installation time while providing complete bidirectional control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single push button device is designed to perform multiple functions - controlling both the forward and reverse rotation of the motor through two separate circuits within one housing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate pedals for each direction, reducing installation complexity and time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If conventional pedal push buttons are used, then the structure is simple, but they are vulnerable to water infiltration and oxidation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepush button structureVSAvoidprotection against water and oxidation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a sealing membrane or flexible seal structure within the push button housing to prevent water and moisture from penetrating into the internal circuits. This sealing mechanism protects the electrical components from oxidation and corrosion while maintaining the simplicity of the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Power

If higher voltage is used for the power supply, then more power is available, but the risk of short-circuit and damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply voltageVSAvoidshort-circuit protection

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an electronic control unit as an intermediary between the power supply and the motor. This control unit receives low-voltage control signals from the push button and manages the power delivery to the motor, providing isolation and protection against short circuits while enabling high-power operation when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The push button device incorporates self-protection circuits that automatically detect and respond to fault conditions such as short circuits or incorrect operation. The system includes protective mechanisms that prevent damage without requiring external intervention, enhancing reliability while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3996122A1Pushbutton panel for a nautical electro-mechanism

Publication Date: 2022.05.11 BONOMI SRL

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AI summary

The invention relates to a pushbutton panel (100) for controlling a nautical electro-mechanism comprising a housing (20), an electronic control unit (50), for electrical connection to the nautical electro-mechanism to be controlled, and means (30) for operating the nautical electro-mechanism positioned within the housing (20) and in electrical communication with the electronic control unit (50). The operating means (30) comprise a first (31) and a second push button switch (32), each configured to operate the nautical electro-mechanism according to a respective direction of rotation and the housing (20) comprises a base (21), from which a partition (28), for separating the first (31) and the second push button switch (32) rises.