Remote Control Handset End Cap for Battery-Cable Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hand-held remote controls can only be produced in either battery or cable operation versions, forcing users to decide at purchase time, and are difficult to switch between these modes, especially for inexperienced users.

Innovation Solution

A hand-held remote control design with interchangeable end caps that allow manual switching between battery and cable operation, featuring form-fitting connections such as rotary, bayonet, or screw connections, enabling easy conversion between wireless and wired modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the remote control is produced as a fixed version (either battery or cable operation), then the manufacturing process is simplified and production cost is reduced, but the user cannot switch between different operation modes after purchase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitchability between battery and cable operationVSAvoidstructure with interchangeable end caps
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The remote control is divided into modular components: a main housing and interchangeable end caps. The end cap is separated into two versions (battery version and cable version), allowing users to swap between them. This segmentation enables versatility without requiring the entire device to be complex, as only the end cap portion needs to be interchangeable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The main housing is designed with universal features that can accommodate both battery operation and cable operation through different end caps. The housing includes a standardized connection interface (threaded or bayonet connection) that universally accepts both types of end caps, making the core device multi-functional while keeping the interchangeable portion simple.

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

2Ease of repair

If a professional repair mechanism is used for cable connections, then the connection reliability is improved, but the repair and replacement process becomes complex and requires professional assistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser-replaceable cable connectionVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cable connection is pre-configured in the end cap as an integrated assembly before reaching the user. The cable is permanently attached to the end cap with proper strain relief and connection geometry already established during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows the user to simply replace the entire end cap unit rather than performing complex cable repairs, maintaining reliability while simplifying user-side replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the end cap connection requires complex fastening mechanisms, then the connection stability is improved, but the ease of manual assembly and disassembly by users is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual assembly and disassemblyVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism replaces complex multi-step mechanical fastening with a simplified threaded or bayonet connection system. The threaded connection uses standard thread geometry that users can easily manipulate with common tools, while the bayonet connection provides quick connect/disconnect through a single rotational motion. Both systems achieve sufficient connection strength through optimized contact surfaces and engagement geometry without requiring complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2700334B1Remote control handset (plug-and-turn connection)
Publication Date: 2015.04.22 DEWERTOKIN GMBH
  • EP2700334B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2700334B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2700334B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

The controller has a conductor arranged in a circuit board as a carrier for multiple electronic components, and a transmitting device for wireless transmission of control signals. An additional unit is utilized for selective battery operation or for connection of an electrical cable. A cover cap is fixed at an end of a housing by a hand without a cable connection. An end cap (5) is provided with cable connection, which is removable on housing end by hand and integral with a cable end (12). A plug-in cable connection (14) connects the cable to the circuit board.