Rotary Dimmer Sensor Integration for Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotary dimmers are cost-intensive and prone to wear due to the use of mechanically moving components and additional sensors, limiting their lifespan and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A rotary dimmer design with a sensor integrated within the control element to detect rotational movement, transmitting position information to the base body via an electrical device, eliminating the need for cost-intensive external sensors and allowing for pre-assembly and easy replacement of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotary encoder with mechanical moving components and additional sensors is used, then the rotary dimmer can detect rotary movement, but the manufacturing cost increases and the device becomes prone to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotary encoder system with an electronic solution using a single acceleration sensor that detects rotational movement through acceleration changes. This eliminates mechanically moving components and additional sensors, reducing manufacturing cost while improving reliability by removing wear-prone mechanical parts.
2Ease of operation
If the control element is permanently fixed to the base body, then the electrical connection remains stable, but the operating element cannot be easily replaced or protected from theft/soiling during construction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rotary dimmer into two separable parts: a base body that can be installed in the wall and a control element containing the sensor. The control element can be easily attached and detached from the base body, allowing for protection during construction, easy replacement if stolen or soiled, and simplified installation sequencing, while maintaining electrical connection stability through proper contact design.
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
The solution reduces manufacturing costs, enhances robustness, and allows for easy handling and replacement of components, while enabling continuous rotational movement without interrupting the electrical connection, thus extending the dimmer's lifespan and simplifying installation and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a single-axis, two-axis or three-axis acceleration sensor is used as the sensor for this purpose
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a rotary dimmer (1) for mounting on a building wall (2), comprising a base body (3) that can be permanently attached to the wall (2) and is configured for electrical connection with a lighting control system (4), and a rotatable control element (5) mounted on the base body (3) so as to be rotatable about an axis (x), wherein a sensor (5a) is arranged inside the control element (5) which is configured to detect a rotational movement of the control element (5), and wherein an electrical contact (6) is provided between the control element (5) and the base body (3) for transmitting the position information detected by the sensor (5a) to the base body (3).