Rotatable Housing Operating Panel for Compact Switch Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical operating panels for furniture, such as sit/stand desks, face challenges in maintaining angular positions and efficient space utilization due to the mutual hinging of parts and the space-consuming nature of electric equipment, which complicates mounting and requires complex electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
An electrical operating unit with a housing part containing all electric equipment and a mounting unit that rotates about a shaft, allowing for easy integration of switches, displays, and touch panels, with a simple and user-friendly design that maintains dust and water protection and secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the operating unit is divided into two parts that are mutually hinged, then the housing can assume various angular positions, but it becomes difficult to maintain the angular position when operating the switches
Solution Approach 1:
A detent mechanism acts as an intermediary between the housing and mounting unit, providing discrete angular positions through mechanical engagement. The detent features (protrusions and recesses) mediate the rotational movement, allowing the housing to assume and maintain specific angular positions relative to the mounting unit when switches are operated.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electric equipment is distributed in both parts, then the functionality is maintained, but the space consumption increases and mounting becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The operating unit is segmented into two functional parts: a mounting unit that remains stationary and contains mounting features, and a housing that rotates and contains the electric equipment (switches, display, control circuitry). This segmentation allows the housing to be compact while maintaining full operating functionality, and simplifies mounting as the mounting unit provides dedicated attachment features.
3Reliability
If an electrical connection between the two parts is established, then the operating unit functions properly, but the connection must account for angular positions which complicates the design
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible printed circuit board (FPC) is used to establish electrical connections between the mounting unit and housing. The FPC can bend and flex to accommodate the rotational movement of the housing while maintaining continuous electrical contact. This eliminates the need for complex rigid wiring harnesses with angular compensators, as the flexible circuit naturally adapts to the changing geometry.
4Volume of moving object
If the operating unit is designed to be compact, then space utilization is improved, but the electric equipment may be insufficiently protected
Solution Approach 1:
The electric equipment is nested within the housing, which itself is nested within or attached to the mounting unit. This nested arrangement provides multiple layers of protection: the housing encloses and protects the sensitive electrical components from environmental factors, while the overall compact design minimizes exposure. The nested structure allows adequate protection without increasing external dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
Electrical operating unit comprising a first and a second part, where the two parts can be mutually adjusted. The Operating unit (1) comprises a first part constructed as a housing (2), which contains the electric equipment with at least one electric switch and a second part constructed as a mounting unit (3) for the first part. The two parts are interconnected about a shaft (17), so they can rotate mutually. When the operating unit is mounted the housing (2) will assume a first position, an initial position. By pressing the housing (2) it rotates about the shaft (17) and is brought into a second position, an activation position, where the switch(es) is/are activated in that they are pressed against the second part (3). With this embodiment of the operating unit the piece of furniture can be adjusted in either direction by pressing the housing (2). The housing (2), besides from functioning as a switch, can also be equipped with other switches and displays.