Separate Accessory Element With Coding Strip For Modular Control Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular control device systems generate significant waste due to the separate accessory elements, which are often unnecessary after assembly, and lack flexibility in coding, leading to environmental concerns and increased manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A separate accessory element with a tool grip portion and screwdriver blade is integrated into the second part, allowing it to function as a tool post-installation, reducing waste and enabling flexible coding through a coding strip with interchangeable inserts, thus enhancing environmental friendliness and modularity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If separate accessory elements with coding strips and inserts are used for modular control devices, then assembly precision and prevention of incorrect module part assembly are improved, but material waste increases due to discarded coding components after assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly precisionVSAvoidmaterial waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The coding strip is integrated into the accessory element housing as a single piece rather than being a separate component. The housing itself forms the coding structure with integrated coding inserts, eliminating the need for separate coding strips that would be discarded after assembly. This merging of the coding function into the housing structure prevents material waste while maintaining assembly precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If coding strips and inserts are provided as separate components, then flexibility in coding definition is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple separate parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in coding definitionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The accessory element housing serves multiple functions: it provides the structural housing for the accessory, contains the coding inserts, and forms the coding structure itself. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate coding strip components while maintaining the flexibility to define different codings by selectively providing or removing coding inserts in the cavities.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If coding inserts are provided separately for insertion into coding cavities, then adaptability in coding configuration is improved, but risk of lost coding means increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability in coding configurationVSAvoidrisk of lost coding means
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coding inserts are nested within the accessory element housing, specifically within designated cavities in the housing structure. This nesting arrangement ensures that the coding inserts remain contained within the housing and cannot be lost separately. The housing acts as a container that holds the coding inserts in place, providing reliability while maintaining adaptability in coding configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2600705B1Separate accessory element for a control device
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 PILZ GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2600705B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2600705B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2600705B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The accessory element (190) has a coding strip (170) which is formed with coding cavity (172). The coding insert pieces are inserted respectively in the coding cavity of coding strip. A separation point (193) for separating the primary portion (192) and the secondary portion (194) is provided between primary portion and secondary portion. The separating station for separating the specific portion and the secondary portion is provided between specific portion and secondary portion. The secondary portion comprises a tool having a tool handle portion (196) and tool head (200). An independent claim is included for module partial kit.