Switch Base Segmentation for Gap-Free Wall Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing key-type switches require disassembly for maintenance or part replacement, are costly due to excessive material usage for screw fixation, and can suffer from incorrect reassembly and visible unevenness with the wall.

Innovation Solution

A switch design featuring a base with protrusions for easy manual positioning of the contact carrier case and an outer frame that keeps the protective cover separate from the wall, eliminating the need for screws and reducing material consumption by using smaller screws for cover fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If screws pass through the whole switch to fix it to the wall, then the switch is securely fixed, but the screws have considerable length and cost more

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation strengthVSAvoidscrew material consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The switch is divided into separate components: a base that attaches to the wall and a protective cover that attaches to the base. This segmentation allows screws to be used only for the base-to-wall connection, eliminating the need for long screws that would pass through the entire switch assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If the outer protective cover is in contact with the wall, then the switch is fixed, but any unevenness of the wall is easy to identify visually

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation strengthVSAvoidvisual appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The base acts as an intermediary element between the wall and the protective cover. It provides a stable mounting surface that compensates for wall unevenness, allowing the protective cover to be positioned correctly without directly contacting the uneven wall surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If the contact carrier case has two orifices all the way along for screw fixation, then the switch can be fixed to the wall, but manufacture is more complicated and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The switch assembly is segmented into a base and a protective cover, with the base containing the fixation orifices. This eliminates the need for through-orifices in the contact carrier case, simplifying its manufacturing while still providing secure wall fixation through the base.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of repair

If the whole switch is dismantled for maintenance or part replacement, then all connections can be checked, but the process is time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoiddismantling time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The switch is designed with separable components (protective cover, contact carrier case, base) that can be independently accessed. The protective cover can be removed to access the contact carrier case and its connections without dismantling the entire switch from the wall, as the base remains fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3073502B1interruptor
Publication Date: 2018.12.26 FONTINI
  • EP3073502B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3073502B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3073502B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Switch of the type comprising a case (2) for carrying contacts and mechanisms of the switch and an outer protective cover (8), comprising a base (1) for fixing to a surface, said base comprising at least one protrusion (3) with which the case (2) for carrying contacts and mechanisms of the switch fits together, allowing the case (2) for carrying contacts and mechanisms to be positioned on the base (1), and in that the surface contact area of said base comprises an outer frame (9) that receives the outer protective cover.