Electric Switch Lighting Module Uniform Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrical switches with illumination modules face challenges in maintaining uniform lighting when the operating element and/or cover are variably positioned to compensate for plaster or wallpaper, leading to inconsistent illumination.

Innovation Solution

The electrical switch design includes a lighting module with a lower shell and a light-guiding element that can be positioned variably, ensuring constant illumination by maintaining contact between the first and second light-guiding elements, and a holding mechanism that allows the operating element to be securely positioned, ensuring consistent brightness and efficient power supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the operating element and/or cover are variably positioned in height to compensate for plaster or wallpaper, then the electrical switch can continue to be used after plastering or wallpapering, but the illumination of the operating element and/or cover changes disadvantageously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompensation for plaster or wallpaperVSAvoidillumination uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

A light-guiding element is introduced as an intermediary between the light source and the operating element/cover. This light-guiding element maintains constant optical coupling regardless of the cover's position, mediating the light transmission to ensure uniform illumination even when the cover is adjusted for plaster or wallpaper compensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains constant illumination by ensuring that the optical parameters (light guidance, contact between light-guiding elements) remain unchanged despite positional changes of the cover. The light-guiding element's properties are designed to preserve light transmission characteristics across different cover positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the lighting unit is positioned variably relative to the lower shell, then the lighting module can accommodate different installation conditions, but the illumination becomes inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting unit positioning flexibilityVSAvoidillumination consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second light-guiding elements serve as intermediaries that maintain constant optical coupling between the lighting unit and the cover/operating element. Even when the lighting unit is repositioned, the light-guiding elements ensure consistent light transmission through their design that maintains contact and optical alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The light-guiding element extends radially from the axis, creating a three-dimensional light transmission path that remains effective regardless of the lighting unit's axial position. This radial geometry allows the light guidance function to be maintained across different positioning dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This configuration provides uniform and constant illumination of the operating element and/or cover regardless of position, enhancing usability and visual appeal while accommodating plaster or wallpaper variations.

Implementation Method 1

a lighting unit (39) with a lower shell (38) and a lighting unit (39) with a light source (31) and a light-guiding element (32)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight guidance: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentEP3618087B1Electric switch
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 BERKER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3618087B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3618087B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3618087B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical switch (10) comprising a functional module (20), a lighting module (30), a cover (50), an operating element (60), and a retaining element (80). The functional module (20) is provided with a housing (22) suitable for installation in a flush-mounted box. The functional module (20) further comprises a mounting frame (24) and a switching element (26) rotatably mounted about an axis (A) in the housing (20). The lighting module (30) comprises a lower shell (38) and a lighting unit (39). The lighting unit (39) can be arranged in different positions (P1, P2) which are offset from each other in a direction substantially parallel to the axis (A) with respect to the lower shell (38).