Tiltable Coupling Element for Rocker Switch Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrical installation devices with rocker switches face reliability issues when used with uneven walls or wallpaper, as the rocker switch cannot directly attach to the switch insert, leading to potential misalignment and unreliable actuation.

Innovation Solution

A coupling element with a linear guide allows the rocker switch to be slidably mounted and tilted, enabling it to actuate the switch insert indirectly, ensuring secure attachment and reliable operation even with up to 3 mm of wall structure variation due to wallpaper.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the rocker switch is directly attached to the switch insert, then the structure is simple, but reliable actuation cannot be guaranteed when wallpaper is used

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliable actuationVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A coupling element is introduced as an intermediary between the rocker switch and the switch insert. This coupling element includes a linear guide with play that allows the rocker switch to be displaced in the direction of the pivot axis, compensating for the gap created by wallpaper while maintaining reliable mechanical connection and actuation force transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the rocker switch is made tiltable and pivotable, then adaptability to wall variations is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to wall variationsVSAvoidmanufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling element is designed with a linear guide that is subject to play, allowing the rocker switch to be displaced dynamically in the direction of the pivot axis. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the rocker switch to adapt to variations in wall thickness and wallpaper thickness while maintaining proper actuation alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3884554B1Electric installation device
Publication Date: 2022.09.28 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP3884554B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3884554B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3884554B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

An electrical installation device comprising a switching insert (10), a rocker (12) and a frame (14) includes a coupling element (22) which can tilt about a tilting axis (K) extending parallel to the pivot axis (S) of the rocker.