Detachable Touch Sensor Mounting for Waterproof Switch Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switches for controlling electrical devices, such as lights, are limited by their installation requirements, safety regulations, and inability to function in wet or outdoor environments, and often require complex installation processes.
Innovation Solution
A sensor apparatus with a cylindrical mount and sealing elements, allowing for flush installation in various shapes and sizes of holes, and capable of operating as a touch switch for controlling electrical devices, including lights, in wet or outdoor environments, using a sensor circuit for capacitive or inductive touch sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional switches are used for controlling electrical devices, then the switching function is achieved, but the installation complexity increases due to templating and cutting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The switch device is divided into separate modular components: a mountable base unit and a detachable sensor element. This segmentation allows the base to be installed independently using simple adhesive mounting, while the sensor element can be attached or removed as needed, eliminating the complex templating and cutting processes required by conventional switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor element is extracted as a separate detachable component from the mounting structure. This allows the mounting process to be simplified to only require adhesive attachment of the base, while the sensor element can be independently handled, stored, or replaced without affecting the mounted portion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional switches are used in wet or outdoor environments, then the switching function is limited, but the reliability decreases due to water ingress
Solution Approach 1:
A waterproof seal or gasket is introduced between the mountable base and the sensor element, and potentially around the mounting interface with the support surface. This flexible sealing barrier prevents water ingress while allowing the device to function in wet or outdoor environments, thereby improving both environmental adaptability and reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional switches are installed on surfaces with limited access space or obstructions, then the positioning flexibility is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor element is designed to be detachably connected to the mountable base, creating a dynamic configuration where the sensor can be repositioned or removed. This dynamic design allows adaptation to various installation surfaces and obstructions while maintaining operational accessibility, as the sensor can be adjusted without affecting the mounted base.
4Power
If high voltage supplies are used for electrical devices, then the power delivery is sufficient, but the safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor element acts as an intermediary between the user and the high voltage control system. It detects touch inputs and transmits control signals to switch the high voltage power supply to the electrical device, allowing user interaction without direct exposure to high voltage, thereby reducing safety hazards while maintaining full power capability.
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
Enables straightforward, waterproof installation and operation of electrical device controls in diverse environments, reducing installation complexity and allowing for flexible placement without violating high-voltage regulatory requirements.
Implementation Method 1
using a sensor circuit for capacitive or inductive touch sensing
Implementation Method 2
using a sensor circuit for capacitive or inductive touch sensing
Implementation Method 3
The first connecting element may be a sealing element. The sealing element may be capable of, or adapted to, create a seal, such as a waterproof seal.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor apparatus and method of installation, and a system for controlling at least one electrical device and a method of use of such system. The apparatus comprises a mount adapted to be attached to a support and a sensor element adapted to be detachably connected to the mount. The method of installing a sensor apparatus comprises providing a sensor apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention. The method further comprises the steps of retainably affixing the mount to, or within, the support and detachably connecting the sensor element to the mount. The system for controlling at least one electrical device comprises at least one sensor apparatus, at least one electrical device, and a controller, wherein the at least one sensor apparatus and the at least one electrical device are electrically connected to the controller.