Transparent Touch Switch Panel With Removable Control Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical switching devices for house or building installations are inflexible and costly, with control panels that cannot be easily detached or reconfigured, limiting their adaptability and functionality in various environments.
Innovation Solution
A modular electrical switching device comprising a stationary first switching part and a removable second switching part made of transparent materials with touch-sensitive buttons, allowing for operation without mechanical movement, and featuring conductive polymer coatings and integrated electronic components for customizable and portable control panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control panels are made with special dimensions, materials, shape and color design to be fixed in position, then they cannot be moved or reused in other switching programs, but this increases adaptability to different switching programs
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is divided into a first control panel part that remains stationary in the switching device and a second control panel part that can be removed and exchanged. This segmentation allows different second control panel parts to be attached to the same first control panel part, enabling adaptability to different switching programs without redesigning the entire control panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The first control panel part serves as a universal base that can accommodate multiple different second control panel parts. This universal design allows the same base structure to support various control panel configurations for different switching programs, reducing the need for specialized designs for each application.
2Ease of operation
If control panels are made opaque and fixed, then they provide stable structure, but they cannot be easily detached or reconfigured
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic configurable structure. The second control panel part can be attached to and detached from the first control panel part, allowing the system to adapt its configuration dynamically based on different switching programs while maintaining structural stability when assembled.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional opaque control panels are used, then they provide structural stability, but they cannot be freely integrated into wall appearance or environment
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel utilizes transparent or translucent materials that can change their visual appearance based on lighting conditions and integrated illumination. This allows the control panel to blend seamlessly with wall appearances in installed positions while maintaining structural integrity and functionality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If control panels are made transparent, then they can be freely floating and integrated into wall appearance, but they require specialized materials and construction methods
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel employs composite material structures combining transparent base materials (such as glass or plastic) with conductive polymer coatings and integrated lighting elements. This composite construction enables the transparent control panel to maintain structural stability, electrical functionality, and aesthetic integration while allowing for easy attachment and detachment.
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
The solution provides a cost-effective, modular, and customizable control element that can be easily exchanged or personalized, enhancing adaptability and functionality in different settings, such as hotels, airports, and hospitals, while preventing theft by requiring a specialized tool for detachment.
Implementation Method 1
The essentially transparent base body can be constructed, for example, from a plastic with conductive polymer coatings applied thereto
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical switching device, in particular an installation switch or a building automation device, is proposed, which is designed as a flush-mounted or surface-mounted installation device, and which is constructed from at least one fixedly installable first switching part (20) and at least one second switching part (30) that is removable from the fixedly installable first switching part (20), wherein the second switching part (30) is made of a transparent material and has at least one touch-sensitive button (32) with which operations of the switching device 81) can be carried out.