Universal Remote Control Device for Electrical Enclosures

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote control devices for electrical enclosures require different configurations for installation on either side of the enclosure, leading to logistical constraints and increased complexity in installation, as they are not adaptable for installation on either side without specific parts.

Innovation Solution

A remote control device with a rotary control member that can be mounted on any side wall of the enclosure, utilizing a transmission system with pinions to link the rotary control member to the control lever, allowing the same device to function regardless of the side of installation, simplifying installation and eliminating the need for separate versions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a remote control device is designed for installation on a specific side of the enclosure, then the installation on that side is optimized, but the device cannot be installed on the opposite side without requiring a different configuration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveergonomic functionalityVSAvoidinstallation side flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission system uses an asymmetric mechanical linkage with a control lever that has different positions (first and second positions) and a rotary control member with corresponding configurations. The linkage is designed to convert rotary motion in either direction into the appropriate linear motion of the control lever, allowing the same device to function correctly regardless of which side it is installed on.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The remote control device is designed as a universal solution that can be installed on either the left or right side of the enclosure. The transmission system incorporates a control lever with multiple positions and a rotary control member that can be mounted on any side wall, eliminating the need for separate left-handed and right-handed versions of the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If different configurations are manufactured for left and right side installations, then each configuration is optimized for its specific side, but manufacturing complexity and logistical constraints increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveside-specific optimizationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses a universal control lever with multiple positions and a rotary control member that can be mounted on any side wall. The transmission system is designed to accommodate installation on either the left or right side using the same components, eliminating the need to manufacture separate left-handed and right-handed versions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission system is designed to work in reverse depending on the installation side. The control lever moves between first and second positions, and the rotary control member rotates in corresponding directions, allowing the same mechanical linkage to function correctly whether installed on the left or right side of the enclosure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If the control handle is placed on a side face for ergonomic reasons, then user comfort is improved, but the transmission system must be adapted according to the installation side

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser comfortVSAvoidtransmission system adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission system uses an asymmetric mechanical linkage with a control lever that has different positions and a rotary control member with corresponding configurations. The linkage is designed to convert rotary motion in either direction into the appropriate linear motion of the control lever, allowing the same device to function correctly regardless of which side it is installed on.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10366846B2Remote control device for an electrical device in an electrical enclosure

Publication Date: 2019.07.30 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS

AI summary

A remote control device includes a rotary control member that can be selectively moved between first and second configurations, a transmission system suitable for mechanically linking the rotary member to a control lever of an electrical device. The movement of the rotary control member drives the control lever to move respectively between first and second positions. The rotary control member is to be mounted on a side walls of a housing, the transmission system includes a first pinion, secured in rotation with the rotary control member about a first axis, a second pinion, meshed with the first pinion and rotationally mobile about a second fixed axis at right angles to the first fixed axis and intended to be coupled mechanically with the control lever to move this lever when the second pinion is moved in rotation.