Battery-Free Wireless Switch Lever Mechanism for Low Actuation Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless switches without batteries are difficult to operate due to the high effort required, making them unsuitable for children and less efficient compared to conventional switches.

Innovation Solution

A wireless control device utilizing an efficient electric generator with a coil and sliding block mechanism, along with a transmission member and actuating lever, which converts a rotational movement of the button into a translation movement to generate electrical energy for signal transmission, reducing the operational force needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a battery-free wireless switch with a simple generator is used, then the device is compact and self-contained, but the operational force required is high (7-10 N)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational forceVSAvoidgenerator complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a button module, a transmission element, an actuating lever, and a generator. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the transmission element and actuating lever form a mechanical advantage system that reduces operational force without requiring a complex generator design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission element acts as an intermediary between the button and the generator, while the actuating lever serves as a mechanical mediator that amplifies the input force. This intermediary mechanism transforms the user's input into effective generator actuation with reduced operational force requirement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If a high-performance generator with coil and sliding block is used, then the generator efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegenerator efficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission element and actuating lever are combined into an integrated mechanical advantage system that works together to reduce operational force. This merging allows the high-performance generator to be actuated efficiently without requiring separate complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuating lever transforms rotational movement from the button into translational movement of the sliding block within the generator. This dimensional transformation enables the high-performance generator to operate efficiently while maintaining a compact overall device structure.

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

3Ease of operation

If the button is designed for low operational force, then the ease of operation is improved, but the energy generated by the generator is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational forceVSAvoidenergy generated
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating lever serves as a mechanical intermediary that amplifies the small force applied to the button. This lever mechanism ensures that even low operational force inputs are transformed into sufficient mechanical energy to effectively drive the high-performance generator and generate adequate electrical energy for signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical advantage system changes the force parameter through the lever ratio, allowing a small input force to produce a larger effective force on the generator. This parameter transformation enables low operational force while maintaining sufficient energy generation for wireless signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 more efficient and ergonomic wireless switch that requires less operational force, enhancing usability for all users, including children, while maintaining battery-free operation.

Implementation Method 1

electromagnetic converters, which use the movement of a magnet to generate induced currents in a circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

piezoelectric converters, which utilize the properties of a material to generate a voltage when subjected to mechanical stress

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3889941B1Wireless control device and assembly comprising such a device, as well as another control device capable of being connected to an electric wire
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP3889941B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3889941B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3889941B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a wireless control device (2'), comprising an actuation button, an electronic control circuit including a transmitter capable of wirelessly transmitting a control signal to another control device connected to an electrical wire, an electrical generator to power the circuit, this generator being capable of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, and a transmission element (14') for transmitting mechanical energy applied to the actuation button to the generator. The device includes a mechanism comprising an actuation lever (120), a first part of which cooperates with the transmission element and a second part of which is connected to a sliding block of the generator. Tilting the button pushes on the transmission element to one side or the other. The transmission element then moves perpendicularly to the tilting axis (X4) of the button and causes the actuation lever to rotate.