Multifunction control module and corresponding method
A multifunction control module including a housing having a flat tabletop surface on an upper side and a channel defined by a sidewall extending downwardly from an opening through the flat tabletop surface. A movable section may be positioned within the channel and movable within the channel between a first position forming a part of the flat tabletop surface and a second position below the flat tabletop surface. A drive module may control the movement of the moveable section between the first position and the second position, and a position detection module may determine a position of the movable section.
1. A multifunction control module, comprising:
a housing having a flat tabletop surface on an upper side;
a channel defined by a sidewall extending downwardly from an opening through the flat tabletop surface;
a movable section positioned within the channel and movable within the channel between a first position forming a part of the flat tabletop surface and a second position below the flat tabletop surface;
a drive module for controlling the movement of the movable section between the first position and the second position within the channel; and
a wireless charging module,
wherein the drive module comprises a position detection module for determining a position of the movable section,
wherein the movable section includes the wireless charging module,
wherein the wireless charging module comprises a wireless charging region positioned on the movable section, wherein the wireless charging region on the movable section is movable within the channel between the first position forming a part of the flat tabletop surface and the second position below the flat tabletop surface.
2. The multifunction control module in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the drive module comprises one of a DC deceleration motor or a screw drive motor.
3. The multifunction control module in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising:
a control circuit for controlling the drive module; and
a power module for powering the control circuit and the drive module.
4. The multifunction control module in accordance with claim 3 , further comprising touch buttons in electrical communication with the control circuit and positioned on the flat tabletop surface for controlling the drive module, via the control circuit.
5. The multifunction control module in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising a charging coil located under a surface of the movable section and in electrical communication with the wireless charging module.
6. The multifunction control module in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising backlighting for lighting one or more of a touch button in the flat tabletop surface, a wireless charging region, and an audio touch control.
7. The multifunction control module in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising:
an audio touch control positioned on the flat tabletop surface.
8. The multifunction control module in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising one or more auxiliary connectors disposed in the flat tabletop surface.
9. The multifunction control module in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising:
a control circuit comprising a control module for controlling a function of a furniture item or appliance.
10. The multifunction control module in accordance with claim 9 , wherein the furniture function comprises one of heating, cooling, massage, and position adjustment.
11. The multifunction control module in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising a remote-control output module, the remote-control output module comprising at least one of an RF module, a Bluetooth module, a WiFi module, and an InfraRed (IR) control module.
12. The multifunction control module in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising an additional movable section positioned within an additional channel.
13. The multifunction control module in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the movable section has a circularly-shaped profile.
14. The multifunction control module in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the movable section in the second position and the sidewall together define a cup holder.
15. The multifunction control module in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the position detection module is configured to prevent movement of the movable section beyond an upper limit and a lower limit.