Actuator Color Display for Information Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators lack improved performance characteristics, particularly in terms of user interface and operational flexibility, especially when used in harsh environments and requiring on-site manual adjustments.
Innovation Solution
The actuator features a color-capable active matrix display unit, a control unit for switching between display masks, and an operating element that allows for intuitive and ergonomic operation, including rotatable and pivotable design, enabling clear feedback and adaptable orientation for enhanced usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a monochrome display unit is used in existing actuators, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but the information density and readability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color-capable active matrix display technology to replace traditional monochrome displays. The display unit can now present information in multiple colors, enabling better differentiation of status indicators, warnings, and operational states. This increases information density without requiring additional physical display elements, effectively resolving the contradiction between information richness and device complexity.
2Loss of information
If the display unit size is increased to provide more information, then the information density improves, but the actuator size and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing color encoding in the display unit, the patent enables more information to be conveyed within the same physical display area. Different colors represent different operational states, warnings, and status indicators, allowing comprehensive feedback without expanding the display unit size. This resolves the contradiction between information completeness and compact form factor.
3Speed
If standard display technology is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the response time at low temperatures below 0°C is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies active matrix display technology with modified operational parameters optimized for low-temperature environments. The display unit maintains adequate response times even at temperatures below 0°C through specialized driver circuits and display material selection. This resolves the contradiction between fast response time and broad temperature tolerance.
Data Source
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AI summary
In the case of an actuator (1) with at least one control element (2) and a display unit (3) that can be controlled by the control element (2), it is proposed to design the display unit (3) as a color-capable, active display (Fig. 1).