Actuator Alternating Indicator Light With Dual-Leg Light Pipe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical load control devices with internal light sources face issues of aesthetic unpleasing illumination, blocked light due to actuator orientation, and light intensity loss through complex light pipe designs, necessitating a solution that maintains light intensity and visibility regardless of actuator position.
Innovation Solution
The electrical load control device incorporates a light pipe with legs extending towards both surfaces of the actuator, ensuring optical alignment with a light source in both ON and OFF states, directing a substantial portion of light to the actuator surfaces, regardless of its orientation, and optionally using multiple light sources and light pipes for rocker actuators to maintain visibility and intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the light source illuminates the whole actuator, then the actuator is visible, but it is not aesthetically pleasing as internal components are visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by illuminating only specific regions of the actuator (the ends or specific surfaces) rather than the entire actuator. This is achieved through strategically positioned light sources that target particular areas, providing visibility while maintaining aesthetic appearance by avoiding illumination of internal components.
2Illumination intensity
If the light source illuminates the bottom of the toggle frame, then the light can be visible, but the actuator blocks most of the light when in downward position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination system by using multiple light sources positioned at different locations (e.g., at the ends of the actuator). This segmentation ensures that regardless of the actuator's position, at least one light source remains visible and can illuminate the actuator effectively, solving the blocking problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point light source to distributed light sources along the actuator's length or at its ends. This dimensional change in light source arrangement ensures that light can reach the actuator from multiple directions, maintaining visibility regardless of the actuator's orientation.
3Ease of manufacture
If a complicated light pipe design is used, then the light source can be positioned flexibly, but light intensity is lost when directed through the light pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or eliminates the light pipe component from the system by positioning light sources directly at the actuator ends or surfaces. This removal of the intermediate light pipe component eliminates light intensity loss while maintaining flexible positioning capability through direct light source placement.
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 visually appealing and efficient light indicator that maintains light intensity and visibility across actuator orientations, eliminating the need for complex light pipe designs and ensuring the light source is always observable, even when the actuator is in a downward position.
Implementation Method 1
The light pipe includes a first leg that extends towards the first surface of the actuator and a second leg that extends towards the second surface of the actuator... the respective first and second leg directs a substantial portion of light emitted from the light source to the respective first and second surface of the actuator
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary embodiment of a load control device with a light indicator is disclosed. The load control device may include an actuator assembly and a light source. The actuator assembly may include a frame, a light pipe, and an actuator having two surfaces. The light pipe may be arranged within the actuator and include first and second legs. The first leg may extend towards the first surface, and the second leg may extend towards the second surface. When the actuator is in a first position, the light source may be optically aligned with one of the first and second legs; and, when the actuator is in a second position, the light source may be optically aligned with the other of the first and second legs. When the light source is illuminated, the light pipe may direct the light towards the respective surface of the actuator.