Ambient Light Guide and Sensor Integration in Electrical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical devices face challenges in accurately sensing ambient light due to design constraints, such as the need to maintain a clean appearance and avoid functional compromises like restricted button motion or additional manufacturing steps.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an ambient light guide and sensor within an electrical device, where the ambient light guide collects light through a narrow gap between a structure and a faceplate, and the sensor senses this light to control backlighting or report ambient light levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an ambient light sensor is integrated into the electrical device, then the functionality is expanded (ambient light sensing), but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ambient light sensor with the existing button structure and faceplate design. The sensor is integrated into the button assembly, sharing the same structural space and mounting mechanisms, thereby adding functionality without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The button structure serves multiple functions: it acts as a mechanical input device, a structural element of the faceplate, and now also houses the ambient light sensor. This multi-functionality approach allows the same structural components to support both mechanical and optical sensing operations
2Shape
If the ambient light guide is positioned behind the gap, then the appearance remains sleek and clean, but the light collection efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the depth dimension by positioning the light guide behind the gap between the button and faceplate. The light guide extends into the available space rearward, capturing light that passes through the gap from the front, thereby maintaining a sleek front appearance while still achieving effective light collection through spatial optimization in the depth dimension
Solution Approach 2:
The narrow gap between the button and faceplate serves as an intermediary light path. It allows ambient light to reach the light guide positioned behind it while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of a solid faceplate from the front view
3Length of moving object
If the gap size is reduced to 5 millimeters or less, then the device maintains a compact and sleek design, but the ambient light entry may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for the restricted light entry in the horizontal dimension (narrow gap) by extending the light guide in the depth dimension. The light guide reaches back into the device housing to capture sufficient light that passes through the narrow gap, thereby maintaining compact appearance while ensuring adequate light collection
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
This solution allows for expanded functionality, such as controlling lighting based on ambient light levels, while maintaining a sleek design and avoiding functional compromises, as the ambient light sensor and guide are hidden from user view.
Implementation Method 1
an ambient light guide disposed to (1) reside behind the gap and (2) collect ambient light to pass through the gap
Implementation Method 2
an ambient light sensor configured to sense the ambient light collected by the ambient light guide
Implementation Method 3
The ambient light guide may include oblique surfaces to reflect light towards a center of the ambient light guide
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of electrical devices are described herein. In some examples, an electrical device includes a button disposed to protrude through a window of a faceplate. A gap is disposed between the button and the faceplate. The electrical device includes an ambient light guide disposed to (1) reside behind the gap and (2) collect ambient light to pass through the gap. The electrical device includes an ambient light sensor configured to sense the ambient light collected by the ambient light guide.