Bathroom Fitting Device with Segmented Lighting for Status Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting devices for sanitary bodies, such as toilet bowls and washbasins, lack effective means to enhance recognizability and indicate operational states, leading to potential user confusion and errors.
Innovation Solution
A mounting device with a lighting unit comprising two optical means, where one light source provides general illumination and another indicates operational states, with the lights being emitted through a transparent or translucent cover and arranged at angles to create distinct patterns for easy recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a single light source is used for illumination, then the device structure is simple, but the recognizability of operational states is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting unit is segmented into multiple independent optical means (first optical means for general illumination, second optical means for status indication). Each optical means can be controlled separately to convey different information, thereby improving operational state recognizability without creating a overly complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting unit is designed to serve multiple functions: the first optical means provides general illumination while the second optical means indicates operational states. This multi-functionality allows a single lighting system to convey both environmental information and device status information, improving information transmission without requiring entirely separate systems.
2Loss of information
If multiple optical means are arranged to emit light in the same direction, then the structure is simple, but the distinctness of light patterns is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical means are arranged asymmetrically with respect to each other and the cover surface. The first optical means emits light at a different angle than the second optical means, creating asymmetric light patterns that are easily distinguishable. This asymmetric arrangement enhances the distinctness of different operational states without requiring complex optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of varying only the intensity or color of light, the invention introduces angular dimensionality by arranging optical means at different angles relative to the cover surface. This creates spatially distinct light patterns that convey different information, adding a dimensional aspect to information encoding that enhances distinguishability.
3Shape
If optical means are exposed without a cover, then the light emission is direct and simple, but the aesthetic appearance and protection are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent or translucent cover is introduced as an intermediary element between the optical means and the external environment. The cover protects the optical components while allowing light to pass through. The cover can be designed with aesthetic features and may include diffusing properties that enhance the visual appearance while maintaining light visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover can be designed with different optical properties including transparency, translucency, or specific color characteristics that enhance the aesthetic appearance while allowing the light from the optical means to be visible. The cover material and design can be selected to complement the light emission and improve overall visual appeal.
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 enhanced visibility of operational states and error conditions, ensuring users can easily identify and address issues with the mounting device, while also offering comprehensive room illumination.
Implementation Method 1
The lighting unit comprises a first optical means with at least one light source for providing a first light emission and at least a second or further optical means with at least one light source for providing a second light emission
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (26) has a mounting frame (30) for holding a sanitary element. A lighting unit (B) is connected to the mounting frame, and comprises a first optical unit (1) with a light source for providing first glow of light (5) and a second optical unit (2) with a light source for providing second glow of light (6), where the glow of lights are output from the mounting device. The first optical unit is arranged in relation to the second optical unit such that the first glow of light and the second glow of light overlap partly or the first glow of light lies beside the second glow of light. An independent claim is also included for an arrangement for a sanitary element.