Bidirectional Light Pipe for Electrical Wiring Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical wiring devices with night light capabilities face issues such as energy wastage, loss, and inadequate illumination due to the placement and design of light sensors and emitting elements, which compromise safety and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional light pipe system within the electrical wiring device allows for the placement of light emitting and sensing elements at different locations, directing light signals into the ambient environment while capturing ambient light, enhancing illumination and reducing energy consumption by only activating the night light when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a light emitting element and light sensor are placed close together in a wiring device, then the device structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but the light sensor may detect light from the emitting element itself leading to inaccurate ambient light detection
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide is introduced as an intermediary component between the light emitting element and the light sensor. The light guide channels light from the emitting element in a controlled direction while preventing direct light from reaching the sensor, allowing accurate ambient light detection despite close physical proximity of the components
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide creates localized light distribution with different optical properties in different regions. The first end of the light guide has characteristics optimized for emitting light outward, while the second end has characteristics optimized for receiving ambient light, allowing the sensor to detect only external light signals
2Ease of operation
If a portable night light device is inserted into an electrical receptacle, then illumination is provided when needed, but the device may be forgotten, lost, or damaged from excessive handling
Solution Approach 1:
The night light functionality is merged with a permanent electrical wiring device that is installed and fixed in the electrical panel or outlet box. This combination eliminates the need for portable insertion and removal, preventing loss, misplacement, and damage while maintaining the convenience of on-demand illumination
Solution Approach 2:
The light emitting element and sensor are pre-positioned within the wiring device housing during manufacturing, with the light guide already configured to direct light appropriately. This preliminary arrangement ensures reliable operation without requiring user assembly or adjustment, enhancing both ease of operation and reliability
3Measurement precision
If conventional light isolation structures are used to prevent light from reaching the sensor, then measurement precision is improved, but the device size increases and available space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide serves as a space-efficient intermediary that performs light isolation and direction functions within a compact form factor. By channeling light through a controlled path rather than using bulky physical barriers, the design achieves accurate ambient light detection while minimizing the space required in the wiring device
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide utilizes three-dimensional light path routing to achieve isolation and direction control. By bending and directing light through multiple dimensions within the compact housing, the design accomplishes precise optical isolation without requiring additional planar space, maintaining small device footprint
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 sufficient and efficient illumination when ambient light levels drop, addressing safety concerns and energy efficiency by optimizing the placement and functionality of light elements within the device.
Implementation Method 1
a bidirectional light pipe including a first light pipe branch coupled to the visual indicator element and a second light pipe branch coupled to the ambient light sensor, the bidirectional light pipe further including an interface region coupled between the first light pipe branch and the second light pipe branch
Implementation Method 2
the first light pipe branch having a first light flux interface portion at a first end of the first light pipe branch and a second light flux interface portion at a second end of the first light pipe branch
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical wiring device having a plurality of line and load terminals configured to be coupled to an AC electrical distribution system; an electro-optical assembly coupled to the line or load terminals, including at least one circuit coupled to an ambient light sensor, a light emitting assembly and a visual indicator element, the visual indicator element being configured to provide a visual indicator signal, the ambient light sensor being configured to provide a sensor signal corresponding to ambient light in the ambient environment, the at least one circuit being configured to read the sensor signal during a time period when the visual indicator signal are not being emitted, wherein at least one of the visual indicator element and the light emitting assembly is configured to provide a selectable color temperature signal based on user input; and a bidirectional light pipe including a first light pipe branch coupled to the visual indicator element, a second light pipe branch coupled to the ambient light sensor, an interface region coupled between the first and second light pipe branch, the interface region being further coupled to a bidirectional lens element configured to direct the ambient light into the second light pipe branch and direct the visual indicator signal into the ambient environment via the first light pipe branch.