Light Bulb Connector Pin as a Pre-Set User Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED bulbs lack a user input interface for adjusting driver settings due to space constraints and the need to maintain a compact design, making it difficult to implement user interface without increasing bulb size.
Innovation Solution
Integrate a manual adjustment element into the external power connector of the lighting unit, utilizing a rotatable connector pin that functions as a user interface, allowing pre-setting of lighting characteristics before connection to a power source, thus avoiding the need for additional space on the bulb.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user input interface is added to the bulb for adjusting driver settings, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and bulb size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manual adjustment element is merged with the external connector interface components (connector pin, screw cap fitting) that are already required for power connection. This combines the user interface function with existing structural elements, avoiding additional complexity and size increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The external connector interface components serve dual functions: providing electrical power connection and serving as the user input interface for adjusting driver settings. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate interface elements, maintaining simplicity while improving ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If a user input interface is added to the bulb for adjusting driver settings, then ease of operation is improved, but the bulb size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is combined with the external connector interface components that are already present in the bulb design. This merging approach allows the interface to be integrated into existing structural elements without requiring additional space, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining compact bulb size.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector pin and screw cap fitting perform multiple functions: electrical power connection and user input for driver settings. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate interface components that would increase bulb volume, while still providing ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the manual adjustment element is accessible during operation, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of adjustment during use
Solution Approach 1:
The manual adjustment element is designed to be accessible only before the lighting unit is connected to power. This preliminary action approach allows users to set their preferred driver settings before operation begins, while preventing any adjustments during actual use, thus maintaining both ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessibility of the manual adjustment element changes dynamically based on the connection state. When the connector is inserted into the power source, the adjustment element becomes inaccessible. This dynamic behavior ensures users can adjust settings when needed (improving ease of operation) while preventing unsafe adjustments during operation (maintaining reliability).
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a lighting unit (40) having an internal controller (46). The external power connector (20) of the lighting unit (40) (i.e. the electrical connector plug for connecting the lighting unit to an electrical lighting socket) comprises a manual adjustment element (22) for selecting a setting of the controller (46), wherein the manual adjustment element (22) is a rotatable connector pin of the external power connector (20). Thus, the manual adjustment element (22), which functions as a manual user interface, is integrated into the electrical plug part of the lighting unit (40).