Integrated Button Light Structure for Action Camera Status Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices, particularly action cameras, face challenges in providing efficient and space-saving status indication features due to size constraints and adverse operating conditions, leading to user confusion and potential unintentional access issues.
Innovation Solution
A light structure comprising a first portion for user access to a button and a second translucent portion that allows light from a source to pass through, indicating device conditions such as power level, mode, and operation status, while being compact and durable enough for underwater use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If independent status indicating structures are added to display device operation conditions, then device status visibility is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the button structure and status indication structure into a single integrated component. The button serves dual functions: as a control element and as a status indicator through embedded lighting elements that display device operation conditions, eliminating the need for separate independent status indicating structures
Solution Approach 2:
The button is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a user control interface and as a status display element. The same physical structure provides both mechanical input capability and visual feedback through integrated lighting, reducing overall device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple buttons and indicators are added to provide comprehensive control and status display, then device functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to user confusion
Solution Approach 1:
By merging control and indication functions into single integrated button structures, the interface becomes more intuitive. Users can understand device status directly at the control element location, reducing cognitive load and confusion that would arise from separate distributed indicators
3Weight of moving object
If the device size is reduced to meet portability requirements, then weight and dimensions are improved, but space for status indication features deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of status indication capability within existing button structures eliminates the need for additional space-consuming indicator components. The lighting elements are embedded within the button assembly, allowing compact device design without sacrificing status visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting elements are nested within the button structure, with the indication function contained inside the existing control element footprint. This nested arrangement allows status indication without increasing external dimensions or requiring additional space
4Ease of operation
If buttons are made more accessible for user control, then ease of operation is improved, but protection from unintentional access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The button structure incorporates localized protective features at specific locations where unintentional activation is most likely to occur. The protection mechanism is applied selectively rather than uniformly, maintaining accessibility while providing targeted protection
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 light structure effectively communicates device status without additional independent indicators, enhances compactness, protects buttons from unintentional access, and provides uniform light distribution, improving user experience and device durability.
Implementation Method 1
a second portion surrounding the first portion, wherein the second portion permits light from a light source to pass through
Data Source
AI summary
A light structure for an electronic device includes a first portion permitting user access to a button of the device; and a second portion surrounding the first portion, wherein the second portion permits light from a light source to pass through. The light passing through the second portion varies according to a condition of the electronic device.