Capacitive Load Control Interface for Touch and Gesture Dimming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional load control devices are limited in their ability to respond to complex user actions and provide visual feedback, making it difficult to control advanced electrical loads effectively.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a capacitive touch-sensitive surface and a control circuit that detects both touch and non-contact gestures to control lighting loads, offering advanced features like intensity and color adjustments, and provides visual feedback through a light bar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mechanical toggle switches are used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the control functions are limited and cannot handle advanced electrical loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical toggle switches with capacitive touch-sensitive surfaces that detect touch and non-contact gestures. This substitution enables advanced control functions (intensity adjustment, color selection, scene activation) while maintaining a sleek, modern device structure that integrates seamlessly into walls or surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device incorporates multiple capacitive touch pads and a light bar that can display visual feedback, enabling a single device to perform multiple functions: controlling intensity, selecting colors, activating scenes, and providing user feedback. This multi-functionality addresses the versatility requirement while keeping the device structure integrated and cohesive.
2Loss of information
If traditional load control devices are used, then the device is simple to operate, but visual feedback to users is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a light bar that provides visual feedback to users about the state and mode of the control device and electrical loads. The light bar displays information such as current intensity levels, active scenes, and operational status, keeping users informed without requiring complex additional interfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If capacitive touch-sensitive surfaces with non-contact detection are used, then control versatility is enhanced, but the detection precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements different detection thresholds for different capacitive touch pads. Each touch pad is calibrated with specific thresholds tailored to its location and intended function, allowing the system to distinguish between various gesture types (touch vs. non-contact) with appropriate precision for each zone.
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
Enables intuitive control of lighting loads with enhanced usability and aesthetic appeal by allowing multiple control functions through touch and non-contact gestures, while providing visual feedback.
Implementation Method 1
The touch sensitive device may comprise one or more capacitive touch pads located behind the actuation member and arranged adjacent to the touch sensitive surface. The touch sensitive device may be configured to detect touch actuations along the touch sensitive surface. The touch sensitive device may be configured to detect non-contact actuations proximate to the front surface of the actuation member.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device configured for use in a load control system to control an electrical load external to the control device may comprise an actuation member having a front surface defining a capacitive touch surface configured to detect a touch actuation along at least a portion of the front surface. The control device includes a main printed circuit board (PCB) comprising a control circuit, a tactile switch, a controllably conductive device, and a drive circuit operatively coupled to a control input of the controllably conductive device for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive or non-conductive to control the amount of power delivered to the electrical load. The control device also includes a capacitive touch PCB that comprises a touch sensitive circuit comprising one or more receiving capacitive touch pads located on the capacitive touch PCB and arranged in a linear array adjacent to the capacitive touch surface.