Capacitive Rocker Key Integrating Switching and Dimming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current controlling devices for lighting systems penalize the light intensity control function compared to the switching function, and fail to indicate or adjust the lighting level when the light is turned off or on, leading to intuitive use as a simple switch without utilizing the intensity control.
Innovation Solution
A controlling device with a capacitive sensor interface and microcontroller that allows for intuitive adjustment of light intensity through a rocker key, featuring capacitive sensors, an analog/digital converter, and an indicating mechanism using LEDs, along with wireless communication, enabling seamless integration of switching and intensity control while indicating the light level, even when turned off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a potentiometer-based adjusting button is used for controlling light intensity, then the switching function is reliable, but the light intensity control function becomes complex and less intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the switching mechanism and adjusting mechanism into a single integrated interface (rocker key). The interface serves dual purposes: pressing it vertically performs switching (on/off), while sliding it horizontally adjusts light intensity. This merging eliminates the need for separate controls and makes both functions intuitive through a single unified interaction point.
Solution Approach 2:
The rocker key interface is designed as a multi-functional element that performs multiple operations: switching the light on/off, adjusting light intensity levels, and indicating the current state through LEDs. This universal interface replaces traditional separate buttons and potentiometers, simplifying the control system while enhancing user experience.
2Device complexity
If traditional controlling devices are used, then the structure is simple, but the device cannot indicate the lighting level when turned on or off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an indicating mechanism with LEDs that provide visual feedback about the current lighting state and intensity level. When the light is turned on, LEDs indicate the active state; when adjusted to different intensity levels, the LEDs reflect the selected level. This feedback loop eliminates information loss by continuously displaying the system state to the user.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate controls for switching and intensity adjustment are used, then each function is independent, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges previously separate switching and intensity adjustment controls into a single rocker key interface. By integrating both functions into one component with two distinct interaction modes (vertical pressing for switching, horizontal sliding for adjustment), the device footprint is significantly reduced while maintaining full functionality.
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 and precise control of light intensity and indication of the set level, enhancing user experience by integrating switching and intensity adjustment functions within a compact design, allowing for efficient and user-friendly operation of lighting systems.
Implementation Method 1
These two capacitive sensors are able to produce an essentially linear analog adjusting signal. This analog adjusting signal changes based on a linear movement parallel to the controlling device, performed by the user throughout the outer upper surface of the interface.
Implementation Method 2
the control unit comprises a first microcontroller that in turn comprises at least an analog/digital converter for converting said analog adjusting signal to a digital one
Implementation Method 3
This indicating mechanism comprises a plurality of LEDs also controlled by the control unit of the adjusting mechanism in order to be turned on linearly depending on the signal related to the light intensity
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Controlling device (1) for controlling a lighting system comprising at least one light fitting, wherein said controlling device (1) is linked to said lighting system, and wherein the controlling device (1) comprises: a switching mechanism intended to turn on and turn off the lighting system, an adjusting mechanism intended to adjust the light intensity of the lighting system, and an interface, able to be actuated by a user in order to control the turning on and turning off, as well as adjust the light intensity.