Connector Housing Light Guide for Activity Diode Visibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In computer cards with multiple communication connectors, activity diodes are often obscured by connectors or cables, making it difficult to visualize communication activity, especially when connectors are closely spaced, and existing solutions require long LED legs or complex arrangements due to PCB constraints.
Innovation Solution
The use of light emitting elements and reflective surfaces on connector housings to guide emitted light from a light emitting element through an opening, allowing the light to be visible from the usual viewing direction, even when connectors are positioned adjacently, by reflecting the light between parallel surfaces and directing it towards an opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple connectors are positioned at close distance on a computer card, then the card space is efficiently utilized, but the activity diodes become obscured by connectors or cables making it difficult to visualize communication activity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the light emitting element in a third dimension - specifically above or below the plane of the connectors - rather than placing it in front of the connectors where it would be obscured. The light travels through the housing material to exit at the front face, allowing visibility without requiring the diode to be in the direct line of sight from the front.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing material acts as an intermediary medium that allows light to travel from the light emitting element (positioned above or below the connector plane) to the front face where it becomes visible. This intermediary enables the light to bypass the obstruction problem by traveling through the housing rather than through air space in front of the connectors.
2Ease of operation
If activity diodes are positioned at connector ends to remain visible, then visibility is maintained, but the PCB cannot extend to connector ends requiring long LED legs or complex arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the PCB to the connector ends (horizontal dimension) or using long LED legs (vertical dimension from PCB), the patent positions the light emitting element in the vertical dimension above or below the connector plane, utilizing the housing depth to achieve visibility without requiring extended PCB traces or complex mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical protection for the connector, structural support, and simultaneously acts as a light guide medium. By integrating the light guiding function into the existing housing structure, the patent eliminates the need for separate complex mounting arrangements or extended PCB traces.
3Ease of operation
If multiple diodes are provided for each connector to ensure visibility, then communication activity can be displayed, but the device complexity and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A single light emitting element positioned above or below the connector plane can serve multiple connectors simultaneously by emitting light that travels through the housing material to become visible at the front face. This universal positioning approach allows one diode to indicate activity for multiple connectors, eliminating the need for separate diodes for each connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the light emission function with the housing structure by positioning the light emitting element within the housing volume and utilizing the housing material as a light guide. This combination allows a single light source to serve multiple purposes and multiple connectors, reducing the total number of diodes required.
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
This solution ensures that communication activity is visibly indicated without obstructing the view, even when connectors are close together, by effectively guiding light from the light emitting element through the reflective surfaces to an opening, enhancing visibility and usability.
Implementation Method 1
reflective surfaces on connector housings to guide emitted light from a light emitting element through an opening, allowing the light to be visible from the usual viewing direction, even when connectors are positioned adjacently, by reflecting the light between parallel surfaces and directing it towards an opening
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A network card (10) or the like with two or more connectors (12, 14)having reflecting sides (122, 142), where a light emitter (18) is positioned between or behind the connectors and emit light toward the reflecting sides which act as a wave guide and guide the light to an opening (161) between the connectors and toward the surroundings.