Connector Status Illuminator Using LED Color Coding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors rely on audible indicators to convey power connectivity status, which are irritating and ineffective in providing clear status information.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that conditionally actuates an illuminator based on the status of a connector, using a circuit to determine the connector's status and actuate a light-emitting diode (LED) to provide color-coded illumination indicating connectivity or disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If audible indicators are used to notify power connectivity status, then status information is conveyed to the user, but the indicators become irritating and ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the audible indicator system (acoustic field) with a visual illumination system (optical field). The illuminator emits light in different colors (e.g., green for connected, red for disconnected) to convey connector status, substituting sound-based notification with light-based notification to eliminate user irritation while maintaining effective status communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes of the illuminator to encode different connector statuses. By varying the color of emitted light (such as green indicating proper connection, red indicating disconnection), the system provides intuitive visual feedback that is both effective and non-intrusive, resolving the contradiction between information conveyance and user comfort.
2Ease of operation
If visual illumination is used instead of audible indicators, then user feedback is improved and irritation is reduced, but additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminator component serves multiple functions: it provides status indication through color changes, acts as a visual feedback mechanism, and can potentially indicate different connection states. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional component, the patent improves user feedback quality while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit acts as an intermediary that detects the connector status and controls the illuminator accordingly. This intermediary component bridges the gap between the mechanical connector state and the visual indication, enabling sophisticated status communication without requiring complex direct coupling between the connector and illumination system.
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
Provides a clear and non-intrusive visual indication of connector status, improving user feedback and reducing irritation by using LED illumination to convey connectivity information.
Implementation Method 1
actuate a light-emitting diode (LED) to provide color-coded illumination indicating connectivity or disconnection
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, method, and computer program product are provided for conditionally actuating an illuminator, based on a connector status. In use, a status is determined for a connector adapted for being releasably connected to an input line. Further, an illuminator is conditionally actuated, based on the status.