Corona-Lit Actuating Element With Integrated Light Guide Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Actuating elements with corona lighting face challenges in protecting the interior of the housing from moisture, liquid, and dirt ingress, which affects the reliability and longevity of electrical and electronic components.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece design combining the ring-like light guide and wall with a functional annular gap that directs moisture and dirt outward, using a crystal-clear material for the light guide and wall, and incorporating a light coupling ring for efficient light transmission and a diffusely scattering output surface to maintain corona lighting intensity while preventing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate protective structure is added to prevent moisture and dirt ingress, then protection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protective ring wall structure with the light guide into a single integrated component. The ring wall is formed as an integral part of the light guide, eliminating the need for separate protective structures while maintaining protection against moisture and dirt ingress through the annular gap.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated ring wall-light guide structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides corona illumination around the handle, protects the housing interior from moisture and dirt, and guides light from the light source. This multi-functionality reduces component count while improving reliability.
2Illumination intensity
If the annular gap is reduced to maintain corona illumination in actuated position, then illumination continuity is improved, but protection effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ring wall is designed with different functional zones: an inclined first section that directs contaminants away from the housing, and a second section that maintains the annular gap for light transmission. This local differentiation allows the structure to simultaneously protect against contamination and maintain illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring wall features curved and inclined surfaces that guide light effectively while directing moisture and dirt outward. The specific geometry of the ring wall sections optimizes both optical performance and protective function.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used for light guide and protection, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but assembly effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide and protective ring wall are manufactured as a single integrated component, reducing the number of assembly steps. The integral design eliminates the need to separately assemble the protective structure and light guide, thereby reducing assembly effort and increasing productivity.
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 design effectively prevents moisture and dirt from entering the housing, reduces component count and assembly complexity, and maintains corona lighting intensity even in the actuated position, ensuring the reliability of internal components and efficient light distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a light source (12) arranged inside the housing (4), the light of which can be guided via a ring-shaped light guide (11) corresponding to the edge (5) of the handle (1)
Implementation Method 2
the light output surface can be a diffusely scattering output surface
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an actuating element comprising corona illumination, having a handle (1), which can be moved linearly in a stationary housing (3) from a raised non-actuating position to a lowered actuating position by manually impacting on its horizontal actuating surface (2). Said actuating element further comprises a circumferential border (5) of the handle (1), which protrudes into the direction facing away from the actuating surface (2) and forms an annular gap (7) between the end thereof facing away from the actuating area (2) and a housing wall (6), which annular gap (7) leads radially outward from the housing interior (4) below the actuating area (2) to the housing exterior surrounding the handle in order to cause a linear movement of the handle (1). Said actuating element further comprises a light source (12) arranged in the housing interior (4), the light whereof can be guided via an annular optical waveguide (11) corresponding to the border (5) of the handle (1) to the annular gap (7) and through same radially outward to the outside of the housing wall (6). Said actuating element further comprises electrical and/or electronic components arranged in the housing interior (4). The annular optical waveguide (11) has an annular wall which extends in the direction of the linear movement of the handle (1) and by means of which the housing interior (4) comprising the light source (12) and the electrical and/or electronic components is separated from the end area of the annular gap (7) facing the housing interior (4), wherein a channel (18) is formed between the annular wall and the housing (3) surrounding the annular wall, which channel (18) opens outward at its bottom end and wherein the optical waveguide (11) and the annular wall are configured in one piece (30).