Doorbell Light Pipe Ring for Uniform Button Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing doorbell systems lack an effective way to provide uniform and concentrated illumination for the doorbell button, making it difficult for visitors to locate and press the button, especially in low light conditions.
Innovation Solution
The use of light pipes and light dispersion techniques that direct light radially outward from multiple light reflecting surfaces or emitting devices, creating a uniform and bright illumination at the output surface, which can be configured to define a closed loop around the doorbell button.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple light emitting devices are used to provide uniform illumination, then illumination uniformity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A light pipe is introduced as an intermediary component between the light emitting device and the doorbell button. The light pipe receives light from a single LED and distributes it uniformly across the button surface through its elongated structure, eliminating the need for multiple LEDs while achieving uniform illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The light pipe is divided into multiple light reflecting portions along its length, each configured to reflect light in specific directions. This segmentation allows the single light source to be distributed effectively across multiple zones of the button, creating uniform illumination without requiring multiple light emitting devices.
2Illumination intensity
If precise alignment between light emitting devices and light pipe is required, then light output quality is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light pipe is designed with a relatively large input face area, changing the geometric parameters to accommodate a wider range of alignment positions. This allows the light emitting device to be positioned within a larger tolerance range while still effectively coupling light into the pipe, reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The light pipe's large input face serves multiple functions: it accepts light from the LED, provides alignment tolerance, and distributes light uniformly. This multi-functionality allows the same component to handle both light transmission and alignment compensation, reducing the need for precise positioning mechanisms.
3Illumination intensity
If light is directed radially outward from multiple surfaces, then illumination uniformity is improved, but light path complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light reflecting portions are merged into a single integrated light pipe structure. Instead of using separate components to create radial light paths, the reflection surfaces are combined within one continuous light pipe, simplifying the overall light path configuration while maintaining uniform illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The light pipe incorporates curved and angled reflecting surfaces that direct light radially outward in multiple directions. These geometric features are integrated into the light pipe's structure, creating complex light paths within a simple single-component design rather than requiring multiple separate optical elements.
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 provides a pleasing and attention-drawing illumination that helps visitors easily identify the doorbell button, even in low light conditions, while also reducing design complexity and costs by minimizing the number of light emitting devices required.
Implementation Method 1
The light pipe can have one or more light reflecting portions optically between the input portion and the output portion. The one or more light reflecting portions can be configured to receive light from the input portion in the direction along the optical axis and reflect the light to travel along a radially outward and divergent path that is transverse to the optical axis.
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminated indicator for a doorbell can be arranged to receive light along an optical axis (e.g., that is perpendicular to a front face of the doorbell housing) and emit the light from an output portion that defines a closed loop (e.g., that extends around the optical axis) and in a direction that is parallel to the optical axis. The illuminated indicator can include a light pipe that receives light along the optical axis and reflects the light to follow a radially outward and divergent path, e.g., that is perpendicular to the optical axis. The radially outward and divergent light can be reflected to follow a path that is parallel to the optical axis for emission at an output portion of the light pipe. The light pipe can be configured to transmit a doorbell switch activation force to other parts of the doorbell to cause actuation of the switch.