Electromagnetic Counter Illumination with LED and Reflective Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromagnetic counters in precision equipment face challenges with inadequate illumination in dark environments, making it difficult to read displayed values, and existing solutions like separate illumination lamps or miniature light bulbs are impractical due to size constraints and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
A compact electromagnetic counter design with a built-in illumination system using a single or few light emitting diodes strategically positioned and combined with reflective surfaces to enhance illumination efficiency, reducing costs and maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a separate illumination lamp or miniature light bulb is installed inside the precision equipment or counter, then the illumination effect is improved, but the device size increases and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses light emitting diodes (LEDs) which have extremely long service lives compared to traditional filament bulbs. The LEDs are sealed within the counter housing, making them effectively non-replaceable for end users, yet their long lifespan eliminates the need for maintenance during the product's operational life, resolving the contradiction between illumination quality and maintenance complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system is nested within the existing counter structure. The LEDs are mounted on the circuit board inside the counter housing, utilizing the same confined space that already exists for the electromagnetic counting mechanism. This nesting approach provides effective illumination without increasing the overall device size or adding external illumination components
2Illumination intensity
If a miniature light bulb is installed inside the counter, then the illumination effect is improved, but the service life decreases due to filament usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the light source technology parameter from traditional filament-based incandescent bulbs to light emitting diodes (LEDs). This parameter change transforms the service life characteristic from thousands of hours (filament bulbs) to tens of thousands of hours (LEDs), while maintaining adequate illumination intensity for reading the counter display in dark environments
3Illumination intensity
If the entire electromagnetic counter is replaced to install illumination, then the illumination effect is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination function is merged with the existing counter structure. The LEDs are mounted on the same circuit board that houses the electromagnetic counting mechanism, and the entire assembly is enclosed within the existing counter housing. This merging approach adds illumination capability without requiring replacement of the entire counter, significantly reducing manufacturing and replacement costs
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
The solution provides efficient and cost-effective illumination for reading count values in dark environments with reduced maintenance, using fewer light emitting diodes and incorporating reflective materials to achieve equivalent brightness with lower luminance LEDs, suitable for installation in confined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting diode for illuminating the number wheels
Implementation Method 2
a reflecting means which reflects light of the light emitting diode towards each number wheel
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An electromagnetic counter includes an electromagnetic counting mechanism in a frame (7), a plurality of number wheels (4, 5) at least one of which is configured to rotate through a predetermined angle in response to rotation of an electromagnetically motivated anchor (3), wherein each of the number wheels is disposed proximate a window provided in the front of a frame enclosing cover (6) to form a readable display section. A mounting board (15) supports a light emitting diode (16) for illuminating the display section, and a wiring pattern that supplies electrical power to the light emitting diode. A reflective surface (35) is provided on at least one of an internal surface of the cover member to reflect light from the light emitting diode toward the numbered wheels, the periphery of one or more of the numbered wheels, and indicia formed in the numbered wheels, to render the number wheels readily readable when illuminated by the light emitting diode.