Electronic Timer With Independent Light Sources for Color Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional mechanical and electronic timers suffer from high failure rates, noise, large timing errors, complex production processes, and high costs, with limited color and brightness options, resulting in a poor user experience.
Innovation Solution
A timer design featuring independently controllable sub-light sources for color and brightness in a visual display zone, combined with a compact structure and electronic control, allowing personalized display effects and improved user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical movement visual timer is used, then the visualization of timing is achieved, but the failure rate is high and running noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical movement system with an electronic control system. The controller electronically controls the light-emitting elements to display timing information, eliminating mechanical moving parts that cause noise and failure. The visual indicator assembly uses electronic signals to drive LED or LCD displays instead of mechanical rotating components.
2Measurement precision
If a mechanical movement visual timer is used, then the visualization of timing is achieved, but timing error is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical timing mechanisms with electronic timers that use crystal oscillators or digital counters for timekeeping. This substitution eliminates cumulative mechanical errors and provides more precise timing control through electronic frequency reference standards.
3Force
If a mechanical movement visual timer is used, then the visualization of timing is achieved, but the driving capacity is small resulting in small torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical drive systems entirely in favor of electronic display control. The controller directly drives light-emitting elements without requiring mechanical torque transmission, thereby resolving the contradiction between available torque and operational smoothness.
4Ease of manufacture
If a mechanical movement visual timer is used, then the visualization of timing is achieved, but the production process is complicated and inspection is troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the overall structure by replacing complex mechanical assemblies with integrated electronic components. The controller, light-emitting elements, and power supply form a compact electronic system that is easier to manufacture and inspect than mechanical movement systems with multiple moving parts and assembly steps.
5Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical movement visual timer is used, then the visualization of timing is achieved, but the color of the color chip is fixed and cannot be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic color control through electronically adjustable light-emitting elements. The controller can dynamically change the color and brightness of the visual display based on timing progress or user selection, replacing fixed-color mechanical indicators with programmable electronic displays that adapt to different requirements.
6Adaptability or versatility
If an electronic screen visual timer is used, then the visualization of timing is achieved with vivid visual effect, but the cost is high and production process is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the visual display into multiple independently controllable light-emitting elements arranged in specific patterns. Instead of using a complete electronic screen, the system uses discrete LED or LCD elements that can be individually controlled to display timing information, reducing cost while maintaining visual effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies light-emitting elements selectively at specific locations and times rather than using a full-screen display. The controller activates only the necessary light elements to display current timing information, optimizing the balance between visual quality and manufacturing cost by avoiding unnecessary display components.
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 design provides a stable, cost-effective, and user-friendly timer with accurate timing and customizable visual effects, enhancing user experience through diverse color and brightness options.
Implementation Method 1
a first light-emitting element, and the first light-emitting element includes at least two sub-light sources whose on/off and/or brightness are independently controlled
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the present invention provides a timer. The timer includes a housing, a visual indicator assembly, a digital display element and a visual display element; wherein the visual indicator assembly is arranged on the housing and includes a digital display zone and a visual display zone; the digital display element is arranged on the housing and is configured to display digital timing through the digital display zone; the visual display element is arranged on the housing and includes a first light-emitting element, and the first light-emitting element includes at least two sub-light sources whose on/off and/or brightness are independently controlled, so that the at least two sub-light sources cooperate with each other to display timing progress of different colors and/or brightness through the visual display zone.