Elongate Switch with Integrated Light Source for Activation Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Continuous strip switches used in alarm systems often lack immediate feedback on activation status, leading to potential repeated activation by users unaware of the alarm's status and increased risk of accidental activation, with no clear indication of operational correctness.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an elongate light source that illuminates the switch upon activation and continuously indicates proper operation, with varying illumination patterns to signal activation and potential faults, ensuring user reassurance and deterrent effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If an elongate light source is incorporated into the switch, then immediate visual feedback on activation status is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source with the switch body by securing it to the external surface of the substantially tubular body. This merging approach integrates the feedback function into the existing switch structure rather than adding a completely separate component, thereby providing visual feedback while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the switch activation mechanism and the user. It translates the mechanical activation event into visual information, providing indirect feedback without requiring direct mechanical or electrical connection to the contact strips.
2Reliability
If non-apical electrical contact strips are used, then inadvertent activation is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the contact strips into multiple segments along the elongate body, with each segment positioned at specific locations rather than using single apical contacts. This segmentation allows the switch to be activated at multiple points along its length while maintaining reliable contact, balancing activation accuracy with manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact strips are pre-positioned and secured to the internal walls of the tubular body during manufacturing, establishing their non-apical locations before assembly. This preliminary positioning ensures proper spacing and alignment, reducing the need for complex adjustment mechanisms during final assembly.
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 immediate visual feedback on activation and operational status, reducing unnecessary activations and enhancing user safety by clearly indicating the switch's functionality and potential deterrent effects.
Implementation Method 1
an elongate light source secured to an external surface of the substantially tubular body, wherein the elongate light source is arranged to illuminate at least part of the switch
Data Source
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AI summary
A switch comprises an elongate hollow body (32), an elongate light source (48) and an elongate channel (30). The elongate hollow body (32) is resiliently deformable and comprises first and second electrical contact strips arranged so that the contact strips are brought into contact to close the switch when the hollow body (30) is deformed. The elongate light source (48) is coupled to the elongate body (32) along at least part of its length and arranged to illuminate at least part of the switch. The elongate channel (30) is arranged to support the hollow body (32) and the light source (48) such that the channel (30) partially surrounds the hollow body (32) leaving a portion of the hollow body (32) exposed within an open part of the channel (30) allowing the hollow body (32) to be deformed within the channel (30).