Illuminated Keypad Button Gap for Low-Light Load Status Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Home automation systems lack effective visual feedback mechanisms for users to confirm command execution and status of electrical loads, especially in low-light environments.
Innovation Solution
A control device with illuminated gaps between buttons and a faceplate, utilizing a light source and control circuit to provide visual feedback through illumination patterns and intensity levels, indicating command execution and load status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a light source is added to illuminate the gap between the button and faceplate, then visual feedback is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source with the button assembly, integrating the illumination function into the existing button structure. The light source is positioned within the button housing, and the diffuser is incorporated as part of the button cap assembly, merging multiple functions (illumination, diffraction, and button operation) into a single integrated component rather than adding separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a diffuser as an intermediary element between the light source and the gap area. The diffuser is a translucent or transparent element that softens and distributes the light from the source to create the desired illumination effect in the gap between the button and faceplate, mediating the light transmission to achieve the visual feedback function.
2Loss of information
If the light source illuminates the gap continuously, then visual feedback is always available, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic illumination by controlling the light source to activate only during specific events such as button actuation or when system feedback is required. The control circuit receives signals from the button switch and triggers the light source accordingly, creating an on-demand illumination pattern rather than continuous operation, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining necessary visual feedback.
3Device complexity
If the button is positioned closer to the faceplate opening, then the device structure is simplified, but illumination of the gap becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the light source specifically within the button structure at a location optimized for illuminating the gap area. The diffuser is positioned and configured with specific optical properties to direct and soften light precisely where needed in the gap between the button and faceplate opening, creating localized illumination quality that targets the specific area requiring visual feedback without requiring the button to be positioned farther from the opening.
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
Enhances user interaction by providing clear visual confirmation of command execution and load status, even in dark environments, improving usability and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The control device may include a light source that may be located inside of the control device and may illuminate the gap between the button and the opening of the faceplate
Implementation Method 2
a diffuser portion that may contact a rear surface of the cap portion and may conduct light emitted by the light source to illuminate the gap around the button
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A control device for controlling power delivered to an electrical load may illuminate an area around a button of the control device, such as a gap formed between the button and an opening of a faceplate of the control device. The control device may illuminate the gap to provide a nightlight feature, to provide feedback (e.g., a status of the electrical load), and/or to indicate a selected preset. The button may have a cap portion that may be actuated by a user and a diffuser portion that may contact a rear surface of the cap portion and may conduct light emitted by an internal light source to illuminate the gap around the button.