Illuminated Keypad Buttons for Low-Light Load Status Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Home automation systems lack effective visual feedback mechanisms for indicating the status and operation of electrical loads, particularly 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 based on button actuation and load status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a control device is used in low-light environments, then the device can operate in dark conditions, but visual feedback mechanisms become ineffective for indicating status and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating illuminated openings in the faceplate that are activated in advance or simultaneously with button actuation. The light source is positioned to illuminate specific openings before or during the user interaction, ensuring visual feedback is immediately available when needed in low-light conditions. This pre-positioning of light sources and illumination paths ensures that visual information is delivered without delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses light as an intermediary element to transfer information from the control device to the user. The illuminated openings in the faceplate act as mediators that convey status information visually. By introducing light as an intermediate carrier of information, the system overcomes the limitation of direct visual feedback being ineffective in dark environments, allowing status indication to occur through the intermediary medium of light passing through selective openings.
2Loss of information
If illumination is added to provide visual feedback, then visual feedback is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the faceplate openings to serve multiple purposes: they provide visual feedback through illumination, maintain a sleek aesthetic design, and allow light to pass through selectively based on button actuation. The same structural feature (illuminated openings) accomplishes both aesthetic and functional requirements, reducing the need for separate components and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by selectively illuminating specific openings in the faceplate corresponding to specific buttons or functions. Rather than illuminating the entire faceplate uniformly, only the relevant local areas are illuminated based on which button is pressed or what status needs to be indicated. This localized illumination approach provides clear visual feedback while minimizing light usage and maintaining a clean appearance in non-active areas.
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 feedback on load status and operation, 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
The diffuser portion 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
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.