Illuminated Switch and Socket Cover With Ambient Light Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a dark environment, it is difficult to determine the positions of switches or sockets due to insufficient ambient light, especially when they are obstructed by furniture or in unfamiliar settings, causing inconvenience in daily life.
Innovation Solution
A switch and socket cover structure with a light transmitting cover, LED light panel, and light control switch component that automatically detects ambient light and emits light to guide users to the switch or socket position, utilizing a light sensing area and light emitting area to ensure clear positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional cover is installed on the wall to protect switches or sockets, then the switch or socket positions are protected, but it becomes difficult to confirm the positions in a dark environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies light emission to create visual indication. The cover incorporates LED lights that emit visible light in dark environments, enabling users to easily locate switches or sockets. This transforms the cover from a passive protective element to an active signaling device that changes its optical properties based on ambient light conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light sensor as an intermediary between the ambient environment and the lighting system. The sensor detects ambient light levels and triggers the LED illumination accordingly, mediating the response to environmental conditions and enabling automatic adaptation to dark environments.
2Ease of operation
If LED lights are continuously emitted to guide users in dark environments, then position indication is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic lighting control where the LED illumination is not continuous but adapts to ambient light conditions. The light sensor continuously monitors the environment and activates the LEDs only when darkness is detected, creating a dynamic system that responds to changing conditions rather than operating in a static continuous mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system operates periodically based on ambient light detection rather than continuously. The light sensor triggers illumination in periodic cycles corresponding to transitions between light and dark environments, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective position indication when needed.
3Ease of operation
If a light sensor and LED panel are added to the cover structure, then position indication in dark environments is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated cover structure. The protective cover, light sensor, LED panel, and control circuitry are combined into one unified device that simultaneously provides protection, sensing, illumination, and control functions, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover structure is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a protective element and an active lighting device. The same cover that protects the switch or socket also houses the sensing and illumination components, making it a universal component that performs multiple functions rather than requiring separate dedicated devices for each function.
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 effectively improves convenience by providing clear guidance to switch or socket positions in dark environments while also offering energy-saving light emission control and enhanced structural stability through optical structures and snap ribs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light control switch component, installed in the accommodating slot and provided for the light sensing area to detect an ambient light
Implementation Method 2
at least one LED light panel, installed to the bottom of the light transmitting cover and configured to be corresponsive to the light emitting area
Data Source
AI summary
A switch and socket cover structure includes a light transmitting cover, an LED light panel, a carrying board and a light control switch component. The light transmitting cover has a first opening, a light emitting area on a side of the first opening, and a light sensing area on a side of the first opening. The LED light panel is installed to the bottom of the light transmitting cover and corresponsive to the light emitting area, the carrying board is installed to the bottom of the light transmitting cover and has a second opening corresponding to the first opening, and an accommodating slot corresponding to the light sensing area. The light control switch component is installed in the accommodating slot and provided for the light sensing area to detect ambient light, and the light control switch component is electrically connected to the LED light panel.