Indicator Light Lateral LED Placement for Wide Facade Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing indicator lights for electrical equipment are limited in their ability to illuminate large areas of the facade element, as they typically emit light beams only in specific directions through small openings, resulting in restricted lighting coverage.

Innovation Solution

The indicator light design features light-emitting diodes placed at the lateral ends of a rectangular plate, with a cover that diffuses the light to direct it in main exit directions forming angles less than 60 degrees with the longitudinal axis, allowing for broader illumination coverage across the facade element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the luminous element is placed in the center of the plate and emits light in a main direction perpendicular to the plate, then the light indicator structure is simple and compact, but the illumination area of the facade element is limited to specific areas only

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination areaVSAvoidlight indicator structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single central luminous element into multiple luminous elements (at least two) positioned at different locations on the plate. This segmentation allows each element to illuminate different areas of the facade element, thereby expanding the total illumination area while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-direction light emission (perpendicular to the plate) to multi-directional light emission by positioning luminous elements at lateral ends and using covers with specific geometric shapes. This dimensional change in light emission patterns enables broader illumination coverage across the facade element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If small openings are provided in the facade element for light emission, then the light indicator structure is simple, but the lighting coverage is restricted to specific areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting coverageVSAvoidfacade element structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different optical properties to different parts of the cover by using translucent or transparent materials in specific regions. This allows light to pass through certain areas of the cover while maintaining structural integrity, thereby expanding lighting coverage without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes translucent and transparent material properties to control light transmission. By varying the optical transparency of different cover regions, the system achieves broader illumination coverage while keeping the facade element structure relatively simple to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Area of stationary object

If the cover directs light in main exit directions forming angles less than 60 degrees with the longitudinal axis, then the illumination coverage is expanded, but the light distribution pattern becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination coverageVSAvoidlight distribution pattern
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs covers with specific geometric shapes that are optimized to direct light in desired directions. The curved or angled surfaces of the cover redirect light rays to achieve broader illumination coverage while maintaining a controlled and predictable light distribution pattern suitable for electrical equipment applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

This configuration enables the indicator light to effectively illuminate a larger area of the facade element, providing enhanced visibility and coverage compared to traditional designs.

Implementation Method 1

at least one luminous element (112) placed in the immediate vicinity of a lateral end edge (116A) of said plate (110)... each light element (112) being adapted to emit a light flux

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

a cover (140) covering said electronic card (150)... with a front face (140A) forming the front face of the indicator light (100)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight diffusion: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP4250322B1Indicator light for electrical apparatus and associated switchgear
Publication Date: 2025.01.15 LEGRAND FRANCE SA
  • EP4250322B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4250322B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4250322B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The invention relates to an indicator light (100) for electrical equipment comprising a plate (110) whose front face (110A), elongated along a longitudinal axis (X), supports at least one light element (112) and a cover (140) covering said light element, this cover having a front face (140A) forming the front face of the indicator light. According to the invention, said light element is placed in the immediate vicinity of a lateral end edge of said plate, and the cover has above said light element a bulge (141) forming a projection on the front face of said cover and whose outer face (141A) is convex to direct the luminous flux emitted by said light element along a principal exit direction (X1) forming an angle (A) with said longitudinal axis of a value of less than 60 degrees.