Integrated LED Indicator with Molded Light Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light-emitting indicators for devices like contactless card readers are bulky and require numerous discrete components, increasing inventory and assembly complexities.
Innovation Solution
Integration of light-emitting diodes and circuitry into a molded, transparent housing with a light guide that directs emitted light out of the plane, reducing size and complexity while allowing for a single, thinner unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If discrete components are used for light-emitting indicators, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete components (light-emitting diodes, circuitry, housing) into a single integrated molded unit. The light-emitting diodes are embedded within the molded housing that also contains the circuitry, eliminating the need for separate assembly of these components and reducing inventory requirements while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The molded housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, contains the circuitry, holds the light-emitting diodes, and acts as a light guide. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity and inventory burden.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple discrete components are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but inventory burdens and assembly complexities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges light-emitting diodes, circuitry, and housing into a single molded component. This integration eliminates the need to manufacture and inventory separate parts for these components, reducing overall inventory burdens while simplifying the manufacturing process through a single molding operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-emitting diodes and circuitry are nested within the molded housing structure. The housing is designed to contain these components during the molding process, with the light-emitting diodes positioned along edges and the circuitry integrated into the housing body, creating a compact nested arrangement that reduces component quantity.
3Illumination intensity
If light propagates in a plane toward a central area, then illumination intensity is improved, but the indicator cannot draw attention effectively from multiple directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the light propagation from a two-dimensional planar path to a three-dimensional output by incorporating a light guide that directs light out of the plane of the housing. The light guide includes angled surfaces that redirect light at various angles, enabling the indicator to be visible from multiple directions rather than only from the front plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide structure incorporates different surface geometries in different regions: the first light guide has a first angled surface for directing light in one direction, while the second light guide has a second angled surface for directing light in another direction. This local variation in surface quality enables multi-directional light distribution while maintaining efficient light propagation from the LEDs.
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 integrated design results in a more compact, efficient light-emitting indicator that reduces inventory burdens and assembly complexities while effectively drawing user attention with customizable light patterns.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light emitting diodes configured to emit light to propagate inside the housing toward the central area
Implementation Method 2
a light guide positioned in a peripheral area surrounding the central area and configured to direct the emitted light out of the plane
Implementation Method 3
in a cross-section of the light guide taken orthogonal to the plane of the central area, the light guide includes a rounded corner shaped to reflect the light out of the plane
Data Source
AI summary
A light-emitting indicator can include a molded, transparent housing formed with a central area shaped as a square that extends in a plane. A plurality of light emitting diodes, optionally formed integrally with the housing, can be positioned along edges of a square that surrounds the central area. The light emitting diodes can emit light to propagate inside the housing toward the central area. A light guide, optionally formed integrally with the housing, can be positioned in a peripheral area shaped to include an area between two concentric squares that surround the central area. The light guide can direct the emitted light out of the plane. Control circuitry can be positioned along the edges of the square that includes the light emitting diodes. The control circuitry can cause the light emitting diodes to blink at a specified frequency, which can draw the attention of a user.