Integrated Light-Signalling System for Switch Status Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current control switches with illumination modules are costly and complex to integrate, and require additional light indicators to display the status of circuits or machines, necessitating costly installations and pilot lights that need to be viewed in proximity.
Innovation Solution
A modular light-signalling system integrated with switches that changes lighting modes based on internal or external signals, allowing for simple and economic indication of switch position and/or status, using LEDs with redundant series for reliability and incorporating acoustic signals, and can be easily maintained or replaced.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light module is integrated into a circuit switch to show status, then the visibility of switch status is improved, but the cost and complexity of integration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light module and switch into a single integrated unit, merging previously separate components (pilot lights and switches) into one assembly. This reduces the number of separate installations needed and simplifies the overall system while maintaining status indication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated light module is designed to work with multiple types of switches and indicate various circuit statuses (on/off, fault conditions, different circuit phases). This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace multiple specialized components, reducing complexity while improving visibility.
2Loss of information
If multiple light indicators are used to show installation status, then the information completeness is improved, but the installation cost and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light indicators are merged into a single integrated light module that can display various status information simultaneously or sequentially. The module uses different lighting patterns, colors, or positions to convey multiple pieces of information about the installation status without requiring separate physical indicators for each parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The light module employs dynamic lighting patterns (flashing, steady, different colors) to encode multiple status information. This dynamic approach allows a single static physical component to convey variable information, reducing installation complexity while maintaining information completeness.
3Illumination intensity
If pilot lights are installed to show switch status, then the status indication is improved, but the need for proximity viewing reduces usability
Solution Approach 1:
The light module is integrated directly into the switch housing, combining the switch and indicator into one unit. This integration allows the status light to be positioned optimally for viewing from various distances and angles, eliminating the need for separate pilot light installations that required close proximity viewing.
Solution Approach 2:
The light module is designed with specific optical properties (translucent control elements, strategically positioned LEDs) that enhance light distribution and visibility. This local optimization of light emission and diffusion ensures the status is clearly visible from a distance without requiring the viewer to be in close proximity to the indicator.
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 solution reduces system complexity and cost, provides a single indicator for switch and circuit status, enhances product lifespan, and allows for easy maintenance by integrating lighting and status information directly into the switch, eliminating the need for complex light columns or pilot lights.
Implementation Method 1
a series of LED means (18) housed inside a housing (19)
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
This invention consists in a light-signalling system built into electric control and command devices to show the position and/or status of the installation, machine or circuit it controls, which using signals external or internal to the control and switching device, carries out changes in the lighting according to programmed parameters, using a lighting mode change system which receive these signals.