Jewelry Display Case Sensor-Controlled LED Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing jewelry boxes with light sources often have mechanical switches that activate the light indefinitely, leading to battery drainage, as there is no user-controlled or context-aware illumination.

Innovation Solution

A jewelry display case with a sensory system using motion, ambient light, touch, or proximity sensors to control an LED light source, including a controller to limit illumination duration, ensuring the light only stays on when needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a mechanical switch is used to activate the light source when the jewelry box is opened, then the jewelry item is illuminated for display, but the light source remains on indefinitely causing battery drainage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight source activationVSAvoidbattery drainage

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through sensory detectors (motion sensors, ambient light sensors, touch sensors, or proximity sensors) that continuously monitor the environment and user presence. When the detector senses that the user is present or the case is open, it activates the light source; when the user leaves or the case is closed, it deactivates the light source, creating a closed-loop control system that adjusts illumination based on actual display needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The jewelry display case automatically controls its own illumination without requiring manual intervention. The sensory detectors and controller work together to autonomously activate and deactivate the light source based on detected conditions such as motion, ambient light levels, touch, or proximity, allowing the system to serve itself in managing battery power and illumination timing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the light source is activated indefinitely upon opening the jewelry box, then the jewelry item remains illuminated, but unnecessary energy is consumed when the box is closed or no user is present

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight source durationVSAvoidbattery energy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The light source operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The controller activates the light source only during periods when the sensory detector indicates user presence or case opening, and deactivates it during periods of no activity. This periodic operation pattern ensures illumination is provided only when necessary for display purposes, minimizing energy loss during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Loss of energy

If a sensory detector is added to control the light source, then battery drainage is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery energy conservationVSAvoidsensory control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensory detector system is designed to be versatile, with the ability to detect multiple types of inputs (motion, ambient light, touch, or proximity) depending on the specific implementation. This multi-functional approach allows a single detector component to handle various user interactions and environmental conditions, reducing the need for multiple specialized sensors and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides user-selective and context-aware illumination, preventing unnecessary battery drainage by activating the light only when the case is opened or in low ambient light conditions, and ensuring the light source is turned off after a predetermined time.

Implementation Method 1

the sensor comprises a motion detector responsive to a motion of the user for activating the light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMotion detection:

Implementation Method 2

the sensor includes an ambient light detector for interrupting energy to the light source in the closed position of the cover

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

the sensor comprises one of a touch sensor and a proximity sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTouch sensing:

Implementation Method 4

the proximity sensor is disposed within the base and cover

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProximity sensing:

Implementation Method 5

the light source comprises an LED

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS9743494B1Jewelry display case

Publication Date: 2017.08.22 LIN YUEROU

AI summary

A display case that includes a base for supporting an item that is being displayed; a cover engaged with the base, with the base forming an interior compartment for the item and having respective opened and closed positions relative to the base; a light source disposed in the interior compartment, supported at an internal surface of said cover and, when illuminated, casting a light beam on the item to highlight the item; and a sensor associated with at least one of the base and cover and for activating the light source. The sensor may include a motion detector, a light detector, a touch sensor or a proximity sensor.