LED-Lighted Switch for Water Pump Status Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power switches in water pumps and hot water supply systems lack efficient mechanisms to indicate the operational status remotely and silently, especially when the device is powered by multiple voltage sources, which can lead to malfunctions and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an LED-lighted power switch with a circuit design that includes a logic circuit, a current-limiting diode, and a Zener diode, allowing the LED to remain illuminated when the device is powered and turning off when power is interrupted, while using two power sources with different voltages to ensure safe and controlled current flow, enabling remote and silent operation status indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If an LED is integrated into the power switch to indicate operational status, then the indication of system status is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional circuit components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the LED indicator with the power switch housing and integrates the indicator circuit into the existing power supply circuitry. The LED is embedded in the switch assembly, merging the indication function with the switching function into a single integrated component, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining status indication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power switch assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the power interruption/restoration mechanism and the operational status indicator. The same circuit that powers the device also powers the LED indicator, and the switch simultaneously controls power flow and displays status through the LED, eliminating the need for separate indication components.
2Reliability
If two power sources with different voltages are used, then the reliability of current control is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional voltage regulation components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a voltage regulator circuit as an intermediary between the two power sources and the LED indicator. This regulator selectively connects the appropriate power source based on the device's operational state, ensuring proper voltage levels reach the LED without requiring complex transformation circuits. The regulator acts as a mediator that simplifies the overall voltage management architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes voltage parameters by switching between two different voltage sources depending on the operational state. When the device is off, one voltage source powers the LED; when on, another voltage source is used. This parameter change approach allows reliable current control for the LED across different operating conditions without requiring a single complex voltage regulation system.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the LED remains illuminated while the device is powered, then the ease of detecting operational status is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LED indicator is designed to illuminate periodically or in specific states rather than continuously. The LED turns on when the device is powered off to indicate standby status, and turns off when the device is operating. This periodic illumination pattern provides clear operational status detection while minimizing energy consumption compared to continuous illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED indicator circuit is designed to automatically illuminate using the existing power supply voltage without requiring additional power management components. The circuit self-regulates based on the device's power state, drawing minimal current from the power source and automatically adjusting its illumination pattern based on operational conditions, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining clear status indication.
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 provides a remote and silent indication of the system's operational status, preventing user interference and ensuring reliable operation of the water pump by using an LED-lighted switch that remains illuminated when powered and turns off when power is interrupted, thus enhancing user convenience and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
electrical switches comprising light-emitting diodes
Implementation Method 2
a current-limiting diode
Implementation Method 3
a Zener diode
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a switch comprising an LED for indicating when a connected electrical device is activated or not. In certain examples, the electrical device is a water pump. In certain examples, the invention is drawn to a circuit comprising a switch, a logic circuit, an electrical device, and an LED subcircuit, whereby the electrical device is turned on by closing the switch, and whereby the LED functions as an indicator light remaining on while the electrical device remains on, and turning off when the electrical device is turned off.