LED Ring Signaling for Electric Motor Operating State
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric motor systems require users to consult operating instructions to determine operating states, which is time-consuming and inconvenient, especially in environments where instructions are not readily available.
Innovation Solution
A control panel with a signaling device using a ring of six or more lamps that flash synchronously with a time offset to indicate the motor's operating state, allowing for easy recognition of the engine's running status, direction, and speed, with additional lighting means for displaying other parameters like temperature or pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If operating instructions are used to determine operating states, then accurate information is provided, but user convenience and response time deteriorate due to the need to consult documents
Solution Approach 1:
The signaling device enables the motor system to provide its own operating state information directly to the user through intuitive visual signals (flashing lights), eliminating the need for users to consult external operating instructions. The system serves itself by automatically displaying its state in a self-explanatory manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses different light sources (potentially different colors or flashing patterns) to indicate different operating states such as running, stopped, fault conditions, and direction of rotation. This visual coding allows users to immediately recognize the motor's state without reading documentation.
2Ease of operation
If multiple light sources are arranged in a ring and switched on synchronously with time offset, then operating state recognition is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light sources are arranged in a circular ring configuration rather than a linear arrangement. This circular geometry naturally conveys rotational motion and direction, making it easier to indicate clockwise/counterclockwise rotation and creating a more intuitive visual display for operating states.
Solution Approach 2:
The light sources are switched on and off in a periodic, sequential manner around the ring, creating a flashing pattern that indicates motor operation. This periodic activation of multiple lights in sequence provides clear visual feedback about the motor's running state and direction without requiring complex continuous control.
3Illumination intensity
If six or more light sources are used to represent motion, then visual recognition is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The signaling function is divided into multiple discrete light source segments arranged around the ring. Each light source can be independently controlled to indicate specific aspects of operation (direction, speed, state), allowing the system to convey complex information through simple, modular components that are easier to manufacture and replace.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring of light sources serves multiple functions simultaneously: indicating motor running state, direction of rotation, and potentially speed levels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate indicator devices, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost despite using multiple light sources.
4Reliability
If paired light sources are arranged diametrically opposite, then reliability is improved through redundancy, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diametrically opposite pairing of light sources provides built-in redundancy and fail-safe capability. If one light source fails, its paired counterpart can still provide the necessary visual indication, cushioning against the failure and maintaining system reliability without requiring complex monitoring or replacement mechanisms.
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 a self-explanatory and easily readable visual indication of the motor's operating state, speed, and direction, even from a distance, without requiring access to operating instructions, and ensures the display remains functional even if one lamp fails.
Implementation Method 1
an electric light source which is switched on to flash when the motor is running
Implementation Method 2
at least six light sources are arranged in a ring shape as a light source ring, which, when the motor is running, are switched on to flash synchronously with one another but in pairs in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction with a time offset
Data Source
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AI summary
The electric motor has a signaling device (5) for indicating at least two different operating states. For this purpose, the signaling device (5) has six light-emitting diodes (Al - A6) which, when the motor is running, are switched to flash synchronously but with a time offset, so that they represent the rotational movement of the motor.