Light Distributing Conduit for Oblique Angle Visibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid handling systems lack remote monitoring and control capabilities, requiring a person to be present for operational oversight, and have limited communication of key conditions to ensure ongoing operability.
Innovation Solution
A display system comprising a circuit board with illuminators and a light transmissive window pane, featuring an elongated light distributing conduit that redirects light for visibility at oblique angles, enabling remote monitoring and control of liquid handling apparatus through electronic communication devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional monitoring and control systems are used, then a person must be present at the apparatus location or fixed location to observe operation, but remote monitoring and control capabilities are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote monitoring system that acts as an intermediary between the liquid handling apparatus and the operator. The system includes a control unit connected to the apparatus via communication protocols, allowing operators to monitor and control apparatus operation from remote locations without being physically present at the fixed location or apparatus site.
2Loss of information
If conventional displays are used, then key conditions of the apparatus are not effectively communicated to persons responsible for operability, but improved communication of critical conditions is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-coded visual indicators on the display to communicate the operational status and critical conditions of the apparatus. Different colors represent different states (e.g., green for normal operation, yellow for warnings, red for critical conditions), enabling operators to quickly assess apparatus health without complex data interpretation.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system dynamically changes parameters such as brightness, contrast, and information priority based on apparatus operational status. When critical conditions are detected, the system adjusts display parameters to ensure these conditions are prominently communicated to operators, whether locally or remotely.
3Illumination intensity
If light is emitted perpendicular to the display window pane, then illumination is concentrated at one location, but light distribution along the entire perimeter is needed for visibility at oblique angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an elongated light distributing conduit that extends perpendicular to the display window pane, transforming point-source illumination into linear illumination. The conduit distributes light along its length, with light exiting at multiple positions along the perimeter, enabling visibility from oblique angles rather than only from the front.
Solution Approach 2:
The light distributing conduit acts as an intermediary between the light source and the display window pane. It receives light from illuminators positioned behind the display and redistributes it along the perimeter of the window, ensuring uniform illumination that enhances visibility from various viewing angles without requiring multiple light sources.
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 display system effectively communicates critical conditions to observers at various angles, enhancing remote monitoring and control capabilities, ensuring continuous operability of liquid handling systems.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated light distributing conduit receiving light from the at least one illuminator at a first location in a direction substantially perpendicular to the display window pane, distributing the light transversely through the light conduit along the inner surface of the display window pane, and redirecting the distributed light outwardly along an outer wall of the conduit and outwardly through the window pane
Data Source
AI summary
A visually observable display comprising a circuit board including at least one illuminator emitting light outwardly from a surface of the board, a light transmissive display window pane operable to receive light at an inner surface and transmit the light through an outer surface, and an insert disposed between the illuminator and the display window pane. The insert comprises an elongated light distributing conduit receiving light from the at least one illuminator at a first location in a direction substantially perpendicular to the display window pane, distributing the light transversely through the light conduit along the inner surface of the display window pane, and redirecting the distributed light outwardly along an outer wall of the conduit and outwardly through the window pane. The display may include multiple light illuminators emitting light outwardly from the board surface and into the light distributing conduit at discrete locations along the conduit.