Light Sound Signaling Device Waterproof Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light and sound signaling devices, such as light buzzers, face challenges in achieving both good light and sound capabilities while maintaining waterproofness, as the positioning of LEDs under the vibrating generator restricts direct light emission and reduces brightness.

Innovation Solution

A signaling device design featuring a translucent lens with a light source positioned between the vibrating generator and the external wall, where the vibrating generator is fixed to a connecting column passing through the support circuit, allowing direct light emission and sound transmission without compromising waterproofness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the vibrating generator is fixed directly to the outer wall to transmit sound, then sound transmission is improved and waterproofness is maintained, but the LEDs cannot emit light directly and brightness is greatly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLED brightnessVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into distinct functional zones: the vibrating generator is positioned at the bottom for sound transmission, the LEDs are arranged in a circular pattern in the middle layer for light emission, and the translucent outer wall forms the top layer for both light diffusion and sound transmission. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function without interfering with others.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting function is moved from a vertical arrangement (LEDs under the vibrating generator) to a horizontal circular arrangement around the central axis. This dimensional change allows LEDs to emit light directly through the outer wall without being blocked by the vibrating generator, solving the brightness problem while maintaining the compact structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If openings are made in the front face to transmit sound, then sound diffusion is improved, but waterproofness is lost and light diffusion is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound transmission capabilityVSAvoidwaterproofness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The translucent outer wall is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it diffuses light from the LEDs, transmits sound vibrations from the generator, and maintains the waterproof seal of the device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate openings for sound transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The outer wall is made of a translucent material with specific acoustic transmission properties. By changing the material parameters (translucency and acoustic transmission), the wall can simultaneously allow light diffusion and sound transmission while maintaining waterproof integrity, avoiding the need for openings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the LED positioning is constrained to the periphery under the vibrating generator, then waterproof structure is maintained, but direct light emission is restricted and brightness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof integrityVSAvoidlight emission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into distinct functional zones: the vibrating generator is positioned at the bottom for sound transmission, the LEDs are arranged in a circular pattern in the middle layer for light emission, and the translucent outer wall forms the top layer for both light diffusion and sound transmission. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function without interfering with others.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting function is moved from a vertical arrangement (LEDs under the vibrating generator) to a horizontal circular arrangement around the central axis. This dimensional change allows LEDs to emit light directly through the outer wall without being blocked by the vibrating generator, solving the brightness problem while maintaining the compact structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design enhances both light and sound efficiency by allowing direct light emission and sound transmission, maintaining waterproofness, and simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need for openings, thus achieving a balance between light and sound performance.

Implementation Method 1

The luminous part generally comprises one or more light sources, preferably composed of LEDs (light-emitting diode)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

The sound part generally comprises a vibrating generator, for example of the piezoelectric type. The vibrating generator is capable of deforming under the action of an alternating electric voltage so as to generate a vibration which generates a sound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

the cabochon comprises a connecting column which passes through the support circuit and to which the vibrating generator is fixed, so that the vibrations of the vibrating generator are directly transmitted to the cabochon

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration transmission: Vibration

Implementation Method 4

The light is then diffused to the outside through an outer wall of the indicator/button, this wall being at least partially translucent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight diffusion: Lens

Data Source

PatentEP3236146B1Light and sound signalling device
Publication Date: 2018.07.11 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP3236146B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3236146B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a signaling device comprising a cabochon, a light source (22) mounted on a support circuit (20) and a vibrating generator (25, 26) intended to emit sound waves, the cabochon forming an outer wall (11) at least partly translucent, characterized in that: - the light source (22) is positioned between the vibrating generator (25, 26) and the outer wall (11), - the cabochon comprises a connecting column (12) which passes through the support circuit (20) and to which the vibrating generator (25, 26) is attached.