Light Source Housing Fuse Mechanism for Eye Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with light sources, such as proximity sensors, face a risk of eye harm when the diffuser covering the light source is detached or removed, as the intensity of the light beam increases, potentially causing harm to users.
Innovation Solution
A housing for the light source with a fuse mechanism that breaks if the diffuser is detached, ensuring the light source is deactivated to prevent harm, and conductive paths or plugs that maintain electrical connections to secure the diffuser in place, with conductive coatings or wires forming these connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the diffuser is removed or detached from the light source, then the light beam intensity increases and measurement distance can be extended, but the risk of eye harm to users increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a fuse mechanism that is pre-configured to break when the diffuser is removed. This preliminary protective measure ensures that before the high-intensity light can cause harm, the circuit is already designed to automatically disconnect, preventing eye injury while still allowing intentional high-intensity operation when the diffuser is properly in place
Solution Approach 2:
The fuse acts as an intermediary protective element between the light source and the user. It mediates the conflict between needing high intensity and preventing harm by providing a controlled failure mode that disconnects power when the diffuser is absent, thus protecting users without requiring complex sensors or control systems
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a fuse mechanism is added to protect against diffuser removal, then user safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fuse with the diffuser assembly itself, making the protective mechanism an integrated part of the existing structure rather than a separate component. The fuse is positioned to be mechanically linked with the diffuser, so that diffuser removal automatically triggers fuse breakage, combining safety functionality with the structural design
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser assembly serves multiple functions: it diffuses the light beam, provides structural housing, and incorporates the safety fuse mechanism. By making the fuse part of the diffuser assembly, the same component structure performs both optical and safety protection functions, reducing overall device complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If conductive paths are formed on the diffuser to maintain electrical connections, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the risk of incorrect assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual indicators (such as colored markings or contrasting colors) on the conductive paths and corresponding contact points to guide proper assembly. This visual feedback mechanism ensures that components are assembled correctly the first time, preventing incorrect connections while maintaining precise electrical contact when assembled properly
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 effectively reduces the risk of eye harm by ensuring the light source is deactivated when the diffuser is detached and provides a reliable electrical connection that breaks if the diffuser becomes detached from the housing, enhancing user safety and device reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a fuse electrically coupling the first and second conducting columns, a portion of the fuse being mechanically fixed to the diffuser and/or the fuse being arranged to trap the diffuser in the mounting
Implementation Method 2
a diffuser having one or more conductive paths arranged to electrically connect the first and second conducting columns when the diffuser is mounted on the barrel
Implementation Method 3
The light source used to generate the light beam is generally covered by a diffuser that spreads the beam and thereby reduces to some extent its intensity
Data Source
AI summary
A housing for a light source mounted on a substrate, the housing comprising: a barrel having first and second conducting columns; and a diffuser having a through-hole or partial hole filled with a conductive plug, the conductive plug electrically bridging a gap in an electrical connection between the first and second conducting columns.