Load Control Keypad Interface With Visual Device Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load control systems face complexity and unintuitive programming due to dual-functionality buttons, increasing setup time and cost.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a programming user interface featuring a programming button and visual indicators that illuminate to indicate selected load control devices, simplifying the programming process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If buttons on control devices have dual functionality for both controlling and programming the load control system, then the number of buttons can be reduced, but the programming process becomes difficult and unintuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the button functionalities by introducing distinct programming buttons separate from control buttons. The programming buttons are specifically designated for configuration tasks, while control buttons handle operational commands. This segmentation eliminates the confusion of dual-functionality buttons and makes the programming process intuitive and straightforward.
2Ease of operation
If additional programming buttons are added to control devices, then programming capability is enhanced, but the complexity of the control devices increases after programming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the programming functionality from the general control button set and creates dedicated programming buttons. This extraction allows programming capabilities to be enhanced without permanently increasing the complexity of the control device's operational interface. The programming buttons can be temporarily activated or hidden during normal operation, maintaining device simplicity while providing enhanced programming capability when needed.
3Device complexity
If dual-functionality buttons are used for control and programming, then the device structure is simplified, but significant time and cost are added for commissioning and startup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing dedicated programming buttons that are specifically designed for configuration tasks. This allows commissioning and startup activities to be performed efficiently without the confusion and time-wasting associated with dual-functionality buttons. The programming buttons enable quick and intuitive system configuration, significantly reducing commissioning time and associated costs while maintaining simplified device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device for power delivered to electrical loads in a load control system via respective load control devices may comprise a programming user interface for programming the operation of the load control system. The control device may be configured to select one or more load control devices in response to successive actuations of a programming button of the programming interface. The control device may be configured to controllably illuminate visual indicators of the programming interface to indicate which of the load control devices is selected in response to successive actuations of the programming button. The control device may transmit programming information to the load control devices. The programming information may determine which of the load control devices are responsive to a digital message transmitted on the digital communication link.