Status Display Device Using Mixed-Color LED Light Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional status display devices in protective switching devices, such as arc fault circuit breakers, face challenges in providing a large number of distinguishable status displays within limited space, as they typically rely on single-color diodes or simple blinking mechanisms, limiting their functionality and clarity.
Innovation Solution
The use of two independently controllable light-emitting diodes of different colors, which can mix colors and flash in various patterns, coupled into a single light guide, allowing for up to 15 distinct status displays, thereby increasing the number of possible status reports without requiring additional space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light guides are provided to increase status display options, then the number of possible status displays increases, but the space required on the front of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light guides into a single shared light guide. Two or more LEDs with different colors (e.g., red, yellow, green, blue) are coupled into the same light guide, which then transmits their combined light through a single optical fiber to the front of the device. This merging approach allows multiple status indicators to be displayed through one optical outlet, eliminating the need for multiple separate light guides and their associated front-space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The single light guide serves multiple functions by transmitting light from multiple different LEDs simultaneously. Rather than dedicating one light guide to one LED, the light guide becomes a universal transmission medium that can carry signals from various LEDs, each representing different status conditions. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high adaptability with minimal spatial requirements.
2Device complexity
If conventional single-color diodes are used, then the device structure remains simple, but the number of distinguishable status displays is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of light color by incorporating multiple LEDs with different wavelengths (colors) into the system. Instead of using a single-color LED, the system employs multi-color LEDs (such as red, yellow, green, blue) that can be independently controlled. By varying which LEDs are activated and their intensity levels, the system can generate numerous distinguishable status displays while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes blinking or periodic activation patterns of the LEDs to encode additional status information. Different blinking frequencies, durations, and patterns provide further differentiation between status states. This temporal dimension adds to the number of distinguishable displays without requiring additional physical components or spatial resources.
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 solution enables a more comprehensive and space-efficient status display, enhancing user distinguishability and accommodating a wider range of functionalities in protective switching devices like arc protection switches, while maintaining compactness and allowing for additional features like identifiers on the device.
Implementation Method 1
two light-emitting diodes of different colors, which can mix colors and flash in various patterns, coupled into a single light guide
Implementation Method 2
a light guide and two diodes, which are designed to couple light of different colors into the same light guide
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (10) has a status indicator device including a light guide (16) and two LEDs (14). The LEDs are controlled independently by a control device (12) such that the light of different colors is passed through the same light guide. The mixed colors are generated in addition to the individual colors of LEDs, for displaying four states. An independent claim is included for a method for providing the status indication device in the protective switching device.