Omni-directional LED Status Indicator for Restricted Access Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing status indicator devices for electrical devices lack flexibility and visibility, especially in restricted areas, making it difficult for users to remotely determine the operational status of electrical devices without direct line of sight.
Innovation Solution
A status indicator device with a first and second releasably connectable electrical interface, featuring an illumination module that illuminates in all radial directions, connected via an electrically conductive path, allowing for remote visual indication of signal status from any viewing angle and orientation, using customizable LEDs for various signal criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a traditional status indicator device is used, then the device can indicate status, but it lacks visibility from remote areas and restricted locations
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination module emits light in all radial directions (360 degrees) rather than in a single direction, adding dimensional coverage to the illumination. This omnidirectional lighting enables viewers to see the status indicator from any angle and location, including remote and restricted areas, thereby resolving the contradiction between illumination intensity and remote viewing capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed orientation indicator device is used, then the structure is simple, but it reduces installation flexibility and viewing accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The omnidirectional illumination capability allows the device to function effectively in any orientation (horizontal, vertical, angled) without requiring adjustment or reconfiguration. This eliminates installation orientation constraints, significantly improving adaptability and versatility while maintaining a simple cylindrical structure with integrated omnidirectional LEDs.
3Illumination intensity
If the detection module and illumination module are made visible, then the internal components can be inspected, but the translucent material cannot effectively diffuse the light
Solution Approach 1:
The translucent housing material is specifically engineered to diffuse and scatter the LED light uniformly in all directions while maintaining opacity to internal components. This optical property allows the status indication light to be clearly visible from any angle while the internal detection and illumination modules remain hidden, resolving the contradiction between light diffusion effectiveness and component visibility.
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
Enhances visibility and flexibility in installation, reducing maintenance labor by enabling quick identification of device status through remote visual inspection, even in restricted areas, with customizable color and pattern indications for multiple conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination module may include one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs may be different in color.
Implementation Method 2
The translucent material may be diffused such that the detection module and the illumination module may not be visible to a user. However, the diffused translucent material may permit light from the illumination to be visible.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and associated methods relate to status indicator devices having a first releasably connectable electrical interface (RCEI) and second RCEI defining an axis from which an illumination module illuminates in substantially all radial directions with respect to the axis. In an illustrative example, an indicator device may include an illumination module and a detection module between the first RCEI and the second RCEI. An electrically conductive path along the axis may connect the first RCEI and the second RCEI. The detection module may be configured such that when the first RCEI receives a signal, the detection module may cause, in accordance with predetermined signal criteria, the illumination module to illuminate. In some examples, the status indicator may advantageously provide instantaneous remote visual indication of the predetermined signal criteria from substantially any viewing angle and at any point along a cable.