Power Button Flash Pattern Programming via Actuation Sequences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with programmable features often require additional buttons, pins, and wires, which increase cost, weight, and complexity, making them awkward to access and operate.
Innovation Solution
A lighting apparatus that includes a light source, a power source, and a programmable circuit connected to a power button, allowing for predetermined flash patterns to be set and programmed by detecting a sequence of button actuations, thereby controlling electrical flow to the light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional buttons, pins, and wires are added to enable programmable features, then the functionality and adaptability of the device are improved, but the device complexity, cost, and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power button is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the standard power on/off switch and a programming input device. By detecting specific sequences of actuations (e.g., multiple rapid presses), the button triggers programmable flash patterns without requiring separate programming buttons or controls. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling adaptability through the existing button infrastructure rather than adding new components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional buttons, pins, and wires are added to enable programmable features, then the functionality and adaptability of the device are improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system reuses the existing power button and its control circuitry for dual purposes: normal power control and programming mode activation. The programmable circuit detects specific actuation sequences through the same electrical pathway used for power switching, eliminating the need for separate programming buttons, pins, or associated wiring. This approach maintains manufacturability while adding programmable adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional buttons, pins, and wires are added to enable programmable features, then the functionality and adaptability of the device are improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The programming capability is implemented by programming existing circuit elements rather than adding new physical components. The power button, its connection pathway, and the light source remain the same physical objects; only the control logic in the programmable circuit is enhanced to recognize actuation sequences and trigger different flash patterns. This eliminates weight increase while providing programmable adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional buttons, pins, and wires are added to enable programmable features, then the functionality and adaptability of the device are improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to awkward access
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing power button, which is already positioned for easy access and operation, to also serve as the programming interface. Users can enter programming mode by pressing the power button a specific number of times in quick succession (e.g., three or more presses within a time window). This eliminates the need for separately located programming buttons that might be difficult to access, maintaining ease of operation while enabling programmability.
Data Source
AI summary
Lighting apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed. One lighting apparatus includes a light source, a power source in electrical communication with the light source, and a power button arranged to control electrical flow from the power source to the light source. The lighting apparatus also includes a programmable circuit in electrical communication with the power button, where the programmable circuit is programmed to set predetermined flash patterns for illuminating the light source in response to detecting a predetermined sequence of actuations of the power button.