Power Point With Proximity Sensor And Intermittent LED Lighting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power points with proximity sensors and light sources require constant activation, leading to energy wastage and annoyance, especially in low visibility conditions.
Innovation Solution
A power point design featuring a semitransparent plastic support with a printed circuit card, capacitive switches, LEDs, and a proximity sensor, where the LEDs illuminate only when a user approaches, allowing for intermittent lighting and preventing unnecessary energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the light source is constantly active to enable location in poor visibility, then the power point is locatable in poor or zero visibility conditions, but energy wastage occurs and it becomes annoying particularly at night
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is activated periodically rather than continuously. A proximity sensor detects when a user approaches the power point and triggers the light source to illuminate only during these periods, eliminating energy wastage while maintaining visibility assistance when needed.
2Illumination intensity
If the light source is constantly active to enable location in poor visibility, then the power point is locatable in poor or zero visibility conditions, but it becomes annoying particularly at night
Solution Approach 1:
The light source operates periodically based on proximity detection rather than continuously. This eliminates the annoying effect of constant illumination at night while still providing necessary lighting assistance when users approach the power point in poor visibility conditions.
3Loss of energy
If a proximity sensor is added to detect user presence, then the light source can be activated only when needed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical switching systems with a proximity sensor-based detection system. The sensor automatically detects user presence and triggers light activation, eliminating the need for manual switches or complex mechanical mechanisms while improving energy efficiency.
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
Enables efficient energy use by activating lighting only when needed, aiding in locating switches in poor visibility while preventing incorrect switch operation and suitable for various environments, including nautical sectors.
Implementation Method 1
power point locatable by the user in poor or zero visibility conditions, while at the same time eliminating the aforesaid drawback of known power points with a constantly active light source
Implementation Method 2
a power point design featuring a semitransparent plastic support with a printed circuit card, capacitive switches, LEDs, and a proximity sensor, where the LEDs illuminate only when a user approaches
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A power point comprising: - at least one proximity sensor (30), - at least one light source (26, 28) for locating the power point, - means (23) for processing the output signal from said proximity sensor (30) and for temporarily activating said light source (26, 28), - an electrical insert located at said light source (26, 28) and operable directly by the user.