Proximity Switch Optical Indication Without Partitioned Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing proximity switches often have complex designs with unnecessary partitions in transparent regions, which can be obstructive and costly for applications requiring fewer switching states, compromising visibility and simplicity.
Innovation Solution
A proximity switch design featuring optically homogeneous, peripheral transparent regions at both ends of the housing, illuminated by variously colored light-emitting diodes, allowing for clear indication of switching and operational states without partitions, suitable for applications requiring visibility on both sides of a wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If transparent regions are subdivided into segments with partitions, then visibility of multiple switching states is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses different colors of light-emitting diodes (red, yellow, green, blue) to indicate different switching and operational states. Each LED color corresponds to a specific state, allowing multiple states to be distinguished without requiring physical partitions. The control unit activates specific LEDs based on the detected state, providing clear visual feedback while maintaining a simple, partition-free transparent region structure.
2Loss of information
If partitions are added to transparent regions, then all-round visibility is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-coded LEDs arranged in a specific pattern within the transparent region to achieve all-round visibility from different angles. The colors provide directional information about the sensor state, allowing users to interpret the status regardless of their viewing angle, without requiring complex partition structures that would complicate manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent region serves multiple functions simultaneously: it allows light to pass through for visibility, provides structural support, and acts as a mounting surface for the LEDs. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate partition components, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining effective visual indication from all directions.
3Loss of information
If multiple light-emitting diodes are used for each state, then indication clarity is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single LED of each color rather than multiple LEDs for each state, reducing the total number of light-emitting components. The control unit strategically activates only the necessary LEDs based on the current operational and switching states, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption. This approach maintains clear indication clarity while minimizing energy usage compared to having multiple LEDs for each possible state.
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
The design enhances visibility and reduces the number of light-emitting diodes needed, providing effective and simple optical indication of switching states and operational states, particularly suitable for applications requiring indication on both sides of a wall, while maintaining robustness and ease of mounting.
Implementation Method 1
The transparent regions can each be illuminated in a single color by means of the light emitting diodes
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a proximity switch for the detection of objects, comprising a sleeve-type housing, comprising a transducer unit disposed at a measuring end of said sleeve-type housing, the transducer unit comprising a transducer receptacle and a transducer element disposed therein for detecting a physical measurand, comprising a connecting piece disposed at a connecting end of said sleeve-type housing, comprising an electronic assembly disposed on a printed circuit board accommodated in said sleeve-type housing and having a control and evaluation unit adapted to control said transducer element, to evaluate signals measured by said transducer element and to emit switching signals to an environment, wherein variously colored light-emitting diodes are disposed on said printed circuit board at the measuring end and at the connecting end for indicating operational and/or switching states, wherein said transducer receptacle exhibits a transparent region disposed around a housing axis and/or a transparent region at an end face. The proximity switch is characterized in that said connecting piece has a peripheral transparent region, that said transparent regions at said measuring end and at said connecting end are optically homogeneous, that said transparent regions are each capable of being monochromatically illuminated by said light-emitting diodes and that said control and evaluation unit is adapted to control the respective variously colored light-emitting diodes for indicating different operational and/or switching states.