Illuminated Pushbutton Switch Logic Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing illuminated pushbutton switches in specialized applications face issues with excessive power consumption, heat, sensitivity to shock and jarring, electrical spikes, and low reliability due to internal electromagnetic holding coils, which also increase size and weight.

Innovation Solution

A subminiature electronic logic module is integrated within the pushbutton switch housing to replace traditional time delay relays and electromagnetic holding coils, providing pulse timing, edge detection, and Boolean logic, enabling remote control and reset capabilities, and incorporating a frequency divider and oscillator for blinking functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If internal electromagnetic holding coils are used to implement latching and remote release functions, then the switch can maintain state and be controlled remotely, but power consumption increases, heat generation increases, sensitivity to shock and jarring increases, electrical spikes occur, reliability decreases, and size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic holding coil system with an electronic circuit comprising a microcontroller, memory element, and driver circuitry. The microcontroller implements latching logic using software state machines, eliminating the need for electromagnetic coils while providing the same remote control and state maintenance functions through electronic means, thereby improving reliability and reducing harmful effects associated with electromagnetic components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic holding coil is replaced with an electronic circuit using a microcontroller and memory element that consumes significantly less power. The microcontroller enters low-power states when not actively controlling the switch state, and uses efficient electronic latching mechanisms rather than continuous electromagnetic field maintenance, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining remote control functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic circuit implements periodic status checks and state maintenance rather than continuous power consumption. The microcontroller uses timing interrupts and sleep modes to maintain switch state information efficiently, only consuming significant power during actual state transitions or remote control operations, whereas electromagnetic coils require continuous power to maintain the magnetic field

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If internal electromagnetic holding coils are used to implement latching and remote release functions, then the switch can maintain state and be controlled remotely, but the switch becomes substantially longer and heavier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The heavy electromagnetic holding coil is replaced with lightweight electronic components including a microcontroller, memory element, and driver circuitry integrated on a compact printed circuit board. This substitution reduces the weight of the illuminated pushbutton switch while maintaining all latching and remote control functions through electronic rather than electromagnetic means

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The microcontroller serves multiple functions simultaneously: it controls the illuminated display, manages latching logic, processes remote control signals, and drives the pushbutton switch state. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate electromagnetic holding coils and associated control circuitry, reducing overall weight while providing comprehensive control capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8624442B2Illuminated pushbutton switch with embedded interface and driver logic

Publication Date: 2014.01.07 APPLIED AVIONICS LLC

AI summary

Illuminated pushbutton switches are improved by replacing the traditional time delay relays, Boolean interface logic or driver components often incorporated within interface wiring and harnesses with a subminiature electronic logic module located within the illuminated pushbutton switch housing. This Logic Module provides numerous additional benefits beyond the standard illuminated push button switch by incorporating functional capability such as pulse timing, edge detecting or Boolean logic that allow the unit to replace external electro mechanical relays, diode logic, or time delay relays that are typical in current applications. These additional features provide enhancements by allowing lower size and weight, longer switch life, no electrical spikes, remote set and reset capability, display blinking, and high reliability electronic driver circuits that can drive modest electrical loads.