Signaling Device Actuator Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signaling devices are passive components that only receive electrical energy and control commands from outside, unable to actively control external actuators or influence their states, limiting their functionality in monitoring and controlling complex machine systems.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electrical and/or electronic switching element that acts as an actuator switch, allowing the signaling device to establish or separate connections with lighting units and external actuators, enabling the generation of control commands and active control of external components, such as motors or pneumatic systems, using a low voltage control circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If signaling devices are designed as passive components that only receive electrical energy from outside, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the functionality is limited and cannot actively control external actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the signaling function (light emission) with the control function (actuator switching) into a single integrated device. The signaling device now performs dual functions: displaying operating states through lighting elements and actively controlling external actuators through integrated switching elements, thereby resolving the contradiction between functionality and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The signaling device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both a passive indicator (receiving power to display states) and an active controller (switching external actuators). This multi-functionality approach allows the device to adapt to diverse control scenarios without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
2Ease of operation
If separate electrical connections are provided for each lighting element or module, then the control precision is high and each state can be independently controlled, but the device complexity and number of connections increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control functionality by providing separate switching elements for different lighting units or modules. Each switching element can independently control its associated lighting element, maintaining control precision and independence. This segmentation allows individual control of each state indicator while keeping the overall system manageable through modular architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical signaling device, in particular a signal lamp or a modularly constructed signal tower (1) or the like, is proposed, comprising at least one lighting unit (2) with at least one lighting element (20) for the optical indication of one or more different operating states of a technical device such as a machine, a system or the like, wherein at least one electrical and/or electronic connection unit (27) is provided for connecting or contacting at least the technical device, and wherein at least one electrical and/or electronic connection unit (12) is provided between the connection unit (27) and the lighting unit (2) for electrically and/or electronically connecting the connection unit (27) to the lighting unit (2), thereby realizing additional technical possibilities or functionalities.According to the invention, this is achieved by the connection unit (12) having at least one electrical and/or electronic switching element (21, 22) for establishing and/or disconnecting the electrical and/or electronic connection between the lighting unit (2) and the connection unit (27), wherein the electrical and/or electronic switching element (21, 22) is also designed as an actuator switch (21, 22) for switching at least one actuating element (28) of a first actuator (8) of the technical device and/or a second actuator (8) separate from the technical device.