Stress Light-Emitting Indicator With Segmented Film Array

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional indicators for lids and trays in electric, electronic, and mechanical apparatuses fail to effectively convey the magnitude of force applied, as the light emission is obscured by the finger, making it difficult for operators to visually recognize and feel the applied force.

Innovation Solution

An indicator structure with multiple stress-concentrating sections arranged to ensure that even when one section is hidden by a finger, others remain visible, using a stress light-emitting material that emits light proportional to the applied force, allowing for clear visualization of the force magnitude.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single stress light-emitting member film is used to indicate force magnitude, then the structure is simple, but the visibility of light emission is obscured by the finger applying force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidvisibility of light emission
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The single stress light-emitting member film is divided into multiple separate stress light-emitting member films arranged in an array. When force is applied, multiple films emit light at different positions, ensuring that at least one light-emitting portion remains visible even when a finger obscures part of the display area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Illumination intensity

If multiple stress light-emitting member films are arranged to improve visibility, then the visibility of light emission is secured, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of light emissionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple stress light-emitting member films are combined within a single indicator structure, allowing them to function collectively as one integrated force indication system. This merging approach achieves improved visibility while maintaining a unified, compact design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Each stress light-emitting member film serves the dual function of indicating both the presence and magnitude of applied force through its light emission characteristics. The array configuration allows the system to provide comprehensive force feedback while maintaining structural efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 indicator structure enables secure visibility of the light emission, allowing operators to accurately recognize and apply the appropriate force, preventing damage and reducing the need for repeated operations.

Implementation Method 1

a stress light-emitting material which emits the light in response to the stress

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStress-induced light emission: Piezoluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP2075560B1Optical stress Indicator
Publication Date: 2018.08.01 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • EP2075560B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2075560B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2075560B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An indicator for emitting a light is provided, the indicator comprising a plate-shaped member which has a stress-concentrating section for causing stress concentration, and a stress-transmitting section for transmitting, to the stress-concentrating section, a stress generated due to an external force; wherein the stress-concentrating section is provided with a stress light-emitting section which is formed of a stress light-emitting material that emits the light in response to a change of the stress. The stress-concentrating section can be arranged such that the stress-concentrating section is not hidden by a finger when the force is applied to the indicator with the finger or the like. The visibility of the light emission can be secured by the light emission effected by the stress light-emitting material applied to the stress-concentrating section which is not hidden by the finger.