Tactile Connector Indicator for Accessible Connection Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Visual indicators on electrical connectors, such as LEDs, are ineffective for visually impaired users and can be problematic for others due to issues with accessibility, ambient lighting, and placement challenges, necessitating a more reliable method for confirming electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a tactile electrical connection indicator within the connector housing, actuated by a circuit board and actuator, which moves between disconnected and connected positions to provide persistent tactile feedback, supplementing or replacing visual indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual indicators (LEDs) are used on electrical connectors, then connection status can be seen, but visually impaired users cannot detect the connection status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual indicators (optical system) with tactile indicators (mechanical system). The tactile indicator protrudes from the connector housing when connected and retracts when disconnected, providing physical touch feedback that works for all users including visually impaired individuals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the indication parameter from visual (light emission) to tactile (physical position). The tactile indicator has two states: protruding position indicating connection and retracted position indicating disconnection, providing reliable feedback through touch rather than sight.
2Reliability
If visual indicators are used, then connection status is indicated, but ambient lighting conditions affect the visibility and reliability of the indicator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the optical indication system with a mechanical tactile system. Since tactile feedback relies on physical position rather than light, it is completely immune to ambient lighting conditions, ensuring consistent and reliable connection status indication in all environments.
3Reliability
If visual indicators are used, then connection status can be shown, but placement of the indicator is challenging and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical indicator systems with a simple mechanical protrusion mechanism. The tactile indicator can be positioned on the outer surface of the connector housing, eliminating the need for internal cavities or complex mounting structures required for visual indicators, thus simplifying overall device design.
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 tactile indicator provides reliable, persistent feedback in all lighting conditions, accessible without relying on device software or visual cues, enhancing user experience for both visually impaired and non-impaired users by confirming connection status through touch.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator connected to the tactile indicator and biases the tactile indicator to a first position with reference to the connector housing when the set of electrical contacts are disconnected. The actuator moves the tactile indicator to a second position with reference to the connector housing when the set of electrical contacts are connected.
Data Source
AI summary
For visually impaired users, LED indicators on electrical connectors are difficult or impossible to use. While LED indicators can provide quick and easy visual feedback to users without visual impairment, LED indicators are often problematic, even for those users without visual impairment. For example, placement and brightness of the LED is carefully planned so that the LED is easy to see but not too obtrusive. The presently disclosed technology is directed to tactile electrical connection indicators that supplement or replace the LED indicators on electrical connectors.