Thermostat Sub-Base Lighting for Wire Terminal Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermostats and other substrate-mountable devices are often installed in poorly lit areas, requiring installers to use flashlights, which can be inconvenient and slow down the installation process.
Innovation Solution
A sub-base assembly with a translucent or transparent base and circuit board featuring integrated light sources, such as LEDs, that illuminate the wire terminals before wiring is connected, and can be powered by a battery or the thermostat's power stealing circuit for post-installation use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a thermostat is installed in a poorly lit area, then the thermostat can be installed in locations with good wiring access, but the installer requires additional lighting equipment and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the thermostat housing with an integrated lighting system, merging two separate functions (thermostat installation and illumination) into a single unified device. The housing structure incorporates light sources, diffusers, and power supply components, allowing the thermostat to serve both as a control device and a lighting source simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system is pre-integrated into the thermostat housing before installation, with light sources, diffusers, and power supply components already in place. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for installers to bring separate lighting equipment to the installation site, allowing immediate illumination upon installation.
2Illumination intensity
If an installer uses a flashlight to illuminate the work area, then the installation can proceed in dark areas, but the installation process becomes slower and more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the illumination function directly into the thermostat device itself, combining the flashlight function with the thermostat housing. This integration eliminates the need for separate lighting equipment and allows the installer to have immediate access to work area illumination through the thermostat's own integrated light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermostat provides its own illumination needs through integrated light sources that can be activated during installation. The device serves its own lighting requirement without external assistance, allowing the installer to quickly illuminate the work area by activating the thermostat's built-in lighting system.
3Illumination intensity
If integrated light sources are added to the thermostat, then installation illumination is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing illumination only in the specific area where it is needed (the wire terminal area) rather than illuminating the entire installation area. The light sources are positioned and directed to focus on the wire terminals, and diffusers are used to concentrate light where needed while minimizing unnecessary illumination elsewhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by implementing a simplified lighting system that provides only the essential illumination needed for wire terminal visibility during installation. Rather than providing comprehensive lighting for the entire room, the system uses targeted, minimal lighting focused on the specific task area, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
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
Facilitates the wiring and installation of thermostats by providing necessary lighting, reducing installer inconvenience and speeding up the process, while also serving as a night light after installation.
Implementation Method 1
A light emitting diode (LED) 136 is surface-mounted to a circuit board 116
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of sub-base assemblies for substrate-mountable devices and related methods. In an exemplary embodiment, a sub-base assembly includes a cover, a base, and a circuit board having a plurality of wire terminals for receiving wiring passed through the base and circuit board. At least one light source is mounted on the circuit board and is operable, before the wiring is connected to the wire terminals, to direct light toward the wire terminals through the base.