Capacitive Touch Load Control With Adaptive Filtering Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional load control devices are limited in their ability to control advanced electrical loads due to their simple actuation mechanisms and lack of visual feedback, making it difficult for users to manage multiple parameters or control multiple loads through a single device.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a capacitive touch surface that detects point actuations and uses different filtering techniques based on user input modes to generate output signals, allowing for precise control of electrical loads and providing visual feedback through a light bar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mechanical toggle switches are used for load control, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the control capability is limited and cannot manage multiple parameters or loads
Solution Approach 1:
The control device integrates multiple functions including capacitive touch sensing, visual feedback display, and multi-parameter control capabilities into a single device, allowing it to control various electrical loads (lighting, HVAC, audio systems) with advanced features through a unified interface
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional actuation mechanisms are used, then the device is simple to operate, but the number and types of control functions are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuation mechanisms with capacitive touch sensing technology, enabling detection of human gestures and translation into control data, thereby expanding control functionality while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive touch interfaces
3Loss of information
If traditional load control devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but visual feedback capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The control device incorporates visual feedback mechanisms that provide real-time information to users about device operation and electrical load states, enabling users to see the current state and mode of the control device and navigate through various functionalities
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
Enables users to control multiple electrical loads with advanced features like lighting intensity and color adjustment, and provides visual feedback for improved usability and aesthetic appeal, enhancing the user experience.
Implementation Method 1
an actuation member having a front surface defining a touch sensitive surface (e.g., a capacitive touch surface) configured to detect a point actuation along at least a portion of the front surface
Data Source
AI summary
A control device configured for use in a load control system to control one or more electrical loads may comprise an actuation member having a front surface defining a touch sensitive surface configured to detect a point actuation along at least a portion of the front surface, a touch sensitive circuit, and a control circuit. The touch sensitive device may comprise one or more receiving capacitive touch pads located behind the actuation member and arranged in a linear array adjacent to the touch sensitive surface. The control circuit may be configured to operate using different filtering techniques based on the state/mode of the control device and/or based on whether the positions of point actuations by a user along the touch sensitive surface indicate a fine tune or gross adjustment by the user. For example, the control circuit may generate an output signal using light/no filtering or using heavy filtering.