Capacitive Touch Load Control with Visual Feedback and Wireless Antenna
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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, which restrict the number and types of controls that can be applied, and lack the capacity to provide visual feedback to users.
Innovation Solution
A control device configured for use in a load control system, featuring an antenna and an actuation member with a capacitive touch surface, a main printed circuit board with a control circuit, a tactile switch, and a controllably conductive device, which allows for advanced control of electrical loads through touch actuations and wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional mechanical toggle switch is used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the control functionality is limited and cannot handle advanced electrical loads
Solution Approach 1:
The control device integrates multiple control mechanisms (capacitive touch surface, tactile switches, rotary dial) into a single device, enabling it to perform various control functions including on/off control, dimming, preset selection, and scene browsing, thereby replacing multiple traditional single-function devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical toggle switches with electronic control circuits that include a microcontroller, capacitive touch sensors, and wireless communication modules, enabling advanced control capabilities while maintaining a compact form factor
2Loss of information
If a traditional load control device is used, then the device is simple to operate, but it cannot provide visual feedback to users
Solution Approach 1:
The control device incorporates visual feedback mechanisms including LED indicators that display the current state of electrical loads, preset selections, and operational modes, allowing users to immediately see the result of their control actions without needing to physically check the load
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses different colored LED indicators to convey different states and information, such as green for on state, red for off state, yellow for preset selection, enabling users to quickly understand device status through color-coded visual feedback
3Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional mechanical switch is used, then the actuation mechanism is simple, but the number and types of controls are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control device divides the control interface into distinct functional zones including a capacitive touch surface for sliding gestures, separate tactile switches for discrete actions, and a rotary dial for parameter adjustment, allowing users to perform different control operations through different input methods
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a rotary dial that can be rotated to different positions and pushed to activate different functions, providing dynamic control options that adapt to user needs, such as rotating to select presets or pushing to activate scenes
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 control device enables advanced control of electrical loads by detecting touch actuations and translating them into control signals, while also providing visual feedback, thereby enhancing user experience and expanding the capabilities of load control systems.
Implementation Method 1
an actuation member having a front surface defining a touch sensitive surface (e.g., capacitive touch surface) configured to detect a touch actuation
Data Source
AI summary
A control device configured for use in a load control system to control one or more electrical loads external to the control device may include an antenna and an actuation member having a front surface defining a touch sensitive surface configured to detect a touch actuation along at least a portion of the front surface. The control device may include a main printed circuit board (PCB) comprising a control circuit, an antenna PCB connected to the main PCB, a tactile switch(es), a controllably conductive device, and a drive circuit operatively coupled to a control input of the controllably conductive device for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive or non-conductive to control the amount of power delivered to the electrical load. The antenna may extend substantially perpendicular from the main PCB through an opening in the yoke and into a cavity defined by the actuation member and the yoke.