Vacuum Regulator Push Button Visual Status Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum regulators, including those marketed by Lagoon, suffer from ambiguous visual indicators that can confuse users about the device's on/off status, as the apparent red color may suggest the device is off when it is actually on, leading to uncertainty in operation.
Innovation Solution
The vacuum regulator device incorporates a visual position indicator with distinct information carriers that move with the push button, providing clear and ergonomic display of the on/off status through distinct colors, symbols, or graphical representations visible on the housing, ensuring users can quickly identify the operational mode without ambiguity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If color-coded ends on the push button are used to indicate on/off status, then visual indication is provided, but user confusion occurs when the apparent red color suggests the device is off when it is actually on
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator is segmented into a movable information carrier attached to the push button and a stationary window on the housing. The information carrier displays different information (first information vs. second information) depending on the button position, with only the relevant information visible through the window at any given time. This segmentation allows clear distinction between on and off states without ambiguity.
Solution Approach 2:
The window acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the information carrier and the user. It selectively reveals only the relevant information based on button position, preventing the user from seeing conflicting or ambiguous indicators simultaneously. This intermediary mechanism ensures that only one piece of information is visible at a time, eliminating confusion.
2Device complexity
If the push button has ends protruding from opposite sides of the housing, then the device structure is simplified, but the visual indication of operational mode becomes less intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The information carrier uses color changes (or other visual characteristics like symbols or text) to indicate the operational mode. When the push button is in the on position, the information carrier displays a first color or symbol visible through the window; when in the off position, it displays a different color or symbol. This visual differentiation makes the operational mode intuitive and easily identifiable.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a temporal dimension to the visual indication by using an animated or movable information carrier that transitions between different states as the button is pressed. This dynamic element provides clear visual feedback about the current operational mode, making it intuitive despite the simple two-sided button structure.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
Vacuum regulating device comprising a housing equipped with a vacuum level adjustment element (6) actuated by a selection element (7), the device further comprising a switch (8, 15) for controlling the on or off of the device via an isolation valve (15) located on the circuit (3), the switch comprising a manually actuable push button (8), the push button (8) being movable in two opposite directions between two positions corresponding respectively to the on and off positions, a first end (18) of the push button (8) protruding from the housing (2) in the off position while a second end (28) of the push button (8) protrudes from the housing (2) in the on position,the device further comprising a visual indicator (9) of the on or off position of the push button (8) characterized in that the visual indicator (9) comprises an information support (19) separate from the first (18) and second ends (28) of the push button (8), the information support (9) actuated by movement with the push button (8) and highlighting respectively a first piece of information (M) or a second piece of information (A) depending on whether the push button (8) is in the on or off position.