Wall-Mountable Timer with Segmented Visual Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wall-mounted electronic timers have user interfaces that are complex, require high cognitive effort, and lack aesthetic appeal, with limited functionality and inconsistent design matching other lighting controls.
Innovation Solution
A wall-mountable load control device featuring a controllably conductive device, a controller, a toggle actuator, and visual indicators that allow for easy selection of timeout periods, animated countdown feedback, and a bypass mode for indefinite power delivery, providing a simple and attractive user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art electronic timers use multiple buttons and visual indicators for timeout selection, then timeout period selection functionality is provided, but user interface complexity and cognitive effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The timer face is segmented into multiple zones with each zone representing a different timeout period (e.g., 5-minute, 15-minute, 30-minute zones). Users simply point the indicator at the desired zone rather than pressing multiple buttons or interpreting complex displays, thus providing timeout selection functionality while maintaining interface simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual analogies and familiar clock-face representations that users already understand from traditional time-telling devices. This copying of familiar interfaces reduces cognitive effort while maintaining full timeout selection capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If prior art electronic timers use multiple buttons and visual indicators, then timeout period selection is enabled, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The timer face is segmented into multiple zones with each zone representing a different timeout period (e.g., 5-minute, 15-minute, 30-minute zones). Users simply point the indicator at the desired zone rather than pressing multiple buttons or interpreting complex displays, thus providing timeout selection functionality while maintaining interface simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a circular clock-face design with curved arcs and radial segments, creating an aesthetically pleasing symmetric appearance. The visual indicator moves along a circular path, and the overall layout follows radial geometry that is both beautiful and functional.
3Adaptability or versatility
If prior art electronic timers use complex button arrangements, then functionality is provided, but consistency with other lighting controls is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The timer uses a universal clock-face language that is already familiar to users from traditional time-telling devices and other lighting controls. The visual indicator system and zone-based selection mirror interfaces used in dimmers and other lighting controls, creating consistency across different control functions while maintaining full timer functionality.
4Reliability
If prior art electronic timers provide basic timeout functionality, then power delivery control is achieved, but user feedback and visual appeal are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates multiple visual feedback mechanisms including LED indicators that show the current timeout period, the remaining time countdown, and the selected zone. The visual indicator itself provides continuous feedback as it moves across the clock face, giving users real-time information about timer status while maintaining reliable power control.
Solution Approach 2:
The timer uses different colored LEDs to indicate various states and timeout periods, providing rich visual feedback. Color changes communicate timer status, selected zones, and countdown progress, enhancing user awareness without compromising the reliability of power delivery control.
Data Source
AI summary
A wall-mountable electrical timer for controlling the delivery of power from an AC power source to an electrical load, such as a lamp or a fan motor, includes: a timer adjustment actuator for selecting a predetermined time period of operation for the load; a toggle actuator for starting the timer, turning off the timer, and placing the timer in a bypass mode of operation; a vertical linear array of light-emitting diode visual indicators for indicating the length of a predetermined time period, the time remaining, and whether the timer is in the bypass mode; a controllably conductive device for regulating the delivery of power from the AC source to the load; and a controller for receiving inputs from the timer adjustment actuator and the toggle actuator, and for transmitting outputs to the visual indicators and the controllably conductive device.