Homogeneous Warning Light Surface for Production Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating state warning light devices for production machines, such as signal columns with multiple LEDs or matrix displays, suffer from reduced perceptibility due to complex and dispersed light patterns, which can lead to overlooked warnings, especially in noisy and large production environments.
Innovation Solution
A large-area, homogeneous warning light surface integrated into the machine housing using light-emitting diodes with transparent electrodes, where the electrodes' surfaces correspond to the warning light surface, allowing for improved light penetration and visibility, eliminating the need for separate signal columns and complex activation mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple LEDs are arranged on both sides of a circuit board to create a signal column, then the warning light can display multiple operating states, but the light surface becomes dotted and restless, reducing perceptibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual LED light sources into a single continuous light-emitting panel. Instead of arranging discrete LEDs on a circuit board, the invention uses a continuous luminescent layer that emits light uniformly across the entire surface, eliminating the dotted appearance and creating a homogeneous warning light that is more perceptible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves homogeneity in the light emission by using a continuous luminescent layer between transparent electrodes. This creates a uniform, non-dotted light surface where the entire area emits light evenly, contrasting with the heterogeneous dotted pattern of individual LEDs. The homogeneous light distribution significantly improves perceptibility.
2Loss of information
If a matrix display with numerous luminescent dots is used to show complex information, then multiple operating states can be displayed, but the dotted light surface is disadvantageous for perceiving the optical warning signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the information display function with a homogeneous light emission surface. Instead of using separate luminescent dots arranged in a matrix, the invention uses a continuous luminescent layer that can be selectively activated in different regions while maintaining a uniform appearance. This merging of functions allows complex information display without the perceptibility problems of dotted surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains homogeneity in the light-emitting surface while enabling complex information display. The continuous luminescent layer provides a uniform light distribution across the entire surface, ensuring that warning signals remain highly perceptible even when displaying multiple operating states or complex information patterns.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the warning signal is dispersed across multiple signal columns in large production halls, then multiple machines can be monitored, but the warning signal can be lost or overlooked by personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the warning light function directly into the machine housing structure itself. By integrating the large-area homogeneous warning light panel into the housing, the system creates a prominent, unavoidable visual signal that cannot be easily overlooked. This integration ensures that warning signals remain highly visible even when multiple machines are operating in large production halls.
4Adaptability or versatility
If acoustic warning signals are used in noisy production halls, then additional warning channels are provided, but the acoustic signals are only perceived with difficulty or not heard at all
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the warning function directly into the machine housing structure, creating a prominent visual signal that operates independently of acoustic conditions. By integrating the large-area homogeneous warning light panel into the housing, the system provides a reliable visual warning channel that remains highly perceptible regardless of ambient noise levels in the production environment.
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 solution provides significantly enhanced perceptibility of operating states with larger, more uniform warning lights that are noticeable even in complex machine environments, reducing the likelihood of warnings being overlooked and improving safety through increased visibility and surprise effect.
Implementation Method 1
at least one warning light element, which is implemented as a light-emitting diode and has a warning light surface
Implementation Method 2
the warning light element has at least one luminescent layer, which emits a warning light and is arranged between a first and a second electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A production machine (12) is proposed, in particular a machine tool or the like, having a machine housing (13) for at least partially enclosing the production machine (12) and having an operating state warning light device (1) for the optical display of at least one operating state of the production machine (12), in particular of multiple different operating states, wherein at least one warning light element (1) is provided, which is implemented as a light-emitting diode (1) and has a warning light surface, wherein the warning light element (1) is arranged on a carrier layer, wherein the warning light element (1) has at least one luminescent layer, which emits a warning light and is arranged between a first and a second electrode, in particular a cathode and an anode, wherein better perceptibility is achieved than in the prior art. This is achieved according to the invention in that the machine housing (13) at least comprises the warning light element (1), and in that the electrode surfaces of the electrodes substantially correspond to the warning light surface of the warning light element (1), and in that at least one of the electrodes is light-transmitting and/or transparent.