Wireless Stack Light Modules Eliminate Signal Wiring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional stack lights face complexity in wiring and restricted communication functionality, limiting their modularity and effectiveness in indicating the status of monitored apparatus.

Innovation Solution

A stack light with wireless communication capabilities between modules, allowing for wireless communication between a base module and signaling modules, enabling enhanced modularity, programmability, and flexibility in communication protocols, including Bluetooth and industrial standards, for improved communication and diagnostic functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional wired communication is used between modules, then electrical connection is established, but wiring complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired communication system with a wireless communication system. Each module is equipped with a wireless communication device that enables data exchange without physical signal wires, thereby eliminating wiring complexity while maintaining communication reliability between the base module and signaling modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If modular design is implemented, then functionality is enhanced, but communication functionality is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemodularityVSAvoidcommunication functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universal wireless communication capability across all modules. The base module and signaling modules all possess wireless communication functionality, enabling them to communicate with each other and with external devices independently. This multi-functional design enhances modularity while expanding communication capabilities rather than restricting them.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If wireless communication is implemented between modules, then signal wires are eliminated, but communication protocol complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidcommunication protocol
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication functionality into standardized wireless communication devices integrated in each module. By dividing the communication task into independent, standardized components with predefined protocols, the system achieves ease of assembly through modular integration while managing protocol complexity through standardization at the component level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3633639B1A stack light for indicating a status of an apparatus to be monitored
Publication Date: 2022.07.27 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD
  • EP3633639B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3633639B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3633639B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention pertains to a stack light (1) for indicating a status of an apparatus (8) to be monitored. The stack light (1) comprises at least two modules (2a to 2e, 3), wherein each module (2a to 2e, 3) comprises a wireless communication functionality, and wherein the modules (2a to 2e, 3) are configured to wirelessly communicate with each other.