Backlighting Assembly with Rigid Light Guide Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keypad assemblies in mobile devices face challenges in providing effective backlighting for keys in dark environments, as traditional light sources require significant space and do not provide adequate structural support, leading to increased thickness and reduced tactile feedback.
Innovation Solution
A keypad assembly incorporating a light guide assembly with a combination of a light guide film and a substantially rigid frame to direct light emitted from a side firing LED source towards the keys, reducing thickness and enhancing structural support while providing uniform backlighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a traditional light source is used for backlighting, then light emission is achieved, but the assembly thickness increases and structural support is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the light source and the keys. This assembly includes a light guide film and a rigid frame that work together to distribute light uniformly across the keypad while reducing the overall thickness compared to traditional direct illumination methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional vertical light emission to side-firing LED configuration. By changing the dimensional orientation of light emission from top-down to lateral, the design achieves effective backlighting with reduced thickness in the vertical dimension
2Illumination intensity
If a traditional light source is used for backlighting, then light emission is achieved, but structural support capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide assembly merges two functions into a single integrated structure: light distribution and structural support. The rigid frame within the assembly provides structural reinforcement to the keypad while simultaneously serving as a light guide to distribute illumination uniformly across the keys
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid frame in the light guide assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural support element to maintain keypad integrity, functions as a light guide to distribute light uniformly, and provides mounting structure for the light source. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate structural support components
3Length of moving object
If a side firing LED is used with light guide assembly, then thickness is reduced and structural support is improved, but light distribution uniformity must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide assembly employs local quality variations through its structured design. The rigid frame is positioned and dimensioned to create specific light distribution zones that ensure uniform illumination across different areas of the keypad, compensating for the directional nature of side-firing LEDs
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 enables efficient light distribution to keys, reducing the keypad assembly's thickness and improving tactile feedback by using a side firing LED with a light guide film and frame, which directs light effectively and provides structural support to the keypad.
Implementation Method 1
at least one side firing light emitting source configured to emit light; and a light guide assembly configured to receive the emitted light and direct the light toward the at least one key
Data Source
AI summary
A backlighting assembly for use in a keypad assembly. The backlighting assembly includes at least one light emitting source configured to emit light; and a light guide assembly configured to receive the emitted light and direct the light toward the at least one key. The light guide assembly includes both a light guide film and a substantially rigid frame to guide light and to provide structural support.