Backlit Metallic Button Veneer With Hidden Support Ribs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Load control devices, such as wall-mounted keypads, face challenges with indicia visibility in low light conditions and wear over time, diminishing their aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A veneer with machined indicia is attached to the buttons, featuring a plate portion and ribs that create an optical illusion to conceal the ribs, combined with backlit buttons to ensure indicia visibility and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If indicia are painted onto the outer surface of buttons, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the indicia wear off over time and are not visible in low light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the indicia from the surface of the button and places them on a separate veneer layer that can be背光 illuminated. This separation allows the indicia to be illuminated from behind the button, making them visible in low light conditions while protecting them from wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional painted indicia on the button surface to three-dimensional indicia on a separate veneer layer that can be illuminated from behind. This dimensional change enables backlighting capability while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the buttons.
2Strength
If ribs are added to the veneer to create structural support, then the structural integrity is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible ribs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the veneer: the front surface maintains a smooth, aesthetically pleasing appearance while the back surface contains the rib structure for structural support. This local differentiation allows both aesthetic and structural requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the rib structure to the back dimension of the veneer, away from the front aesthetic surface. This dimensional separation allows the ribs to provide structural support without being visible from the front, resolving the conflict between strength and appearance.
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 clear indicia visibility in various lighting conditions and maintains aesthetic appeal by concealing ribs, enhancing user experience and device longevity.
Implementation Method 1
The veneer may be configured to be attached to a backlit button of the control device
Implementation Method 2
The one or more ribs may be configured to create an optical illusion that conceals the ribs from view relative to a user of the control device
Data Source
AI summary
A veneer may be configured to be secured to a backlit button of a control device. A plate portion of the veneer may have one or more indicia machined therethrough. The indicia may define an open portion, a floating portion, and one or more ribs that suspend the floating portion. The one or more ribs may be configured to create an optical illusion that conceals the ribs from view relative to a user of the control device. The rib may define an upper surface that is recessed relative to a front surface of the veneer, and may define opposed sides that extend from a base of the rib to the upper surface. The sides may be tapered between the base and the upper surface, such that the upper surface is narrower than the base. The sides and the upper surface of the rib may be unfinished.