Backlit Key Structure With Opaque Elastic Light Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional luminous keys with multiple light-emitting elements suffer from interference of light beams, leading to unsatisfactory area-based lighting effects due to limited space and complex structures.
Innovation Solution
A key structure with a keycap, backlight module, and an elastic element made of opaque material, where the light-emitting elements are misaligned with light-transmissible areas, and the elastic element is positioned to block light interference, allowing for area-based lighting without additional structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light-emitting elements are arranged on the keycap to provide dual functions, then the functionality of the luminous key is improved, but the light beams interfere with each other causing unsatisfactory area-based lighting effect
Solution Approach 1:
A light separating plate is introduced as an intermediary component between multiple light-emitting elements. This plate divides the internal cavity into multiple regions, with each region containing one light-emitting element. The separating plate prevents light beams from different elements from interfering with each other, thereby maintaining good area-based lighting effects while supporting multiple functions on a single keycap.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light-emitting elements are arranged on the keycap, then dual functions are achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The light separating plate is integrated with the keycap structure itself, forming a unified component. The plate is arranged within the internal cavity of the keycap and works together with the bottom plate to create distinct light regions. This merging approach avoids adding separate complex structures while still achieving the function of separating light beams and supporting multiple light-emitting elements.
3Illumination intensity
If light-emitting elements are misaligned with light-transmissible areas, then area-based lighting is achieved, but additional structures are needed to guide light
Solution Approach 1:
The light separating plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it separates light beams from different light-emitting elements, defines the boundaries of different light regions, and guides light from misaligned light-emitting elements to their corresponding light-transmissible areas. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional separate light-guiding structures.
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 design enhances the concentration of light beams to specific areas, providing a simplified and effective area-based lighting effect, improving the functionality of luminous keys.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic element is made of an opaque material and is arranged between a first light propagation path of the first light-emitting element and the first light-transmissible area
Implementation Method 2
The backlight module includes a first light-emitting element
Implementation Method 3
The keycap is permitted to be elastically restored to an original position through the elastic element
Data Source
AI summary
A key structure includes a keycap, a backlight module and an elastic element. The keycap includes a first light-transmissible area. The backlight module is located under the keycap. In addition, the backlight module includes a first light-emitting element. The first light-emitting element is misaligned with the first light-transmissible area. The elastic element is arranged between a first light propagation path of the first light-emitting element and the first light-transmissible area. The keycap is permitted to be elastically restored to an original position through the elastic element, and the elastic element is made of an opaque material.