Composite Keyboard Backlight Structure for Strength and Light Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backlight modules for light-emitting keyboards lack structural strength and uniform lighting effects, which are essential for aesthetic and functional improvements.
Innovation Solution
A backlight module design featuring a composite light-emitting layer with a substrate, conductive layer, reflective layer, and light sources, where the conductive layer includes patterned structures that enhance structural strength and form micro structures for uniform lighting, integrated with a light guide plate and light-shielding layer to provide directional and uniform illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional backlight module is used, then the keyboard can provide basic lighting, but the structural strength is insufficient and the lighting uniformity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite material principles by integrating multiple functional layers (conductive layer with patterned structures, reflective layer, light guide plate) into a unified backlight module structure. The conductive layer combines structural support function with electrical conduction function, while the reflective layer and light guide plate work together to achieve uniform light distribution, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and lighting uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The backlight module is segmented into distinct functional layers: substrate layer, conductive layer with patterned structures, reflective layer, and light guide plate. Each layer performs specific functions and can be optimized independently, allowing the structure to achieve both mechanical strength through the substrate and uniform lighting through the coordinated action of the other layers.
2Strength
If the conductive layer includes patterned structures to enhance structural strength, then structural strength is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the conductive layer: it provides structural support through patterned structures, conducts electricity for the light sources, and forms micro structures that assist in uniform light distribution. This consolidation reduces the total number of separate components and simplifies the manufacturing process while achieving multiple objectives simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive layer is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support, electrical conduction, and optical function through its patterned structures. This multi-functionality reduces manufacturing complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
3Illumination intensity
If the reflective layer is conformally disposed on the conductive layer to form micro structures, then lighting uniformity is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive layer with its patterned structures is formed first, creating a pre-configured template that guides the subsequent conformal deposition of the reflective layer. This preliminary structuring ensures that the reflective layer automatically forms the desired micro structures during deposition, reducing the precision requirements for the deposition process itself while achieving uniform lighting.
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 improved structural strength and uniform lighting effects, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and usability of light-emitting keyboards by ensuring consistent and efficient backlighting across the keyboard.
Implementation Method 1
The reflective layer is conformally disposed on the conductive layer
Data Source
AI summary
A light-emitting keyboard includes a bracket, at least one keycap, a circuit layer and a composite light-emitting layer. The at least one keycap is disposed on the bracket and connected to the bracket via a support assembly. The circuit layer is disposed between the keycap and the bracket. The composite light-emitting layer is disposed under the bracket, and includes a substrate, a conductive layer, a reflective layer and at least one light source. The conductive layer is disposed on the substrate and includes a circuit and patterned structures. The reflective layer is conformally disposed on the conductive layer. The at least one light source is located under the at least one keycap and electrically connected to the circuit, and light emitted from the light source is transmitted upwardly to the keycap.