Dual-Casing Switch Module for IR Sensing and Visible Light Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of elements with different attributes, such as infrared light transmission and opacity, on the outer casing of electronic devices poses challenges in achieving lightweight, slim, and aesthetically pleasing designs, as existing solutions often require separate components that cannot be easily integrated.
Innovation Solution
A switch module with a circuit board, infrared light receiver, light emitting unit, and a cover formed from two different materials via a double injection process, where the first casing shields the infrared light receiver and the second casing, with higher transparency, allows for the integration of infrared light reception and visible light emission functions while maintaining the desired design aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If elements with different attributes (photo transmission and opacity) are integrated on the outer casing, then device complexity is reduced and aesthetics are improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases due to conflicting material requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The outer casing is segmented into multiple layers with different transparency characteristics. The first outer casing layer is opaque for aesthetic elements, while the second outer casing layer is transparent for infrared transmission, allowing each layer to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other
Solution Approach 2:
The outer casing uses composite material structure combining opaque and transparent layers. This allows different regions of the casing to have different optical properties, enabling integration of both aesthetic opaque elements and functional transparent elements in a single manufactured component
2Illumination intensity
If the cover is made transparent to allow visible light emission, then indicator function is improved, but infrared light reception is compromised due to shielding requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into different transparency zones: a first cover portion that is opaque for shielding the infrared receiver, and a second cover portion that is transparent for allowing visible light from the indicator to pass through, enabling both functions simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the cover have different optical properties tailored to their specific functions. The shielding portion is made opaque to protect the infrared receiver, while the indicator portion is made transparent to allow light emission, with each portion's material property optimized for its local requirement
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
Enables the integration of multiple functions within a single module, allowing for infrared light reception, button functionality, and visible light indication, while maintaining the desired design attributes of lightweight, slimness, and aesthetics in electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first material including an infrared light transmissible material
Implementation Method 2
The transparency of the second casing is larger than that of the first casing. The second casing receives the visible light and then the visible light is emitted to the outside of the second casing
Data Source
AI summary
A switch module, an electronic device using the same and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The switch module includes a circuit board, an infrared (IR) light receiver, at least one light emitting unit and a cover. The IR light receiver is disposed on the circuit board for receiving an infrared light. The light emitting unit is disposed on the circuit board for emitting a visible light. The cover includes a first casing and a second casing, and covers the IR light receiver. The first casing shields the IR light receiver. The second casing is connected to the second casing. The transparency of the second casing is larger than that of the first casing. The second casing receives the visible light and then the visible light is emitted to the outside of the second casing.