Dual-Sided Illumination Board Wiring to Prevent False Light Indication

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Solution Overview

Problem

In illumination devices with light sources on opposite faces of a transparent insulator board, light from one side can pass through and mislead users into thinking the light source on the opposite side is turned on, even if it is not.

Innovation Solution

The illumination device incorporates first and second wiring patterns on each face of the board, respectively, to block light from one source from reaching the opposite side, ensuring that each light source's status is accurately recognizable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If light sources are arranged on two opposite faces of a transparent board, then the illumination device can provide both illumination and indicator functions, but light from one source may pass through the board and cause user misrecognition of the other light source's status

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidlight source status recognition
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

A light blocking member is introduced as an intermediary element between the first and second light sources. This member selectively blocks light from the first light source from reaching the second face of the board, preventing false illumination that would mislead users about the indicator light's status. The light blocking member acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between having both light sources on opposite faces and maintaining accurate status recognition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If a light blocking member is added to prevent light from passing through the board, then user recognition of light source status is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight source status recognitionVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light blocking member is implemented as a thin film or sheet that can be integrated into the board structure. This approach minimizes the added complexity by using a flexible, thin element rather than a bulky component. The light blocking member can be positioned between the board and the first light source, effectively blocking light without significantly increasing the overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Illumination intensity

If the board is made transparent for light to allow illumination function, then illumination effectiveness is improved, but light from one source passes through to the opposite side causing misrecognition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination effectivenessVSAvoidlight source status recognition
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The light blocking property is applied locally rather than globally to the entire board. The light blocking member is positioned specifically between the first light source and the second face of the board, creating a localized light-blocking zone. This allows the board to remain transparent overall for effective illumination, while selectively blocking light only in the specific region where it would cause misrecognition of the indicator light status.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4482264B1Illumination device
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 YAZAKI CORP
  • EP4482264B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4482264B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4482264B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An illumination device includes: a board having a first face and a second face opposite to the first face; a first light source disposed on the first face; a second light source disposed on the second face; and a second wiring pattern disposed on the second face, wherein the second wiring pattern is disposed so as to cover a region on the second face, the region on the second face opposed to a region on the first face with the first light source disposed therein.