Flat Panel Keyboard Illumination via Tilted Light Source Refraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illumination structures for portable computers with flat design displays lack effective solutions for providing uniform illumination to the keyboard area, as traditional methods require additional parts and openings, and light guide configurations are not suitable for flat surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An illumination structure using a flat optically-transparent panel and a light guide with a light source positioned at a tilt angle to refract light rays, emitting them at large refraction angles for uniform illumination, while minimizing glare and optical transmittance variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a traditional LED holder with spring structure is used to provide illumination, then the illumination function is achieved, but the number of parts increases and an opening is formed on the front surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the illumination function directly into the flat optically-transparent panel by embedding a light guide within the panel structure. This eliminates the need for separate LED holders, spring structures, and mounting mechanisms, thereby reducing the number of parts while maintaining the illumination function.
Solution Approach 2:
The flat optically-transparent panel serves multiple functions: it acts as the display surface, the structural element of the portable computer, and the illumination device. By integrating these functions into a single component, the patent avoids adding extra parts for illumination.
2Illumination intensity
If a light guide plate with multiple reflections is used, then light can be directed, but the light guide plate requires a long length and large output angles that are not suitable for flat design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific light-emitting regions within the flat optically-transparent panel. Instead of using a long light guide plate with uniform multiple reflections, the invention uses localized light guides or light-emitting portions embedded in the panel to provide illumination at specific areas, particularly suited for flat design portable computers.
3Shape
If the flat optically-transparent panel is used for illumination, then the flat design is maintained, but optical transmittance variations and glare may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by carefully controlling the refractive indices of materials, the tilt angle of the light guide, and the positioning of the light source. These parameter optimizations ensure that light rays are refracted at appropriate angles to achieve uniform illuminance while minimizing glare and maintaining the flat surface design.
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 achieves uniform illuminance on the keyboard surface, compensating for optical transmittance reductions and avoiding the need for complex part configurations or surface openings, making it suitable for portable computer keyboards.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide, and a flat optically-transparent panel structure, wherein the light source is positioned to provide light rays to the flat optically-transparent panel structure such that the light rays are refracted and emit from the flat optically-transparent panel structure onto a surface of the lower housing
Data Source
AI summary
Described is an illumination structure suitable for a keyboard light of a portable computer. An example illumination structure includes a transparent acrylic board, a light source, and a light guide. The acrylic board may have a front surface and a rear surface, each of which is flat. The light source is provided at a tilt angle q at which an optical axis is almost at a critical angle with respect to the rear surface of the acrylic board. The light guide is located between the light source and the rear surface. Further, light rays radiated from the light source are refracted by the light guide and the optically-transparent panel, and travel towards the front surface, so as to illuminate the surface.