Illuminated Glass Keycap with Beveled Edges and Diffuser
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for input devices with aesthetically pleasing and durable external surfaces that maintain functionality and durability, especially in thinner and smaller electronic devices where traditional materials may lack structural integrity and durability.
Innovation Solution
The development of illuminated glass keycaps with beveled edges, comprising a transparent glass material such as sapphire or ceramic, featuring a background layer, a glyph diffuser layer, and a light source that can be oriented to transmit light through the keycap for various illumination modes, enhancing both aesthetics and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If keycaps are made thinner to reduce device dimensions, then device thickness is reduced, but structural integrity and durability of keycaps deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite construction with a rigid support structure beneath the keycap surface, combining materials with different properties to achieve both thinness and strength. The support structure provides structural integrity while allowing the keycap surface to remain thin and aesthetically pleasing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces additional structural elements in the vertical dimension, such as support beams, ribs, or layered constructions beneath the keycap surface. This allows the keycap to appear thin from the front while having distributed structural support throughout the thickness to maintain durability.
2Shape
If aesthetically pleasing materials are used for external surfaces, then appearance quality improves, but durability and functionality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the keycap into distinct functional zones: an aesthetic outer surface layer and an underlying structural support layer. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently - the surface for appearance and the support structure for durability and mechanical function.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the keycap structure are given different properties - the outer surface is optimized for aesthetics while specific underlying regions receive enhanced structural reinforcement. This local differentiation allows aesthetic materials to be used where appearance matters while maintaining durability through strategically placed structural elements.
3Strength
If traditional keycap materials are used, then durability is maintained, but device thickness and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the density and structural parameters of the keycap materials, using high-strength, low-density materials that provide equivalent or superior durability to traditional materials while reducing overall weight and thickness.
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 a durable and aesthetically pleasing input device with a low-profile, power-efficient design that maintains structural integrity and functionality, suitable for electronic devices like keyboards and keypads, while offering customizable illumination options.
Implementation Method 1
a light source having an on state and an off state. The light source may be oriented to transmit light through the transparent glass keycap
Implementation Method 2
a glyph diffuser layer that may diffuse light through a glyph window
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminated glass keycap having a glyph diffuser layer that may diffuse light through a glyph window opened in a background layer. The background layer may be opaque and the glyph window may be transparent. The keycap is adhered to a scissor mechanism positioned above electrical switch circuitry. Included within, below, or adjacent to the scissor mechanism may be one or more light sources positioned to emit light through the keycap, around the perimeter of the keycap, and/or through the background layer.