Illuminated Input Member Structure for Multi-Angle Visibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices for video games face challenges in maintaining visibility and aesthetics of light-emitting surfaces, which can be obscured depending on the device's posture.
Innovation Solution
The input device incorporates an exterior member with an opening and an input member featuring a light diffusing surface along its outer edge, enhancing visibility without altering the gap between the input member and the opening, and includes a light diffusing member with specific sound hole designs to reduce noise and improve grip comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the light emitting surface is positioned only at the outer edge of the input member, then the design freedom is enhanced, but the conspicuity of the light emitting surface is reduced when the device is in certain postures
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitting surface is extended from a two-dimensional outer edge to a three-dimensional structure that includes both the outer edge region and an inner region below the peripheral portion. This dimensional extension ensures light visibility from multiple angles and postures, resolving the contradiction between design freedom and conspicuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light diffusing member is positioned within the opening of the exterior member, with the light emitting surface having a first region at the outer edge and a second region nested below the peripheral portion of the input member. This nested arrangement allows the light to be emitted from multiple levels, enhancing conspicuity while maintaining design flexibility.
2Shape
If the gap between the outer edge of the input member and the inner edge of the opening is reduced to maintain a sleek appearance, then the appearance is enhanced, but the conspicuity of the light emitting surface is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By extending the light emitting surface into the second region below the peripheral portion of the input member, the invention compensates for the reduced gap width. The light is emitted from multiple vertical levels, ensuring conspicuity is maintained even when the horizontal gap is minimized for aesthetic purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The light diffusing member is designed with differentiated regions: the first region at the outer edge and the second region below the peripheral portion. This local differentiation allows the light to be emitted from specific strategic positions, enhancing conspicuity without requiring a larger gap, thus maintaining the sleek appearance.
3Illumination intensity
If the light diffusing member extends below the peripheral portion of the input member, then the conspicuity of the light emitting surface is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light diffusing member is integrated with the exterior member and input member as a unified assembly. The light emitting surface is formed as part of the light diffusing member's structure, combining multiple functions (light diffusion, light emission, and structural support) into a single component, thereby reducing overall device complexity while enhancing conspicuity.
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 enhances the conspicuity of light-emitting surfaces and maintains a sleek appearance while reducing noise and improving user comfort through ergonomic design and sound management.
Implementation Method 1
a light diffusing member having a light emitting surface located along an outer edge of the input member. The light emitting surface has a first region exposed in a gap between an inner edge of the opening of the exterior member and an outer edge of the input member and a second region positioned on an inner side of the outer edge of the input member and below a peripheral portion of the input member
Data Source
AI summary
An input device includes an exterior member having an opening formed therein; an input member that has an upper surface to be touched by a user with a finger and that is disposed inside the opening; and a light diffusing member having a light emitting surface located along an outer edge of the input member, where the light emitting surface has a first region exposed in a gap between an inner edge of the opening of the exterior member and an outer edge of the input member and a second region positioned on an inner side of the outer edge of the input member and below a peripheral portion of the input member.