Illuminated Key Module Uniform Backlighting via Translucent Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyboard key modules often fail to provide uniform backlighting for key symbols, leading to uneven illumination, which can be a problem in gaming environments where key feel and recognition are crucial for fast-paced games.
Innovation Solution
A key module design featuring a module base with a through-hole and a translucent module cover aligned with a color-changeable light source, such as an RGB LED, to achieve uniform backlighting of key symbols without additional light conducting channels, allowing for even illumination and reduced manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple LEDs and light conducting channels are used to illuminate key symbols, then the illumination coverage is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source, light conducting channel, and diffusing plate into an integrated assembly unit that is pre-assembled and then installed as a single component into the keyboard housing. This merging of functions into one modular unit reduces the overall number of separate parts, simplifies manufacturing procedures, and eliminates the need for complex alignment processes during final assembly, while still achieving uniform backlighting across all key symbols
Solution Approach 2:
The light conducting channel is designed with a diffusing plate integrated into it, creating a multi-functional component that both guides light from the LEDs and distributes it uniformly across the keycap area. This universal design allows a single component to perform multiple functions (light guidance + light diffusion), reducing the total component count and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining effective illumination
2Illumination intensity
If multiple LEDs are used for background illumination, then the illumination coverage is improved, but the manufacturing cost and equipment burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into distinct functional modules: background illumination LEDs positioned at the rear, key symbol illumination LEDs positioned above the keycaps, and a separate light conducting channel with diffusing plate. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized and manufactured independently using standard SMD LED mounting techniques, simplifying production while achieving comprehensive illumination coverage for both background and key symbols
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
This design ensures consistent and even backlighting of key symbols, enhancing key recognition and feel during gaming, while minimizing production costs and equipment burdens by using a single light source per key module.
Implementation Method 1
a translucent module cover (150) aligned with a color-changeable light source, such as an RGB LED (120), to achieve uniform backlighting of key symbols
Data Source
AI summary
The invention proposes a key module for a key of a keyboard. The key module includes a module base, a module cover that can be coupled with the module base and a key tappet for coupling a keycap that is translucent in at least one symbol section. The module base includes at least one through-hole between a bottom section of the key module and the module cover. The module cover includes a section that is translucent for the light from a light source. The light source is a color-changeable light source for backlighting the symbol section of the keycap. The translucent section of the module cover is aligned with the at least one through-hole when the module cover is coupled to the module base.