Illuminated Keyswitch Layout for Uniform Central Backlighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyswitches have limited central space due to support mechanisms and restoring units, leading to non-uniform illumination of keycaps and reduced light intensity, as the illumination light source is often positioned off-center and obstructed by keyswitch components.
Innovation Solution
A keyswitch design featuring a pair of U-shaped frames and elastic members that create an unobstructed inner space, allowing a centrally positioned illumination light source to illuminate the keycap uniformly, with an optical switch and light shield to manage optical signals without interfering with the illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the illumination light source is disposed at the central region of the keyswitch, then the luminous uniformity is improved, but the space for support mechanism and restoring unit is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism is divided into a pair of frames that are rotatably coupled to each other, creating separate functional zones. The restoring unit is positioned at the periphery rather than the center, allowing the central region to be dedicated to the illumination light source while maintaining structural support functions through the segmented frame configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The pair of frames is rotatably coupled to each other, introducing rotational movement as a new dimension. This allows the frames to move from a static planar configuration to a three-dimensional configuration during keycap actuation, creating space for the central illumination source while preserving the support and restoring functions through rotational motion rather than linear displacement.
2Volume of stationary object
If the illumination light source is disposed at a position deviating from the central region, then the space for support mechanism and restoring unit is sufficient, but the luminous uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism is segmented into a pair of frames that can be positioned at periphery locations, freeing the central region for the illumination light source. The segmented frame structure provides sufficient space for both the support mechanism and restoring unit while maintaining central illumination capability.
3Strength
If keyswitch components (support mechanism, restoring unit) are present in the central region, then the structural support function is maintained, but the illumination light intensity is attenuated
Solution Approach 1:
The restoring unit is extracted from the central region and positioned at the periphery of the keyswitch. The support mechanism is reconfigured as a pair of rotatably coupled frames that provide structural support without occupying the central illumination zone. This extraction of non-illumination components from the central region eliminates light attenuation while preserving structural support functions.
4Volume of stationary object
If the pair of frames is rotatably coupled to each other, then the central space is unobstructed for illumination, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support function and the space-creating function are merged into a single rotatable frame mechanism. The pair of frames, when rotatably coupled, simultaneously provide structural support for the keycap and create an unobstructed central space for the illumination light source. This merging eliminates the need for separate support structures that would obstruct the central region.
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminated keyswitch includes a keycap, a pair of frames adapted to support the keycap in an up-down movement, the pair of frames disposed corresponding to each other and substantially rotatably coupled to each other to define an inner space under the keycap, a pair of elastic members connecting the pair of frames to be located at two opposite sides of the inner space, respectively, and an illumination light source disposed between the pair of elastic members in the inner space and adapted to provide an illumination light. During the up-down movement of the keycap, a vertical projection of the pair of frames surrounds the inner space without interfering therewith, so the illumination light passes the inner space to illuminate the keycap.