Illuminated Keyswitch Backlit Module for Uniform Light Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current illuminated keyswitch structures face issues with uneven lighting and luminance uniformity due to light leakage through heat dissipation or structural holes, making it difficult to recognize keycap characters and boundaries effectively.
Innovation Solution
A designed glue distribution and coating pattern are used to guide light along the transverse direction, recycle light during propagation, and prevent leakage, incorporating a mask film with reflective and light-blocking coatings, and a light guide sheet with light-exit portions to enhance luminance uniformity and brightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a dedicated light source is equipped under the baseplate to emit light upward, then the brightness of the illuminated keyswitch is increased, but the lighting becomes uneven with the center character too bright and corner characters too dark
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing a non-uniform glue distribution pattern where the adhesive layer has different thicknesses or densities in different regions. Specifically, the glue is distributed more sparsely in the central region and more densely in the peripheral regions, creating localized optical properties that compensate for the natural light intensity gradient from the central light source.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive layer serves as an intermediary element between the light source and the keycap. By controlling the glue distribution, it mediates the light transmission to achieve uniform illumination. The glue layer acts as a light diffusion medium that redistributes the light from the central source to create even lighting across the entire keycap surface.
2Temperature
If heat dissipation holes or structural holes are formed in the baseplate, then heat dissipation and positioning are improved, but light leakage occurs at these hole locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of holes (which cause light leakage) into a beneficial feature by strategically positioning and sizing these holes. The holes are placed in regions where they provide necessary heat dissipation and structural functions while the surrounding glue distribution and optical film design ensure that light is effectively redirected or blocked, turning potential defects into functional advantages.
3Loss of information
If the keycap outline halo function is implemented, then keycap boundary recognition is improved, but the halo becomes uneven or too dark making characters and boundaries difficult to recognize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances keycap boundary recognition by implementing localized optical enhancements at the periphery. The glue distribution is optimized in the peripheral regions to create a brighter and more uniform halo effect around the keycap outline. This local optimization ensures that the boundary is clearly visible without compromising the overall luminance uniformity of the keycap surface.
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 effectively addresses the issue of uneven lighting and light leakage, achieving improved luminance uniformity and brightness across the keycap, ensuring consistent recognition of keycap characters and boundaries.
Implementation Method 1
a mask film having a first coating configured to substantially reflect a light
Implementation Method 2
a second coating configured to substantially block the light
Implementation Method 3
a light guide sheet disposed at one side of the mask film... configured to guide the light along the transverse (horizontal) direction
Data Source
AI summary
A backlit-module-embedded illuminated keyswitch structure includes a baseplate, a mask film disposed below the baseplate and having a first coating configured to substantially reflect a light, a light guide sheet disposed at one side of the mask film and having a light source hole, a reflective layer disposed at one side of the light guide sheet opposite to the mask film and having an opening communicating with the light source hole, a top glue configured to connect the mask film and the light guide sheet around the light source hole, and a bottom glue configured to connect the light guide sheet and the reflective layer around the light source hole. The first coating covers the light source hole. In a stacked direction of the mask film, the light guide sheet, and the reflective layer, at least one of the top glue and the bottom glue overlaps the first coating.