Illuminated Knob Module With Annular Light Guide Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional knob switches lack a light emitting function, making them inconvenient to use in dim environments due to their limited dial structure.
Innovation Solution
A knob module integrating a circuit board with a rotary encoder, a light guide structure, and light emitting units, which includes a light guide ring and annular light guide wall, allowing for light emission towards the rotary encoder, providing illumination and enhancing usability in low-light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a conventional dial structure is used for the knob switch, then the structure is simple and compact, but the light emitting function cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light emitting units with the dial structure by integrating them into the same component body. The light emitting units are positioned within the dial structure, allowing the dial to serve both as a mechanical rotating element and as a housing for light emitting components, thereby providing illumination function while maintaining structural integration
Solution Approach 2:
The dial structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the mechanical rotating element for input operations and simultaneously houses the light emitting units to provide illumination. This multi-functional design allows a single component to fulfill both mechanical operation and lighting requirements
2Illumination intensity
If light emitting elements are integrated into the knob, then the light emitting function is provided, but the space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitting units are nested within the dial structure by positioning them in the central region surrounded by the dial blades. This nesting arrangement allows the light emitting components to be housed within the existing dial footprint, utilizing the internal space of the dial structure rather than requiring additional external space
3Illumination intensity
If light emitting units are placed around the rotary encoder, then the light guide structure can be optimized, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide structure is designed with differentiated local properties: the central region contains the light emitting units while the peripheral region features the dial blades. The light guide wall specifically positioned between these regions creates localized light guiding pathways that optimize illumination efficiency for each functional zone without requiring high precision across the entire component
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 integration of light emitting elements into the knob module addresses the inconvenience of using knob switches in dim places, while maintaining a compact size suitable for portable electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of light emitting units is disposed on the circuit board and located between the annular light guide wall and the rotary encoder for emitting light toward the annular light guide wall
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device and a knob module thereof are provided. The knob module includes a circuit board, a rotary encoder, a light guide structure, a plurality of light emitting units, and a rotation cover. The rotary encoder is disposed on the circuit board. The light guide structure is disposed on the circuit board. The light guide structure includes a light guide ring and an annular light guide wall. The light guide ring surrounds the rotary encoder. The annular light guide wall extends downward from the light guide ring to abut against the circuit board. The plurality of light emitting units is disposed on the circuit board and located between the annular light guide wall and the rotary encoder for emitting light toward the annular light guide wall. The rotation cover is disposed on the rotary encoder.