Input Device Base Plate Extension for Light Leakage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Illuminated keyboards experience light leakage at the configuration position of the pointing unit due to the openings required for the pointing component, which affects the overall light distribution and usability in low-light environments.
Innovation Solution
The input device incorporates a base plate with a first extension portion that extends towards the light-emitting member, forming a barrier to cover the sidewall opening and prevent light leakage, while the second extension portion is designed to minimize peripheral light leakage, using a light-shielding layer and a reflecting layer to enhance light distribution and reduce unwanted illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an opening is provided at the pointing unit position to enable pointing component installation, then the pointing unit can be integrated into the keyboard, but light leakage occurs from the backlight module
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate includes a first extension portion that extends downward from the main body toward the light-emitting member, creating a vertical barrier structure. This extension portion fills the opening from a different dimensional perspective (vertical depth), blocking light leakage paths while preserving the pointing unit's horizontal positioning and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The first extension portion of the base plate acts as an intermediary light-shielding structure between the light-emitting member and the external environment. It specifically blocks light leakage at the pointing unit opening without interfering with the pointing unit's operation or the overall keyboard illumination.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the first extension portion extends toward the light-emitting member to block light leakage, then light leakage is reduced, but the extension portion may interfere with the pointing unit operation
Solution Approach 1:
The first extension portion is specifically positioned and dimensioned to provide light shielding only at the critical opening area where the pointing unit is installed. The extension does not protrude into the pointing unit's operational space, ensuring that light leakage is blocked while pointing operations remain unaffected.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the bottom surface of the first extension portion is level with or protrudes from the light-emitting member, then light leakage is effectively blocked, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first extension portion is integrally formed with the base plate as a single piece, eliminating the need for separate light-shielding components. This merging of functions (structural support + light shielding) simplifies the overall structure and assembly process while effectively preventing light leakage.
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 configuration effectively mitigates light leakage, ensuring uniform illumination and improved usability by maintaining light within the keyboard, even in environments with insufficient ambient light.
Implementation Method 1
The light-emitting member includes a light-shielding layer and a reflecting layer
Implementation Method 2
The light-emitting member includes a light-shielding layer and a reflecting layer
Data Source
AI summary
An input device includes button structures, a light-emitting member, a base plate and a pointing unit. The light-emitting member is disposed under the button structures. The base plate is disposed between the plurality of button structures and the light-emitting member, wherein the base plate has a body and a first extension portion, and the first extension portion extends from the body toward the light-emitting member. The pointing unit is disposed between the at least two button structures corresponding to the first extension portion, wherein a bottom surface of the first extension portion is level with or protrudes from a bottom surface of the light-emitting member.