Illuminated Input Member Edge Structure for Better Light Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing game control input devices face challenges in enhancing the conspicuity of light emitting surfaces, which can be hard to see or inconspicuous depending on the device's posture, affecting user interaction and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
The input device incorporates a light diffusing member with a light emitting surface positioned along the outer edge of the input member, exposed in a gap between the exterior member's inner edge and the input member's outer edge, and below the peripheral portion, enhancing visibility without altering the gap between these edges, and features a design that recesses the cover to conceal screws, improving appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the light emitting surface is positioned only on the outer edge of the input member, then the design freedom is enhanced, but the conspicuity of the light emitting surface deteriorates when the device is in certain postures
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitting surface is extended from a two-dimensional outer edge to a three-dimensional structure that includes both the outer edge region and the inner region below the peripheral portion. This dimensional extension ensures the light emitting surface remains visible across various device postures by utilizing vertical space rather than only horizontal positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The light diffusing member is positioned within the opening of the exterior member, with the light emitting surface utilizing both the gap region and the space below the peripheral portion of the input member. This nested arrangement allows the light emitting surface to occupy multiple spatial zones simultaneously, enhancing visibility while maintaining design flexibility.
2Illumination intensity
If the gap between the outer edge of the input member and the inner edge of the opening is enlarged to improve light visibility, then the conspicuity of the light emitting surface is enhanced, but the structural integrity and appearance of the device deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of enlarging the horizontal gap, the light emitting surface extends vertically below the peripheral portion of the input member. This vertical extension increases light visibility without compromising the horizontal structural integrity and appearance of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The light diffusing member is strategically positioned to utilize the existing gap region while also extending into the space below the peripheral portion. This localized optimization enhances light visibility in critical areas without requiring uniform enlargement of the gap throughout the structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If screws are exposed for structural attachment, then the assembly process is simplified, but the appearance of the device deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The exterior member acts as an intermediary component that provides both structural attachment functionality and aesthetic coverage. The opening in the exterior member allows the light diffusing member to be positioned and attached, while the exterior member itself conceals any attachment screws, thus maintaining both ease of manufacture and appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The exterior member functions as a flexible shell structure with an opening that can accommodate the light diffusing member. This shell structure allows for hidden fastening mechanisms while maintaining a clean, streamlined appearance on the device exterior.
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 solution enhances the conspicuity of the light emitting surface, improving user interaction and aesthetics by ensuring the light is more visible across various postures and reduces the number of visible parts, creating a more streamlined appearance.
Implementation Method 1
an input device including an exterior member having an opening formed therein, an input member that has an upper surface to be touched by a user with a finger and that is disposed inside the opening, and a light diffusing member having a light emitting surface located along an outer edge of the input member
Data Source
AI summary
The conspicuity of a light emitting surface provided along an outer edge of an input member is enhanced. An input device (10) includes an upper cabinet section (41) having an opening formed therein, an input member (20) that has an upper surface to be touched by a user with a finger and that is disposed inside the opening, and a light diffusing member (71) having a light emitting surface (E2) located along an outer edge of the input member (20). The light emitting surface (E2) has a first region (71g) exposed in a gap between an inner edge of the opening of the upper cabinet section (41) and an outer edge of the input member (20) and a second region (71h) positioned on an inner side of the outer edge of the input member (20) and below a peripheral portion (21a) of the input member (20).