Instrument Knob Backlight Structure for Dark Environment Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional instruments, such as multimeters and clamp meters, lack a backlight structure for the index dial, making it difficult for operators to use them in dark environments.
Innovation Solution
An instrument knob backlight structure is introduced, comprising a housing with a backlight module that includes a light source component, a light-transmittable element, and a light guide, which emits light to create a uniform backlight on the index dial, allowing operators to clearly see the dial and knob in the dark.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If no backlight structure is added to the instrument, then the structure remains simple, but operators cannot see the index dial clearly in dark environments
Solution Approach 1:
The backlight module is nested within the housing structure, with the light source component, light guide, and light-transmittable element arranged in a compact nested configuration. The light-transmittable element is positioned between the light source and the index dial, allowing the backlight system to be integrated without significantly increasing the overall instrument size or structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A light guide is introduced as an intermediary component between the light source component and the light-transmittable element. The light guide efficiently conducts and distributes light from the LED source to illuminate the index dial uniformly, solving the visibility problem while maintaining a simple structural design through the use of this intermediate optical element.
2Ease of operation
If a backlight module is added inside the housing, then visibility in dark environments is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The light-transmittable element serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural component of the knob assembly, serves as a light guide to distribute illumination, and functions as a backdrop for the index dial markings. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby simplifying the overall structure while improving ease of operation in dark environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the optical parameters of the housing and knob components by incorporating materials with specific light-transmitting properties. The light-transmittable element is made of materials that allow light to pass through while maintaining structural integrity, enabling the backlight function without requiring completely new structural designs.
3Illumination intensity
If the index dial is placed on the light-transmittable element, then uniform backlight is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The backlight system is segmented into distinct functional components: the light source component (LED), the light guide, and the light-transmittable element with index dial. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently before final assembly, reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving uniform backlight illumination through the coordinated arrangement of these segments.
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
Enables the use of instruments in dark environments and enhances their aesthetic appearance by providing clear visibility of the index dial and knob, improving operational convenience.
Implementation Method 1
conducts and irradiates the light ray emitted by the light source component to the light-transmittable element through the light guide
Implementation Method 2
the light ray can pass through the light-transmittable element to generate a uniform backlight at the index dial
Data Source
AI summary
The present application is suitable for the field of instrument, and provides an instrument knob backlight structure and an instrument, wherein the instrument knob backlight structure comprises a housing, a knob provided outside the housing, a index dial provided on the periphery of the knob, and a backlight module mounted inside the housing and provided adjacent to the index dial, wherein the backlight module comprises a light source component, a light-transmittable element and a light guide provided between the light source component and the light-transmittable element, and the index dial is provided on the outer surface of the light-transmittable element facing outward of the housing. The present application emits light through the light source component and conducts and irradiates the light ray emitted by the light source component to the light-transmittable element through the light guide, so that the light ray can pass through the light-transmittable element to generate a uniform backlight at the index dial. In this way, operators can clearly see the identification character on the index dial and the directing position of the knob in a dark environment, so that operators can still use the instrument in a dark environment and it is beneficial to improving the aesthetic appearance of the instrument.