Key Assembly Light Guiding Sheet Uniform Illumination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key assemblies for mobile terminals suffer from non-uniform light distribution and increased power consumption due to the distance between LEDs and key buttons, requiring a large number of LEDs and complex processing operations.
Innovation Solution
A key assembly with a light guiding sheet positioned below the key buttons, directing light from a single light emitter to all buttons, and a reflective layer to redirect light, reducing the number of optical sources and power consumption while maintaining efficient illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple LEDs are used to illuminate key buttons, then illumination intensity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the illumination function into multiple segments: a light guiding plate is segmented with multiple passing holes, each corresponding to a key button, allowing a single LED's light to be distributed to multiple buttons. This segmentation enables one light source to serve multiple purposes, reducing the need for multiple LEDs while maintaining illumination intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guiding plate acts as an intermediary between the LED and the key buttons. It receives light from a single LED and redirects it through passing holes to illuminate multiple key buttons. This intermediary structure allows efficient light distribution without requiring multiple light sources, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining brightness.
2Illumination intensity
If a light guiding plate with passing holes is used, then light distribution is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light guiding plate with the main board structure, integrating the illumination function into the existing keyboard assembly. The light guiding plate is positioned between the LED and the key buttons, merging multiple functions (light guidance, structural support) into a single component. This reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the manufacturing process while achieving uniform light distribution.
3Device complexity
If LEDs are positioned far from key buttons, then device structure is simplified, but illumination effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the light guiding plate between the LED and the key buttons in the thickness direction of the keyboard. This dimensional arrangement allows light to travel through the light guiding plate and reach the buttons effectively, even when the overall structure is compact. The light guiding plate's passing holes are positioned to align with the buttons, ensuring effective illumination without requiring large horizontal distances.
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 provides uniform backlighting for key buttons with reduced power consumption and simplified fabrication, enhancing the usability and efficiency of mobile terminals.
Implementation Method 1
a light guiding sheet directing light from the light emitter towards at least one of the plurality of key buttons
Implementation Method 2
a reflective layer located at a perimeter of the light guiding sheet for redirecting light from the light emitter away from the perimeter
Data Source
AI summary
A key assembly and a mobile terminal having the same. The key assembly includes a plurality of key buttons, a light guiding sheet arranged below at least one of the plurality of key buttons, a light emitter to generate light into an edge of the light guiding sheet, the light guiding sheet directing light from the light emitter towards at least one of the plurality of key buttons, a circuitry supporting substrate formed below the light guiding sheet; and a plurality of switches formed on the circuitry supporting substrate, each of the plurality of switches corresponding to one of the plurality of key buttons. The light guiding sheet overlays an upper portion of each of the plurality of switches.