Key Card Slot Light Guide for Uniform Insertion Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional key card switches face issues with light dispersion due to the standard card width and CEE60 centerplate width, leading to complex manufacturing processes and inefficient light distribution, which complicates card insertion in the dark.
Innovation Solution
A key card switching apparatus with a support member molded in grey or black, disposed along the inner surface of the centreplate, guides light emission towards the card insertion slot, preventing light leakage through connection clearances and ensuring homogeneous light dispersion only through the card insertion slot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the gate frame is formed of transparent material to transmit light, then light can be emitted from the light source part toward the light guide member, but light dispersion through the outer contour of the centerplate wall occurs due to part clearances, less thickness and cut-outs, resulting in non-homogenous light dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide member is introduced as an intermediary component between the light source and the card insertion slot. This light guide member is configured to direct and control light propagation, ensuring homogeneous illumination through the centerplate while preventing light leakage through connection clearances and cut-outs. The light guide member acts as a mediator that transforms the light distribution pattern from non-uniform to uniform.
2Ease of operation
If the LED light source is placed close to the cut out portion of the centerplate, then card insertion indication can be provided, but the position of the LED cannot be changed for numerous cases and light does not disperse properly through the cut out
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into separate functional components: the LED light source, the light guide member, and the centerplate with cut-out. This segmentation allows the LED to be positioned optimally for light generation while the light guide member handles light distribution. The light guide member is specifically designed to channel light from the LED source through the centerplate cut-out, providing adaptability for different installation scenarios without requiring LED repositioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard card width and CEE60 centerplate width are used, then compatibility is maintained, but complex manufacturing process is required to guide light emission
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide member is designed as a universal component that can be integrated with standard CEE60 centerplates of various dimensions. It performs multiple functions: guiding light from the LED source, controlling light dispersion through the centerplate cut-out, and preventing light leakage through connection clearances. This multi-functional design maintains compatibility with standard card widths and centerplate dimensions while simplifying the manufacturing process compared to custom light-guiding structures.
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 enhances card insertion visibility in the dark by directing light effectively through the card insertion slot, simplifying the manufacturing process and improving the aesthetic and functional integrity of the key card switching apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide member (114') guiding light emission from the light source (114) towards the card insertion slot (112)
Implementation Method 2
said support member being disposed about an inner surface of said centreplate such that light emitted from said light source is dispersed in a guided manner towards said card insertion slot of said centreplate blocking light rays from passing through any connection clearances
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a key card switching apparatus (100) for detecting insertion of a card (102). The key card switching apparatus (100) comprising: an insert assembly (104) mounted inside a wall box with a light source (114) placed within said insert assembly (104); a cover frame (106) disposed on the insert assembly (104); a centreplate (108) and a support member (110) covering at least said PCB and said light source (114). The support member (110) is disposed about inner surface of said centreplate (108) such that light emitted from said light source (114) is dispersed in a guided manner towards said card insertion slot (112) of said centreplate (108) preventing light rays from passing dispersing through any other opening of said key card switching apparatus (100).