Keyboard Backlight Module Layout for Low-Cost Dynamic Color Effects
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high production costs of illuminated keyboards, particularly gaming keyboards, are attributed to the need for a light source, such as an LED module, for each key structure to achieve diversified color changes.
Innovation Solution
A backlight module design featuring a light guide plate with alternating first and second accommodating portions for first and second light emitting modules, which emit light in different wavelengths and change at predetermined intervals, reducing the number of required modules while achieving diverse color effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If each key structure is equipped with a dedicated LED module to achieve diversified color changes, then the color diversity and visual effect are improved, but the production cost significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single light guide plate that serves multiple functions: it guides light from a limited number of LED modules (e.g., 4-6 modules) to illuminate multiple key structures, and it creates diverse color effects through optical path design. This replaces the conventional approach of requiring one LED module per key, reducing component count while maintaining color diversity capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide plate is segmented into multiple light guiding regions, each corresponding to different key structures. Each region can be independently controlled to display different colors by receiving light from specific LED modules, enabling localized color control without requiring dedicated LEDs for each key.
2Ease of manufacture
If a limited number of light emitting modules are used instead of one per key, then production cost is reduced, but the ability to achieve diversified color changes may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-to-one mapping (one LED per key) to a many-to-many mapping through the light guide plate's optical dimension. The light guide plate distributes light from fewer LEDs across multiple keys, and through wavelength switching, achieves color diversity that would otherwise require many more LED modules. This dimensional transformation in light distribution enables cost reduction without sacrificing color capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through wavelength switching of the LED modules over time. The LED modules can switch between different wavelengths (colors) at predetermined intervals, creating dynamic color effects and marquee-like animations. This temporal dimension of color variation compensates for the reduced spatial distribution of LED modules.
3Adaptability or versatility
If light emitting modules change wavelengths at predetermined intervals, then dynamic color effects and marquee effects are achieved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through control circuits that monitor and adjust the wavelength switching of LED modules. The control system receives signals and automatically adjusts which LED modules emit which wavelengths at what times, enabling complex marquee effects and synchronized color changes across different key regions without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming wavelength switching sequences and patterns in the control system. The control circuits are configured in advance with predetermined wavelength change intervals and patterns, enabling automatic execution of complex color sequences and marquee effects without real-time computational complexity during operation.
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 design allows for reduced production costs by minimizing the number of light emitting modules while maintaining diverse color changes and producing a flickering marquee-like effect and cyclic color changes, enhancing the illuminated keyboard's aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first accommodating portions has a first incident surface facing the first side. Each of the second accommodating portions has a second incident surface facing the second side. The light emitted by the first light emitting modules enters the light guide plate via the first incident surfaces, and forms a plurality of first light blending regions between the first accommodating portions and the first side.
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminated keyboard includes a backlight module including a light guide plate, and multiple first and second light emitting modules. The light guide plate includes first and second sides opposite to each other, and multiple first and second accommodating portions. Each first accommodating portion has a first incident surface facing the first side. The second accommodating portions are arranged alternately with the first accommodating portions, and each has a second incident surface facing the second side. The first light emitting modules are respectively disposed at the first accommodating portions. Wavelengths of light emitted by the first light emitting modules are different at an initial time, and are changed at a predetermined interval. The second light emitting modules are respectively disposed at the second accommodating portions. Wavelengths of light emitted by the second light emitting modules are different at the initial time, and are changed at the predetermined interval.