Keyboard Backlight Light Guide Layout for Color Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-sheet light guide plates in keyboard modules suffer from light mixing in neighboring regions of different colors, leading to difficulties in achieving distinct color separation without the complexity and high costs associated with multi-sheet assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A single-sheet light guide plate design with opening structures that include closed ends to refract and reflect light, preventing mixing between neighboring regions by using a first and second light source aligned along an axis, and a layer with an extension part between these regions to enhance color separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-sheet light guide plate is used, then assembly complexity and costs are reduced, but light mixing occurs in neighboring regions with different colors
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide plate is segmented into multiple light guide regions by disposing opening structures (through-holes or recesses) between adjacent regions. These opening structures physically divide the light guide plate into distinct zones, preventing light from mixing between neighboring regions while maintaining the single-sheet structure. This segmentation approach resolves the contradiction by creating functional divisions without requiring multiple separate sheets.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the light guide plate are designed with different local properties - specifically, opening structures are strategically placed in certain areas to control light propagation. The opening structures create localized light-blocking zones that prevent light mixing in critical areas while allowing light guidance in other regions. This local modification enables color separation without changing the overall single-sheet structure.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If multi-sheet assembled light guide plates are used, then light mixing between neighboring regions is prevented, but assembly complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light guide regions that would traditionally require separate sheets are merged into a single light guide plate. Opening structures are disposed within this unified plate to create functional separations between regions. This merging approach maintains the benefits of a single-component structure while using opening structures to achieve the light isolation that would otherwise require multiple assembled sheets.
Solution Approach 2:
Opening structures serve as intermediary elements between adjacent light guide regions. These openings act as light-blocking barriers that prevent direct light transmission between neighboring regions. By introducing this intermediary structure within the single-sheet plate, the patent achieves light separation without requiring multiple separate components to be assembled.
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 design effectively prevents light mixing in neighboring regions, allowing for distinct color display in keyboard modules using a single-sheet light guide plate, reducing assembly complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
the opening structures in the present invention include closed ends such that the light is refracted and reflected thereby
Implementation Method 2
the opening structures in the present invention include closed ends such that the light is refracted and reflected thereby
Implementation Method 3
when the light in the light guide plate of the input apparatus in the present invention is incident to the closed ends of the opening structures, the light is reflected or totally reflected by the closed ends of the opening structures
Data Source
AI summary
An input apparatus includes a light guide plate having first and second perpendicular to one another, a first light source, a second light source, a layer, a first group of keycaps and a second group of keycaps. The light guide plate includes first and second light guide regions connected by a first junction. The first and second light sources correspond to the first and second light guide regions, respectively. Both light sources are disposed along the first axis. The layer is disposed on a side of the light guide plate, and is provided with an extension part extending into a portion between the first light guide region and the second light guide region. The first group of keycaps corresponds to the first light guide region and the second group of keycaps corresponds to the second light guide region.