Illuminated Keyboard Backlight Module with Integrated Side and Top Emitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illuminated keyboards face challenges in efficiently integrating light sources to illuminate specific keys and modules while minimizing space and components.
Innovation Solution
The proposed illuminated keyboard incorporates a circuit board with both side-emitting and top-emitting elements, where the side-emitting elements illuminate the first key caps through a light guide plate, and the top-emitting elements illuminate the second key cap or touch module, all integrated on a single circuit board to reduce complexity and space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple separate light source modules are used to illuminate different keys, then illumination coverage is improved, but device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light source functions into a single integrated light source module that can illuminate both first key caps and second key caps. The light source module includes a light emitting element and a light guide plate with multiple light output zones, allowing one light source to serve multiple illumination purposes, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive illumination coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source module is designed with multi-functionality to perform both side illumination of first key caps and top illumination of second key caps through different light output zones. This universal design allows a single module to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate light source modules, reducing the overall number of components while achieving full illumination coverage.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple separate light source modules are used to illuminate different keys, then illumination coverage is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light source functions into a single integrated light source module that includes a light emitting element and a light guide plate with multiple light output zones. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed for illumination, while the multi-zoned light guide plate ensures comprehensive coverage of both first and second key caps.
3Device complexity
If a single circuit board integrates both side-emitting and top-emitting elements, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first surface for mounting side-emitting elements and a second surface for mounting top-emitting elements. The light guide plate is also segmented with different light output zones corresponding to these surfaces. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing by treating each zone independently while maintaining overall system integration.
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 configuration allows for effective illumination of specific keys or modules with reduced elements and space, enhancing the keyboard's optical effects and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
at least one side-emitting element is disposed on the second surface... the at least one side-emitting element extends into the slot such that the light emitted from the side-emitting element enters the light guide plate
Implementation Method 2
a light guide plate having a slot. The at least one side-emitting element extends into the slot such that the light emitted from the side-emitting element enters the light guide plate
Implementation Method 3
at least one top-emitting element is disposed on the first surface... the top-emitting element is located below the touch module or the second key cap and emits towards the touch module or the second key cap
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminated keyboard includes a keyboard module, a circuit board and a backlight module. The keyboard module includes a bracket and at least one first key cap, disposed above the bracket. The circuit board has a first surface facing towards the at least one first key cap and a second surface facing away from the at least one first key cap, at least one top-emitting element is disposed on the first surface, and at least one side-emitting element is disposed on the second surface. The backlight module is disposed below the keyboard module and includes a light guide plate having a slot. The at least one side-emitting element extends into the slot such that the light emitted from the at least one side-emitting element enters the light guide plate. The light passes through a light output zone of the bracket and illuminate the at least one first key cap.