Keyboard Key Structure with Hollow Rubber Element for Uniform Backlighting

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional illuminated keyboards suffer from uneven and insufficient light distribution due to the blocking of light output by the rubber dome and conducting circuit arrangement, leading to reduced lighting efficiency and visual discomfort.

Innovation Solution

A key structure featuring a scissor assembly with a hollow rubber element and a light source positioned beneath it, allowing light to be directed through a hole in the rubber element to the cap, while relocating the conducting sections away from the central portion to enhance light distribution and reduce light leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a conventional cup-shaped rubber dome is used underneath the key cap with the conducting pad directly below it, then the key structure is simple and compact, but the rubber dome blocks the light output of the backlight unit and the conducting circuit blocks light to the central portion of the key cap, resulting in insufficient and uneven light distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight distribution uniformityVSAvoidkey structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The key structure is divided into distinct functional zones: the central region contains only the hollow rubber element for light transmission, while the conducting sections are relocated to peripheral regions. This segmentation allows light to reach the central key cap area without being blocked by conducting circuits, while maintaining electrical functionality at the edges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conducting sections are moved from a vertical arrangement (directly below the rubber dome) to a horizontal arrangement (at peripheral regions). This dimensional change allows the light path through the central vertical axis to remain unobstructed while the conducting functions are performed at the horizontal periphery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Illumination intensity

If the light source is positioned directly below the key cap with the conventional rubber dome structure, then the structure is compact, but light leakage occurs from the slit between the cap and seat, causing visual discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight distribution uniformityVSAvoidlight leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The conducting sections are extracted from the central light path region and placed at the periphery. This removal of obstructions from the light path eliminates the causes of uneven distribution and allows for better light containment, reducing leakage from the cap-seat interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Loss of energy

If the conducting section is arranged directly below the rubber dome, then the key structure is simple, but this arrangement blocks light projection to the central portion of the key cap, reducing lighting efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting efficiencyVSAvoidconducting section arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The key structure is divided into distinct functional zones: the central region contains only the hollow rubber element for light transmission, while the conducting sections are relocated to peripheral regions. This segmentation allows light to reach the central key cap area without being blocked by conducting circuits, while maintaining electrical functionality at the edges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conducting sections are moved from a vertical arrangement (directly below the rubber dome) to a horizontal arrangement (at peripheral regions). This dimensional change allows the light path through the central vertical axis to remain unobstructed while the conducting functions are performed at the horizontal periphery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 improves uniform light distribution and brightness across the key structure, eliminating light leakage and enhancing the overall lighting performance of the keyboard.

Implementation Method 1

a light source (42), wherein the light source (42) is covered beneath the rubber element (22)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

allowing light to be directed through a hole in the rubber element to the cap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight guidance: Light

Data Source

PatentUS8759702B2Key structure and keyboard

Publication Date: 2014.06.24 LITE ON TECH CORP

AI summary

The present invention relates to a key structure and a keyboard having the same. The key structure includes a seat, a conductive membrane disposed on the seat, a scissor assembly, a light source, and a cap. The seat has a plurality of protruding hooking portions. At least one conducting section is defined on the conductive membrane away from the central portion thereof. The collapsible scissor assembly is arranged between the seat and the cap. The key structure has at least one protrusion arranged above the corresponding conducting section. A rubber element having a hole formed on the top portion thereof is disposed centrally on the conductive membrane. The light source is arranged beneath and covered by the rubber element. The cap is disposed on the scissor assembly. The protrusion may be arranged on the side portion of the scissor assembly or the undersurface of the cap.