Backlit Keyboard Keycap Flange Overlap Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyboards face challenges in balancing backlighting for improved user functionality and aesthetics while preventing backlight leakage, which affects the control of key legend and halo brightness and contrast.
Innovation Solution
A backlit keyboard design featuring a keycap assembly with a flange and internal stopping mechanism, mounted in a case web with intersecting ribs, where the keycap flange and case web flanges overlap without contacting each other, preventing direct visibility of the backlight light source and allowing precise control of halo brightness and contrast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a backlight light source is provided under the base plate to illuminate key legends and create a halo effect, then user functionality and aesthetic appearance are improved, but direct visibility of the light source causes backlight leakage that degrades image quality and control precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension solution by positioning the keycap flange at a specific height above the base plate, creating an overlapping relationship in the Z-axis direction. This vertical arrangement blocks the direct line of sight to the light source while preserving the horizontal illumination function, effectively separating the light emission plane from the light blocking plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The keycap flange acts as an intermediary element between the backlight light source and the user's view. It selectively blocks direct visibility of the light source while allowing diffused light to pass through, serving as a mediating structure that reconciles the conflicting requirements of illumination and light leakage prevention.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the keycap flange and case web flange are positioned to overlap and block the light source, then backlight leakage is prevented, but the structural complexity and manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The keycap flange serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the keycap assembly, defines the vertical stopping position, and creates the light-blocking overlap with the case web flange. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated light-blocking components, thereby simplifying the overall structure despite the precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise dimensional parameters for the keycap flange position relative to the base plate, transforming the light-blocking function into a controllable geometric parameter. By defining the vertical position as a specific parameter, the design converts a complex spatial relationship into a manageable dimensional specification that can be controlled during manufacturing.
3Ease of manufacture
If the keycap is allowed to contact the case web flange directly, then assembly is simplified, but the halo distribution becomes uneven and backlight control precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The design preemptively prevents direct contact between the keycap and case web flange by positioning the keycap flange to overlap with the case web flange in space. This preliminary spatial arrangement prevents the harmful effect of direct contact before it can occur during assembly, maintaining both manufacturing simplicity and optical precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying on horizontal contact between components, the patent uses vertical positioning to achieve the light-blocking function. The keycap flange is positioned at a specific height above the base plate, creating an overlapping relationship in the vertical dimension that prevents direct contact while maintaining the light-blocking effect.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a backlit keyboard assembly are described. A keycap assembly is mounted into a case web having intersecting ribs. A flange, which can be angled, is on the bottom perimeter of the keycap and a correspondingly shaped flange is on each rib of the case web. An overlap of the keycap flange and the case web flanges prevents direct sighting of the backlight light source and also provides a more evenly distributed halo around the keycap, thereby improving both aesthetics and functionality by providing better light control and contrast.