Keyboard Key Structure With Light Guide Columns for Uniform Backlighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional mechanical keyboards face challenges in uniformly guiding light from multiple light sources through the upper shell, which is typically made of light-transmitting plastic.
Innovation Solution
The key structure incorporates light guide columns extending downwardly from the upper shell, which are arranged opposite to the light-emitting sources, allowing light to be guided uniformly to opposite sides of the upper shell.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the upper shell is made of light-transmitting plastic material to allow light emission, then light can pass through the upper shell, but the light guidance becomes non-uniform and difficult to control for multiple light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The upper shell is segmented into multiple light guide columns that extend downward from the bottom of the upper shell. Each light guide column independently guides light from corresponding light sources, dividing the light guidance function into discrete segments that can be precisely controlled and manufactured.
Solution Approach 2:
Light guide columns serve as intermediary structures between the light sources and the upper shell. These columns transmit and direct light from multiple sources through the transparent upper shell, achieving uniform light distribution without requiring the entire upper shell to be uniformly transparent.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are installed on the keyboard base, then more lighting functions are achieved, but the light guidance structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide columns are designed with universal functionality to handle multiple light sources. The same structural form (columns extending from the upper shell bottom) serves all light sources, providing a scalable solution where additional light sources can be accommodated by adding corresponding columns without fundamentally changing the design.
Solution Approach 2:
Each light guide column is positioned at specific locations corresponding to light sources, with local light guidance properties tailored to each position. The columns can be selectively arranged and sized to match the specific requirements of different light source locations, achieving customized light guidance without overall structural complexity.
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 achieves uniform light guidance and can accommodate multiple light sources, providing a visual perception of uniform brightness and allowing for different color presentations through the light-transmitting marks.
Implementation Method 1
the light guide columns and the light-emitting sources are arranged opposite to each other... the light guide columns extend downwardly from two sides of the bottom of the upper shell... so that light from each light source can be guided to opposite sides of the upper shell by means of each light guide column
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a key structure may include a lower shell fixedly connected to a keyboard base. In addition, the device may include an upper shell assembled above the lower shell, where the upper shell is made of transparent plastic material, the upper shell is provided with having a through opening. The device may include a plurality of light guide columns extending downwardly from two sides of the bottom of the upper shell, where the plurality of light guide columns and the plurality of light-emitting sources are arranged opposite to each other. Moreover, the device may include a pressing shaft movably disposed between the lower shell and the upper shell, where a top end of the pressing shaft penetrates through the opening. Also, the device may include a spring disposed and elastically supported between the lower shell and the pressing shaft.