Backlit Keyboard Masking Sheet for Multi-Language Key Layouts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing backlight keyboards face challenges in using a masking sheet that is not universally applicable across different language families, leading to increased manufacturing costs due to varying light-exit region layouts.
Innovation Solution
A masking sheet with adaptable light-exit region layouts that can accommodate multiple language keyswitch sets, allowing light to be incident on symbols of different keyboards, including those with U.K., Japanese, and U.S. language families, by positioning keyswitches to coincide and using a transparent substrate with masking layers to reduce light leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a masking sheet is designed with a specific light-exit region layout for a particular language family, then the illumination effect for that language is optimized, but the masking sheet cannot be applied to other language families, increasing manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The masking sheet is designed with a universal light-exit region layout that can be applied to multiple language families (U.S., U.K., Brazil, Japanese). The sheet includes a plurality of light-exit regions arranged in a standardized pattern that accommodates different keyswitch layouts through selective use of regions, allowing one masking sheet design to serve multiple functions across different keyboard language variants, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining illumination quality
2Manufacturing precision
If different masking sheets are produced for different language families, then the illumination precision for each language is optimized, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single standardized masking sheet design is created that can be used across different language families. The sheet features a comprehensive arrangement of light-exit regions that can accommodate various keyswitch positions by selectively activating appropriate regions, eliminating the need to manufacture separate masking sheets for each language variant and thereby reducing production costs while maintaining alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The masking sheet is divided into multiple discrete light-exit regions that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows the same masking sheet to serve different language layouts by utilizing different combinations of regions, enabling flexible adaptation without requiring custom sheets for each language family
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 masking sheet effectively illuminates symbols on various language keyswitch sets while reducing manufacturing costs by being suitable for multiple backlight keyboards with different language layouts, ensuring efficient light transmission and minimizing light leakage.
Implementation Method 1
Light emitted by the light emitting unit is guided by the light guiding plate to be emitted out of the backlight keyboard
Implementation Method 2
The masking sheet has a plurality of light-exit regions formed thereon corresponding to a plurality of keyswitches on the backlight keyboard for allowing light to be incident to symbols on the keyswitches, so as to generate the illumination effect
Data Source
AI summary
A backlight keyboard includes a first language keyswitch set having adjacent first and second keyswitches, a first backlight module disposed under the first language keyswitch set, and a masking sheet. The masking sheet is suitable for the backlight keyboard and a second backlight keyboard including a second backlight module and a second language keyswitch set. The first and second keyswitches on the backlight keyboard coincide with a third keyswitch in the second language keyswitch set on the second backlight keyboard. The masking sheet has a first light-exit region layout corresponding to the first, second, and third keyswitches for allowing light to be incident to symbols on the first, second, and third keyswitches. In other words, the masking sheet of the present invention can be applied to different backlight keyboards having different language keyswitch sets.