Keycap Structure with Light-Transmissible Circuit Substrate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboard keycaps lack design variability and are prone to damage from user input due to the direct impact on display modules, which are not pressure-resistant and can be affected by moisture.
Innovation Solution
A keycap structure with a display module featuring a light-transmissible circuit substrate and micro light-emitting elements, where the elements are installed on the bottom surface of the substrate and covered by a protective layer, reducing direct impact and moisture exposure, and integrated into a keycap body with a translucent material for enhanced pressure resistance and aesthetic flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a display module is installed in the keycap for customizable patterns and colors, then the design variability and user personalization are improved, but the display module is directly subjected to user finger pressure and impact, causing damage to light-emitting elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light-transmissible circuit substrate as an intermediary layer between the keycap body and the display module. This substrate has pressure-resistant properties and allows light to pass through while protecting the light-emitting elements from direct impact. The substrate acts as a mediator that transmits both light and mechanical protection, resolving the contradiction between design variability and pressure resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The keycap structure uses composite material construction, combining the keycap body material with the light-transmissible circuit substrate material. This composite structure provides both the aesthetic flexibility needed for display purposes and the mechanical strength required to withstand user pressure, thereby resolving the contradiction between design variability and reliability.
2Illumination intensity
If the display module is directly exposed in the keycap, then the light-emitting elements are accessible for light transmission, but the elements are exposed to moisture and direct impact, increasing susceptibility to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a light-transmissible circuit substrate that functions as a protective thin film or shell. This substrate is transparent to light, allowing illumination to pass through while simultaneously providing a barrier against moisture and physical impact. The substrate encapsulates the light-emitting elements, protecting them from harmful environmental factors while maintaining light transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit substrate serves as an intermediary barrier between the light-emitting elements and the external environment. It mediates the interaction by allowing light to pass through while blocking moisture and mechanical damage, thus resolving the contradiction between light transmission and protection from harmful factors.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional keycaps with printed patterns are used, then the manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but the design is monotonous and lacks aesthetic appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static printed patterns to dynamic display capabilities. The light-emitting elements can be controlled to display different patterns, colors, and intensities programmatically, providing aesthetic flexibility without complicating manufacturing. The circuit substrate integrates these dynamic display components in a manner that maintains manufacturing efficiency while dramatically enhancing design versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-transmissible circuit substrate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, protects light-emitting elements, transmits light, and enables customizable display patterns. This multi-functionality allows the keycap to achieve aesthetic flexibility comparable to complex designs while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a standardized modular approach.
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 keycap structure effectively withstands user pressure and minimizes damage to light-emitting elements, allowing for adjustable light intensities, colors, and patterns, while maintaining a slim and lightweight appearance.
Implementation Method 1
The plural light-emitting elements are installed on the bottom surface of the light-transmissible circuit substrate and electrically connected with the light-transmissible circuit substrate. The plural light-emitting elements emit light beams.
Implementation Method 2
After the light beams are transmitted through the bottom surface, the top surface and the top wall sequentially, the light beams are outputted from the keycap body.
Data Source
AI summary
A keycap structure includes a keycap body and a display module. The keycap body includes a top wall and a lateral wall. The lateral wall is extended downwardly from a periphery region of the top wall. An accommodation space is defined by the top wall and the lateral wall collaboratively. The display module is disposed within the accommodation space. The display module includes a light-transmissible circuit substrate and plural light-emitting elements. The plural light-emitting elements are installed on the light-transmissible circuit substrate and electrically connected with the light-transmissible circuit substrate. After the light beams are transmitted through the light-transmissible circuit substrate and the top wall sequentially, the light beams are outputted from the keycap body. The light beams from the plural light-emitting elements are collaboratively formed as a luminous zone. Moreover, a pattern corresponding to the luminous zone is shown on the display module.