Keypad Assembly Light Guide Plate Reflective Patterns Sidewall Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keypad assemblies suffer from light loss and user distraction due to light irradiation from the sides of the light guide plate, which diverts attention away from the key buttons.
Innovation Solution
A keypad assembly featuring a light guide plate with locally formed reflective patterns on its bottom surface and a pad with reflective layers on its sidewalls to redirect light back to the light guide plate, ensuring focused illumination on the key buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light is irradiated from the side of the light guide plate, then the key button can be illuminated, but light is lost and user's eyes are distracted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of light escaping from the side surfaces of the light guide plate into a beneficial effect by applying reflective layers to these surfaces. The reflected light is redirected back into the light guide plate, where it continues to illuminate the key button, thus converting light loss into useful illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies reflective layers specifically to the side surfaces of the light guide plate where light escape occurs, while leaving other surfaces unchanged. This localized application of reflective material addresses the specific problem of side light loss without affecting other aspects of the illumination system.
2Illumination intensity
If light is irradiated from the side of the light guide plate, then the key button can be illuminated, but user's eyes are distracted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of light escaping from the side surfaces of the light guide plate into a beneficial effect by applying reflective layers to these surfaces. The reflected light is redirected back into the light guide plate, where it continues to illuminate the key button, thus converting light loss into useful illumination.
3Loss of energy
If reflective layers are added to the sidewalls of the pad, then light loss is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reflective layers with the existing pad structure by forming them on the sidewalls of the pad. This integration approach combines the light reflection function with the existing mechanical support structure, avoiding the need for separate components and minimizing additional 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
Minimizes light loss and prevents user distraction by directing light efficiently onto the key buttons, enhancing usability in dark environments.
Implementation Method 1
reflective patterns that are locally formed on the bottom surface of the light guide plate to reflect a part of light going into the light guide plate to the top surface of the light guide plate
Implementation Method 2
reflective layers are formed at the sidewalls of the pad facing the sides of the light guide plate to reflect light irradiated from the sides of the light guide plate back to the sides of the light guide plate
Data Source
AI summary
A keypad assembly including a light guide plate, a keypad, and reflective layers is disclosed. The light guide plate includes reflective patterns that are locally formed on the bottom surface of the light guide plate to reflect a part of light going into the light guide plate to the top surface of the light guide plate. The keypad includes a pad that is in the shape of a box whose bottom is opened by sidewalls and surrounds the remaining portions of the light guide plate except for the bottom surface of the light guide plate and at least one key button placed on the top surface of the pad and outputting light reflected from the reflective patterns to their outside. The reflective layers are formed at the sidewalls of the pad facing the sides of the light guide plate to reflect light irradiated from the sides of the light guide plate back to the sides of the light guide plate.