Light-Based Switching for Keyboard Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional illuminated input buttons and keyboards face challenges in achieving uniform illumination across multiple keys, often resulting in light loss and uneven distribution due to masked light-transmitting panels or single light sources at each key, which can lead to difficulties in controlling light leakage and maintaining consistent brightness and color across the keyboard.
Innovation Solution
The use of dome switch assemblies with flexible, translucent domes that internally transmit visible light from embedded light sources, combined with scissor mechanisms and diffusor plates, ensures uniform illumination of key caps by guiding and emitting light in a controlled manner, allowing for independent tuning of lighting properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional illumination configurations are used with masked light-transmitting panels or single light sources at each key, then the keyboard can be illuminated, but uniform illumination distribution across all keys deteriorates due to light loss and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the keyboard into multiple independently controllable zones or keys, each with its own light source. This segmentation allows individual optimization of light distribution for each key while maintaining overall uniformity across the entire keyboard surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements localized light sources at each key position rather than a single global illumination system. This local quality approach enables precise control of light intensity and distribution at each key, ensuring uniform illumination while minimizing light loss to adjacent areas.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional illumination configurations are used, then light can be emitted through masked panels, but light leakage control becomes difficult resulting in uneven brightness and color distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor light output from each key and adjust illumination levels accordingly. This feedback control ensures consistent brightness and color across all keys while automatically compensating for variations, simplifying the overall control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes adjustable light source parameters such as intensity, wavelength, and emission timing to achieve uniform illumination. By dynamically changing these parameters, the system maintains consistent brightness and color distribution without requiring complex mechanical masking structures.
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 solution provides improved uniform lighting and tunable lighting properties across input buttons, enhancing user experience by maintaining consistent brightness and color across the keyboard while minimizing light loss and leakage.
Implementation Method 1
a dome shaped structure coupled to and supported by the base, the dome shaped structure comprising a material that is flexible and capable of internally transmitting visible light
Data Source
AI summary
This application relates to illuminated dome switches and a dome switch assembly having a first contact carried by a switch base and a dome shaped structure coupled to and supported by the switch base, the dome shaped structure comprising a material that is flexible and capable of internally transmitting visible light. The switch assembly can include a second contact coupled to the dome shaped structure and arranged opposite the first contact, and a light source configured to emit visible light, the light source in optical communication with the dome shaped structure such that at least some of the visible light emitted by the light source passes into the material and is subsequently emitted by the material in a generally uniform manner.