Light Emitting Key with Through Hole for Dark Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure-sensitive sensors are not visible in dark environments, making them inoperable in dark areas such as aircraft cabins at night.
Innovation Solution
A light emitting key design featuring a through hole or ditch in the piezoresistive layer to allow light from a configured light source, such as an LED or light panel, to emit light beams onto a top substrate, enabling visibility in dark conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure-sensitive sensor is used, then the key board can detect key presses, but the sensor cannot be seen clearly in a dark environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a light source (LED or fluorescent lamp) with the pressure-sensitive sensor structure, merging the detection function and illumination function into a single integrated key unit. The light source is positioned within the key structure to illuminate the sensor area, enabling visibility in dark environments while maintaining press detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light source as an intermediary element that mediates between the sensor and the dark environment. The light emitted by the source illuminates the sensor area, making it visible to users in dark conditions without interfering with the sensor's detection function.
2Illumination intensity
If a light source is added to the key structure, then visibility in dark environment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The key structure is designed to perform multiple functions: pressure detection and illumination. By making the key unit universal (capable of both sensing and lighting), the patent avoids adding separate independent systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving visibility in dark environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source is nested within the existing key structure, utilizing the available space in the key assembly. This nesting approach allows the illumination function to be integrated without significantly expanding the overall device complexity or requiring separate external components.
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 light emitting key allows for operability in dark environments by providing illumination, enhancing usability and visibility of the key in low-light settings.
Implementation Method 1
A light source, such as a light emitted diode or a light panel, is configured under the bottom of the light emitting key
Data Source
AI summary
A light emitting key is disclosed. A through hole is made through piezoresistive layer; a light source is arranged under the bottom of the light emitting key. When the light source is turned on, light beams shall emit out of the top substrate. The light emitting effect of the key facilitates it to be used in a dark area such as an aircraft flying in the night sky.