Light-Emitting Keyswitch Cap Structure for Thinner Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light-emitting keyswitch designs that use a light emitting diode under the cap occupy internal space, hindering the thinning design of the keyswitch.
Innovation Solution
A light-emitting keyswitch with a cap structure where a light-emitting layer, comprising a first pad layer, lower electrode layer, dielectric layer, electroluminescent layer, upper electrode layer, and transparent pattern layer, is directly formed on the cap, eliminating the need for a light emitting diode and allowing for a more compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light emitting diode is disposed under the cap to emit light, then the keyswitch can provide a light emitting function, but the optical structural design and circuit configuration occupy much internal space, hindering thinning design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light emitting function directly into the cap structure by forming a light emitting layer on the cap surface. This combines the previously separate functions of the cap (structural element) and the light emitting diode (illumination element) into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate optical and circuit structures under the cap.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the light emitting function from the traditional light emitting diode configuration and relocates it directly to the cap surface. By removing the need for separate optical structures and circuit configurations that were previously required under the cap, the design achieves space savings while maintaining the illumination function.
2Illumination intensity
If a light emitting diode with optical structures and circuit configuration is used, then the keyswitch can emit light, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (structural support, light emission, and electrical connection) into a single cap structure. The cap now serves as both the structural element and the light emitting component, eliminating the need for separate optical structures and circuit configurations, thereby reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural framework of the keyswitch, serves as the substrate for the light emitting layer, and includes integrated electrical connections through the first and second pad layers. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components required.
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 enables a thinner keyswitch design by eliminating the need for internal space occupied by optical and circuit components of a light emitting diode, while still providing a keyswitch illumination effect through the electroluminescent layer.
Implementation Method 1
The external trace structure is connected to the first pad layer and the second pad layer for transmitting a power to the upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer via the first pad layer and the second pad layer, so as to drive the electroluminescent layer to emit light to the transparent pattern layer
Data Source
AI summary
A light-emitting keyswitch includes a board, a lifting mechanism and a cap structure. The cap structure is assembled with the lifting mechanism to be movable upward and downward relative to the board and includes a cap and a light-emitting layer. The light-emitting layer includes first and second pad layers disposed on a lateral contour surface of the cap and spaced from each other, a lower electrode layer, a dielectric layer, an electroluminescent layer, an upper electrode layer and a transparent pattern layer stacked on a top surface of the cap, and an external trace structure. The lower and upper electrode layers are connected to the first and second pad layers respectively. The external trace structure is connected to the first and second pad layers for transmitting power to the upper and lower electrode layers, so as to drive the electroluminescent layer to emit light to the transparent pattern layer.