Light Guide Illuminating Electronic Device Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for illuminating components in electronic devices, such as keys or buttons, in low light conditions require separate light sources, leading to complexity and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A component illumination apparatus that includes a visual display optically coupled with a light guide extending from the display to illuminate external components, such as keys or ports, using light from the visual display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a separate light source is used to illuminate components, then illumination function is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination function with the existing visual display by optically coupling a light guide to the display. The light guide extracts light from the display and redirects it to illuminate external components, merging two functions (display and illumination) into a single integrated system, thereby achieving component illumination without adding separate light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide acts as an intermediary element that transfers light from the visual display to the external components. It optically couples the display to components that would otherwise be outside the display's direct illumination range, enabling indirect illumination while maintaining system simplicity.
2Illumination intensity
If a separate light source is used to illuminate components, then illumination function is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the visual display's own light output to illuminate external components through the light guide. The display serves dual purposes: providing visual information and providing illumination for external components. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional power-consuming light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the illumination function with the display's existing light output, the system avoids the additional power consumption that would result from separate illumination sources. The same light generation mechanism serves both display and illumination functions.
3Illumination intensity
If a separate light source is used to illuminate components, then illumination function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the illumination function with the existing display assembly by integrating a light guide that optically couples to the display. This approach eliminates the need for separate light sources, reducing component count and assembly complexity, thereby lowering manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual display serves multiple functions: displaying visual information and providing illumination for external components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated components, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.
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 seamless and simplified illumination of electronic device components in low light conditions without the need for additional light sources, reducing complexity and power requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide optically coupled to the visual display and extending from the visual display
Implementation Method 2
a light guide optically coupled between the visual display and one or more components of the electronic device external to the visual display wherein light from the visual display travels in the light guide
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for illuminating one or more components of an electronic device having a visual display (e.g., a backlit display), such as one or more keys of keyboards, one or more interface ports, or one or more external surfaces are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a component illumination apparatus has a visual display and a light guide optically coupled to the visual display and that is adapted to illuminate one or more components external to the visual display. Methods of component illumination and illumination systems are described, as are other embodiments.