Light Guiding Membrane Switch for Keyboard Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light-emitting keyboards suffer from reduced light intensity and increased thickness due to the need for backlight modules, which also result in energy loss during light transmission through the keyboard components.
Innovation Solution
A key device with a light guiding membrane switch comprising a lower membrane layer, an upper membrane layer, a light guiding spacing layer, a reflective layer, and an adhering layer, where the reflective layer is secured on the upper surface of the light guiding spacing layer and the adhering layer is between the reflective layer and the upper membrane layer, reducing the need for additional backlight modules and minimizing energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a backlight module is used as the light source at the bottom of each key, then the keyboard can provide illumination in insufficient light conditions, but the light intensity is reduced during transmission through the bottom plate, membrane switch, and scissor structure, and the overall thickness of the keyboard increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the backlight module from the traditional bottom-mounted position and relocates the light source to the keycap top surface. This eliminates the need for light to traverse through multiple intermediate components (bottom plate, membrane switch, scissor structure), thereby preserving light intensity while reducing overall keyboard thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the light source at the bottom and having light travel upward through multiple layers, the patent inverts the arrangement by placing the light source at the top of the keycap. This reversal of the light path direction eliminates transmission losses and reduces the effective thickness required for light emission.
2Illumination intensity
If a backlight module is used as the light source, then illumination can be provided, but energy loss occurs during light transmission through the keyboard components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the backlight module from the bottom assembly and integrates the light source directly into the keycap. This extraction eliminates the energy loss that occurs when light passes through the bottom plate, membrane switch, and scissor structure, as the light now travels directly from the keycap surface to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful effect of light absorption by intermediate components into a benefit by eliminating those components from the light path. The membrane switch and other components that previously absorbed light energy are now positioned such that they do not interfere with the direct light emission from the keycap.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a backlight module is added to provide light emission, then the keyboard can function in low light conditions, but the device complexity and overall thickness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source with the keycap structure itself, integrating the illumination function directly into the existing keycap component. This eliminates the need for a separate backlight module assembly, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining low light functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The keycap is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the mechanical input component and the light emission source. By making the keycap universal (serving dual purposes), the patent eliminates the need for additional dedicated backlight components, reducing overall structural 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
This configuration enhances light transmission efficiency, reduces the overall thickness of the keyboard, and improves luminous efficiency by preventing light absorption, eliminating the need for bottom-mounted backlight modules.
Implementation Method 1
the light guiding spacing layer of the light guiding membrane switch can also have a light guiding function
Implementation Method 2
the reflective layer is secured on the upper surface of the light guiding spacing layer and the adhering layer is adhered between the reflective layer and the upper membrane layer, light generated by the light guiding spacing layer would not be absorbed by the adhering layer
Data Source
AI summary
A key device includes a bottom plate, a light guiding membrane switch, and a keycap. The light guiding membrane switch is disposed on the bottom plate and includes a lower membrane layer, an upper membrane layer, a light guiding spacing layer, a reflective layer, and an adhering layer. The upper membrane layer is disposed above the lower membrane layer and farther from the bottom plate than the lower membrane layer. The light guiding spacing layer is disposed between the lower membrane layer and the upper membrane layer and includes opposite upper and lower surfaces. The reflective layer is securely fastened on the upper surface. The adhering layer is adhered between the reflective layer and the upper membrane layer, and a position and a shape of the adhering layer correspond to a position and a shape of the reflective layer.