Light Guiding Plate with Integrated Shielding for Keyboard Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing process of lighting keyboards is complicated and costly due to the need for a shielding layer and reflecting layer under and above the light guiding plate, which also leads to reduced light intensity as light can escape from the sides of the plate.
Innovation Solution
A specially designed light guiding plate with a transparent material, where specific regions on its surfaces and sides are covered with non-transparent materials like PVC to prevent light emission, thereby integrating the functions of shielding and reflecting layers, simplifying the manufacturing process and enhancing light intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If shielding layer and reflecting layer are added above and below the light guiding plate, then light control is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shielding layer and reflecting layer functions into a single integrated structure. The light guiding plate itself is designed with specific geometric features that provide both light shielding and light reflection functions, eliminating the need for separate shielding and reflecting layers, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining light control performance
Solution Approach 2:
The light guiding plate is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it guides light from the light source, shields light in certain directions, and reflects light to desired paths. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated shielding and reflecting components, reducing overall structure complexity
2Illumination intensity
If shielding layer and reflecting layer are added above and below the light guiding plate, then light control is improved, but manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating shielding and reflecting functions into the light guiding plate's geometry, the number of manufacturing steps is reduced. Instead of producing separate shielding and reflecting layers and then assembling them, the invention requires only the production of the light guiding plate with integrated features, significantly improving manufacturing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the redundant shielding layer and reflecting layer components from the traditional multi-layer structure, keeping only the essential light guiding plate with integrated light control features, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process
3Illumination intensity
If shielding layer and reflecting layer are added above and below the light guiding plate, then light control is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light control functions into a single component, reducing the total material cost and assembly cost. By eliminating separate shielding and reflecting layers, the invention reduces both material expenses and manufacturing overhead, thereby lowering production cost while maintaining effective light control
4Productivity
If light guiding plate emits light from side surface, then light guiding efficiency decreases, but light intensity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The light guiding plate is designed with different surface properties in different regions. The side surfaces are given light-absorbing or light-trapping characteristics to prevent unwanted light emission, while the top and bottom surfaces maintain high light transmission properties. This local differentiation ensures light is guided efficiently without loss through the sides, maintaining both light guiding efficiency and light intensity
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 design simplifies the manufacturing process, increases production efficiency, and enhances light guiding efficiency, ensuring consistent and intense lighting without the need for additional shielding and reflecting layers.
Implementation Method 1
The first region on the first surface of the light guiding plate is covered by a non-transparent material. When lights are emitted into the light guiding plate, the lights can be emitted out of the light guiding plate from the second region on the first surface
Implementation Method 2
The light guiding plate is transparent and applied to the structure of the lighting keyboard. When lights are emitted into the light guiding plate, the lights can be emitted out of the light guiding plate from the second region on the first surface
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a light guiding plate. The light guiding plate is transparent and applied to an input apparatus. A surface of the light guiding plate comprises a first region and a second region. The first region is covered by a non-transparent material. If a light is emitted into the light guiding plate, the light can be emitted out from the second region.