Light Pipe Connection Unit With Interference Suppression Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light pipes in electronic apparatuses face issues with light leakage between connected light guide units, leading to unintended lighting of indicator lamps, and current solutions like light shielding ribs or plates are ineffective in addressing reflected and diffracted light interference.
Innovation Solution
A light pipe design featuring connection units with light interference suppression holes that satisfy the total reflection condition, reducing light leakage by forming holes with specific angles and sizes to prevent light from propagating to adjacent units, while also enhancing mechanical strength and ease of handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If light guide units are connected together by connection units to reduce component number and simplify assembly, then ease of assembly is improved, but light leakage occurs between adjacent light guide units causing unintended indicator lighting
Solution Approach 1:
A light-absorbing connection unit is introduced as an intermediary component between adjacent light guide units. This connection unit absorbs stray light that would otherwise leak into neighboring light guide units, preventing unintended indicator lighting while maintaining the integrated structure's assembly advantages
Solution Approach 2:
The connection unit is designed with light-absorbing properties specifically at the regions adjacent to light guide units where light leakage occurs. This localized treatment addresses the harmful effect at critical positions without compromising the overall structure or requiring complete disconnection of light guide units
2Object-generated harmful factors
If light shielding ribs or plates are added to suppress light leakage between light guide units, then light interference is reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light-absorbing function is merged into the connection unit itself, which already exists to join light guide units. By integrating light absorption capability into the connection unit's material composition or structure, the patent eliminates the need for separate light shielding ribs or plates, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining light interference suppression
Solution Approach 2:
The connection unit is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanically connecting light guide units and simultaneously absorbing stray light to prevent leakage. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated light shielding components, simplifying the overall device structure
3Object-generated harmful factors
If individual light guide units are used for each LED to eliminate light leakage, then light interference suppression is improved, but the number of components increases and handling becomes troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
A light-absorbing connection unit serves as a mediator between integrated light guide units, preventing light interference without requiring physical separation or individual housing for each unit. This maintains the benefits of integration while suppressing the harmful light leakage effect
4Manufacturing precision
If connection units are designed with complex shapes to detour around light guide units and suppress light leakage, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the connection unit from transparent or reflective to light-absorbing. This parameter change enables simple geometric shapes to effectively suppress light leakage, eliminating the need for complex detouring shapes while maintaining manufacturing precision
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
Effectively suppresses light interference between adjacent light guide units, preventing unintended lighting and simplifying the assembly and handling of light pipes in electronic apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
the light interference suppression hole including at least one surface that satisfies a total reflection condition of light entering the light interference suppression hole from the connection unit
Data Source
AI summary
A light pipe includes a plurality of light guide units, and a connection unit that integrally connects the plurality of light guide units, the connection unit including a light interference suppression hole formed between the light guide units adjacent to each other, the light interference suppression hole including at least one surface that satisfies a total reflection condition of light entering the light interference suppression hole from the connection unit.