Luminous Keyboard Etched Copper Foil Resistance Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional luminous keyboards have high fabricating costs due to unstable resistance tolerances in the membrane switch circuit board, which requires adjusting resistance values post-production.

Innovation Solution

The luminous keyboard integrates a light-emitting element directly on the membrane switch circuit board, eliminating the need for an illumination circuit board and using an etched copper foil pattern for conductor lines, which provides stable resistance and reduces manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional membrane switch circuit board with printed conductor lines is used, then the keyboard can be manufactured, but the resistance tolerances are unstable and require post-production adjustment, increasing fabricating costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance stabilityVSAvoidfabricating cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional printed conductor line system with an etched copper foil pattern system. The etched copper foil provides stable resistance values without requiring post-production adjustment, thereby improving reliability while reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material and formation method of conductor lines from printed conductive ink to etched copper foil. This parameter change in conductor line construction fundamentally improves resistance stability and eliminates the need for resistance adjustment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If an illumination circuit board is used to provide lighting function, then the keyboard has illuminating capability, but the overall thickness increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting functionVSAvoidcircuit board structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the illumination circuit board with the membrane switch circuit board into a single integrated structure. The light-emitting element is mounted directly on the membrane switch circuit board, eliminating the need for a separate illumination circuit board and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The membrane switch circuit board is designed to serve dual functions: both as the switching mechanism and as the mounting platform for light-emitting elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a dedicated illumination circuit board.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Illumination intensity

If an illumination circuit board is used, then the keyboard can emit light, but the keyboard thickness increases, reducing the slim appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight emissionVSAvoidkeyboard thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the illumination function with the existing membrane switch circuit board, eliminating the need for a separate illumination circuit board. This integration removes the additional thickness that would be required for a separate circuit board layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light-emitting element is mounted on the surface of the membrane switch circuit board rather than requiring an additional thickness dimension. This surface-mount approach maintains the slim profile while providing illumination functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 reduces the keyboard's thickness, provides a slim appearance, and lowers fabricating costs by stabilizing resistance values and eliminating the need for additional circuitry, thus addressing the cost issues of conventional technologies.

Implementation Method 1

The light-emitting element emits a light beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

The etched line pattern is arranged between the separation layer and the lower wiring plate. The etched line pattern is exposed through the wiring plate opening. The light-emitting element is electrically connected with the etched line pattern through the wiring plate opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS9905381B1Luminous keyboard

Publication Date: 2018.02.27 PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD

AI summary

A luminous keyboard includes plural keys, a membrane switch circuit board and a light-emitting element. The membrane switch circuit board includes an upper wiring plate, a lower wiring plate, a conductor line pattern, a separation layer and an etched line pattern. The lower wiring plate includes a wiring plate opening. The conductor line pattern is arranged between the upper wiring plate and the lower wiring plate. The etched line pattern is arranged between the separation layer and the lower wiring plate. The etched line pattern is exposed through the wiring plate opening. The light-emitting element is electrically connected with the etched line pattern through the wiring plate opening in order to acquire electric power. Consequently, it is not necessary to install the illumination circuit board to provide the electric power to the light-emitting element.