Luminous Keyboard Optical Module for Uniform Outer Key Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Luminous keyboards with slim border designs face challenges in achieving uniform lighting due to the integration of keyswitch and backlight modules, often resulting in outer keyswitches being too bright or too dark, especially with lateral light leakage issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an optical module with a light guide sheet and mask film, featuring a mask pattern and edge-lighting design, which enhances brightness and uniformity by strategically positioning the light guide sheet and mask film to control light emission, including the use of a reflective film and auxiliary mask patterns to manage light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the margin of the border is reduced for slim border design, then the keyboard achieves a more compact and modern appearance, but the outer keyswitches become too bright or too dark and lighting uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform mask patterns with different light transmission characteristics in different regions. Specifically, the mask film has different light transmission rates in the first region (near light source) versus the second region (far from light source), allowing localized adjustment of light intensity to achieve uniform overall illumination despite the slim border design constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the light transmission rate parameter of the mask film across different regions. The mask pattern is designed with varying light transmission rates - the first region has a different light transmission rate than the second region, enabling compensation for the non-uniform light distribution caused by the reduced border margin in slim keyboard designs
2Illumination intensity
If multiple optical films are integrated in the backlight module, then the keyboard achieves enhanced lighting effects, but adhesion control and lateral light leakage prevention become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex multi-layer optical film structure into a simplified design where the mask film serves multiple functions. By integrating the light transmission control function directly into the mask film rather than requiring separate optical films, the patent reduces the number of interfaces and adhesion points, thereby improving adhesion stability while maintaining lighting effects
Solution Approach 2:
The mask film is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it defines the light transmission pattern for different key regions, controls the light intensity distribution, and serves as part of the structural assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized optical films, improving overall adhesion reliability
3Use of energy by moving object
If the light guide sheet is positioned closer to the light source, then the lighting efficiency is improved, but lateral light leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating region-specific mask patterns that address light leakage at different locations. The mask film has different light transmission characteristics in the first region (where light leakage is more problematic) versus the second region, allowing localized control to prevent lateral light leakage while maintaining overall lighting efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harmful effect of light leakage into a beneficial design feature by using the mask pattern to deliberately control and direct light distribution. The non-uniform light transmission rates in different regions of the mask film transform what would be uncontrolled light leakage into purposeful light distribution that enhances lighting uniformity
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 effectively enhances the brightness and uniformity of keyswitch lighting, particularly for outer keyswitches, ensuring a stable and consistent lighting effect suitable for slim border designs while minimizing lateral light leakage.
Implementation Method 1
The light guide sheet is disposed on one side of the mask film and has a light-exit edge
Implementation Method 2
The mask film has a mask pattern. The mask pattern defines a plurality of light-transparent regions respectively corresponding to the plurality of keyswitches
Implementation Method 3
the optical module further includes a reflective film on one side of the light guide sheet opposite to the mask film
Data Source
AI summary
A luminous keyboard includes a keyswitch module and an optical module disposed under the keyswitch module. The keyswitch module includes a plurality of keyswitches. The optical module includes a mask film and a light guide sheet. The mask film has a mask pattern. The mask pattern defines a plurality of light-transparent regions respectively corresponding to the plurality of keyswitches, and an outer light-transparent region of the plurality of light-transparent regions has a boundary. The light guide sheet has a light-exit edge. The vertical projection of the light-exit edge of the light guide sheet on the mask film at least partially falls within the outer light-transparent region and is not parallel to the boundary.