Luminous Keyboard Switch Integrating Light Source and Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional luminous keyboards have non-uniform brightness and increased thickness due to the placement of backlight modules under the keyswitch module, failing to meet thinness and brightness uniformity requirements.
Innovation Solution
Integration of the switch circuit and light source circuit on a function sheet within the luminous keyswitch, utilizing copper conductive wires and contact points to reduce electrical resistance and enhance stability, with a light source located within a vertical projection of the keycap to provide uniform illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the backlight module is disposed under the keyswitch module, then the keyboard can provide illumination, but the total thickness of the keyboard is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the backlight module and keyswitch module into a single integrated structure. The backlight module is positioned within the keyswitch module's vertical projection, merging two separate components into one unified assembly, thereby reducing overall thickness while maintaining illumination functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The backlight module is nested within the vertical projection space of the keyswitch module. This nesting arrangement allows the illumination component to occupy the same horizontal footprint as the keyswitch, eliminating the need for additional thickness and achieving a more compact keyboard structure
2Illumination intensity
If the backlight module is disposed under the keyswitch module, then the keyboard can provide illumination, but the overall brightness uniformity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the light source at specific locations within the keyswitch module's vertical projection to optimize light distribution. By strategically placing LEDs and adjusting their orientations, the design achieves more uniform brightness across the keyboard surface compared to conventional backlight arrangements
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional conductive materials are used in the function sheet, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the electrical resistance is higher and conduction stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs copper conductive wires and copper contact points in the function sheet, utilizing copper's superior electrical conductivity properties. This material selection reduces electrical resistance and enhances conduction stability while maintaining manufacturability through established copper bonding techniques
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
Achieves simultaneous trigger and light-emitting functions while reducing electrical resistance and improving brightness uniformity, thus addressing the issues of thickness and brightness uniformity in luminous keyboards.
Implementation Method 1
a light source disposed on the flexible upper circuit layer, the flexible spacer layer, or the flexible lower circuit layer and connected by a copper wire, the light source located within a vertical projection of the keycap to provide a light to illuminate the light-transparent portion
Implementation Method 2
the function sheet with copper conductive wires and copper contact points to reduce the electrical resistance and promote the stability of electrical conduction
Data Source
AI summary
A luminous keyswitch includes a keycap having a light-transparent portion, a baseplate, an up-down mechanism with two ends respectively moveably connected to the keycap and the baseplate, a function sheet disposed on or under the baseplate, and a light source disposed on the function sheet within a vertical projection of the keycap and connected by a copper wire to provide a light illuminating the light-transparent portion. The function sheet includes a flexible upper circuit layer having a first contact point, a flexible spacer layer having a hole, and a flexible lower circuit layer having a second copper contact point, a third copper contact point, a first copper wire connected to the second copper contact point, and a second copper wire connected to the third copper contact point. When the keycap is pressed, the first contact point passes through the hole to electrically connect the second and third copper contact points.