Compute Device Port Illumination Through Microholes and Shared LEDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Identifying input/output ports on compute devices, such as laptops, can be difficult in dark or low-light environments, affecting user experience and ease of plug insertion.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating microholes around I/O ports in the chassis and using LEDs, often the same as those for keyboard illumination, to illuminate these microholes, enhancing port visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If separate LEDs are added for each I/O port illumination, then port visibility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using the same LED components that illuminate the keyboard to also illuminate the I/O ports. This multi-functional use of existing LEDs eliminates the need for separate illumination components, reducing device complexity while maintaining port visibility improvement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the I/O port illumination function with the existing keyboard backlight system. By combining these two illumination functions into a single system using shared LEDs and control circuitry, the patent reduces overall device complexity while achieving both keyboard and port illumination
2Illumination intensity
If additional LEDs and circuitry are added for port illumination, then port visibility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing cost by making existing LED components serve multiple functions - illuminating both the keyboard and I/O ports. This eliminates the need to manufacture and install separate LED components, directly reducing bill of materials costs
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the I/O port illumination with the keyboard backlight system, the patent reduces manufacturing complexity and component count, leading to lower assembly costs and simplified supply chain requirements
3Illumination intensity
If LEDs are placed close to I/O ports for direct illumination, then port visibility is improved, but chassis height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light pipes as intermediary components that transport light from remotely located LEDs to the I/O ports. This allows LEDs to be positioned in space-efficient locations while still achieving effective port illumination through the light-guiding function of the pipes
4Illumination intensity
If additional illumination components are added, then port visibility is improved, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent improves energy efficiency by making existing LEDs serve dual purposes - keyboard illumination and I/O port illumination. This eliminates the need for additional independent illumination systems that would consume extra battery power
Solution Approach 2:
By combining the control of keyboard and port illumination into a single system, the patent enables coordinated operation that optimizes energy consumption, allowing both functions to share the same power management resources
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
Improves port visibility and ease of plug insertion in low-light conditions without increasing chassis height or requiring additional circuitry, maintaining battery life.
Implementation Method 1
one or more light-emitting diodes, wherein, when activated, light from the one or more light-emitting diodes passes through the one or more sets of second openings
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for illumination of input/output (I/O) ports on a compute device are disclosed. In an illustrative embodiment, microholes are defined in a chassis around an opening in the chassis for an I/O port. A light-emitting diode (LED) contained within the chassis can shine light on the microholes, which can pass through the microholes. A user of the compute device can see the light through the microholes, allowing the user to identify the location and type of the I/O port, even in dark or low-light conditions. In some embodiments, the LEDs used to illuminate the microholes may be the same LEDs that illuminate the keys of the keyboard, simplifying the design, construction, and control of illumination of the microholes.