Module Cover Light Guide for Uniform Key Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional button modules for keyboards struggle to provide uniform and homogeneous illumination of key buttons, especially when the light source is offset or decentralized, often resulting in poorly mixed light and visible primary colors.
Innovation Solution
A module cover that functions as both a cover and a light guide, featuring through holes, light coupling areas, and strategically arranged light directing portions to distribute light evenly across the key button, allowing for comprehensive and uniform illumination without additional parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a light source is offset or decentrally positioned relative to the key actuation axis, then the key module structure is simplified, but the light distribution becomes non-uniform and primary colors are visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cover element and light guide element into a single integrated module cover. The cover serves dual functions: protecting the internal components and guiding light from the offset LED source to achieve uniform illumination across the key button surface. This integration eliminates the need for separate light guide components while maintaining even light distribution despite the decentralized light source position.
Solution Approach 2:
The module cover acts as an intermediary optical element between the offset LED light source and the key button. Through strategically designed light-guiding surfaces and sections within the cover, the light path is redirected and distributed evenly across the button surface, transforming the non-uniform light output from the decentralized source into homogeneous illumination that masks the primary LED colors.
2Illumination intensity
If additional light guide components are added to achieve uniform illumination, then the light distribution becomes homogeneous, but the device complexity and assembly steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The module cover is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mechanical protection of the key module internals and optical guidance for uniform light distribution. By making the cover serve both structural and optical functions, the patent eliminates the need for separate light guide components, reducing part count and simplifying assembly while achieving homogeneous illumination across the key button.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the cover and light guide functions into a single integrated module cover component. The cover includes built-in light-guiding surfaces and sections that redirect light from the offset LED source, merging what would traditionally be separate components into one unified element. This integration reduces the number of parts and assembly steps while maintaining uniform light distribution.
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
Enables complete and uniform illumination of key buttons, effectively mixing primary colors to appear as homogeneous white light, improving illumination without additional components or assembly, and maintaining efficient light distribution over a large area.
Implementation Method 1
a first light-guiding section (142) and a second light-guiding section (146) arranged on opposite sides of the through-opening (152), wherein the first light-guiding section (142) is shaped to direct a first portion of the light to the first light output area (144) and a second portion of the light to the second light-guiding section (146), and wherein the second light-guiding section (146) is shaped to direct at least a portion of the second portion of the light to the second light output area (148)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a module cover (140) for a key module (120) for a key (100), said module cover comprising the following features: a through-opening (152) for a key plunger (150) of the key (100) to pass through; a light-coupling region (141) for coupling light from a light source (110) into the module cover (140); a first light-output region (144) for outputting a first portion of the light and a second light-output region (148) for outputting a second portion of the light out of the module cover (140), the first light-output region (144) and the second light-output region (148) being located on different sides of the through-opening (152); and a first light-directing portion (142) and a second light-directing portion (146) which are located on different sides of the through-opening (152), the first light-directing portion (142) being shaped to direct a first portion of the light to the first light-output region (144) and a second portion of the light to the second light-directing portion (146), and the second light-guiding portion (146) being shaped to direct at least one part of the second portion of the light to the second light-output region (148).