Integrated PCB Indicator Light Structure for Crosstalk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical transport network devices face issues with light crosstalk and light crosstalk, and the light crosstalk phenomenon, leading to inefficient light transmission and increased space occupation, especially in high-density boards with optical ports.
Innovation Solution
A compact indicator apparatus using a plastic structural part with integrated light guiding structures and elastic clips, eliminating the need for assembly limiting structures and reducing size, while ensuring uniform positioning and improved light conduction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a light pipe is used to transmit light from LED to observation panel, then light transmission is achieved, but the indicator apparatus occupies excessively large internal space due to assembly limiting structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the light guiding structure directly into the PCB substrate, merging the light transmission function with the board structure itself. This eliminates the need for separate light pipes and their associated assembly limiting structures, thereby reducing internal space occupation while maintaining light transmission reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the light transmission function from the traditional light pipe component and implements it through PCB trace structures. This extraction eliminates the need for bulky light pipes and their limiting structures, achieving compact indicator apparatus design
2Ease of manufacture
If LED is disposed on PCB with light pipe, then light emission is achieved, but assembly complexity increases due to assembly limiting structures at both ends of light pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The light guiding traces are integrated directly into the PCB manufacturing process, merging the light guidance function with the circuit board fabrication. This eliminates separate light pipe components and their complex assembly limiting structures, significantly simplifying the overall assembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The PCB trace structures serve as both electrical circuits and light guiding paths, making the PCB self-sufficient for both functions. This eliminates the need for separate light pipe components and their complex assembly structures, reducing assembly complexity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If side-emission LED is used to directly emit light to observation panel, then assembly is simplified, but light crosstalk phenomenon occurs due to limited distance between LED and panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces PCB trace structures as intermediary light guiding paths between the LED and observation panel. These traces act as controlled mediators that guide light along specific routes, preventing direct light crosstalk while maintaining a compact structure without complex additional components
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional light pipe solution is used, then light transmission is achieved, but uniform positioning of indicators across different boards cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The PCB trace-based light guiding structure serves multiple functions: electrical signaling, light transmission, and positioning reference. This universal approach enables uniform indicator positioning across different board designs while maintaining compact footprint, as the PCB itself provides the standardized reference framework
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
The solution provides a small-size indicator apparatus that saves internal space, improves indication effect, and ensures uniform positioning across different boards, reducing light crosstalk and enhancing assembly stability.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of light guiding structures are configured to transmit, to a first surface of the plastic body for emission, light emitted by a plurality of light emitting diodes LEDs on the indicator board
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides an indicator apparatus and a network communication device. The indicator apparatus provided in this application includes a plastic structural part and an indicator board. The plastic structural part is fastened to the indicator board. Specifically, the plastic structural part is a structural part integrally formed by a plurality of light guiding structures and a plastic body, and the plurality of light guiding structures are configured to transmit, to a first surface of the plastic body for emission, light emitted by a plurality of light emitting diodes LEDs on the indicator board. The indicator board includes a printed circuit board PCB, the plurality of LEDs disposed on a first surface of the PCB, and an indicator board base disposed on a second surface of the PCB. The indicator board base is electrically connected to a board by using a cable. A size of the indicator apparatus provided in this application can be flexibly designed based on an application requirement, and a layout of a small-size indicator can be implemented.