PCB User Interface Layout for Low-Cost Backlit Image Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user interface arrangements for electric apparatuses, such as display panels and back-lit touch buttons, are expensive due to the use of thin transparent polymer films and specialized components, making low-cost high-volume manufacturing challenging.
Innovation Solution
A user interface arrangement utilizing a printed circuit board with a non-conductive layer and a light emitting unit, where light is emitted through apertures in the non-conductive layer to define an image, allowing for low-cost manufacturing and improved image quality, and incorporating additional components like touch sensing electrodes and reflective layers to enhance functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If thin transparent polymer films with conventional printing techniques are used, then image quality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a printed circuit board as a carrier that copies the function of traditional transparent polymer films. The solder mask layer on the PCB is printed with graphical symbols using conventional printing techniques, creating a cost-effective copy of the traditional solution while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from transparent polymer film to printed circuit board with solder mask layer. This parameter change allows the use of high-volume manufacturing techniques for PCBs while maintaining the ability to define high-quality graphical images through the printed solder mask patterns
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional transparent polymer film solutions are used, then image definition quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components into a single printed circuit board structure. The PCB combines the carrier function, the graphical symbol definition (through solder mask printing), and the electrical circuitry into one integrated component, eliminating the need for separate transparent films, carriers, and connectors
Solution Approach 2:
The printed circuit board serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the structural carrier, provides the graphical user interface through printed solder mask patterns, and delivers electrical connectivity. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system
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 the creation of user interfaces that are cost-effective, capable of high-volume manufacturing, and provide improved image quality and touch event detection while reducing electrical noise and over-shine issues.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting unit, wherein the printed circuit board comprises a first non-conductive layer provided with at least one aperture and wherein the light emitting unit is arranged to emit light through the at least one aperture
Implementation Method 2
a light diffuser layer arranged between the first non-conductive layer and the second non-conductive layer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A user interface arrangement (1) is provided comprising a printed circuit board (3) having a first surface (5) and a second surface (7), and a light emitting unit (9.1, 9.2). The printed circuit board (3) comprises a first non-conductive layer (11) provided with at least one aperture (13). The light emitting unit (9.1, 9.2) is arranged to emit light through the at least one aperture (13) of the first non-conductive layer (11) in a direction from the second surface (7) to the first surface (5) of the printed circuit board (3) to thereby define an image visible at the first surface (5) of the printed circuit board (3). The present invention also relates to an electric apparatus comprising a user interface arrangement (1), a use of a printed circuit board to provide a user interface arrangement (1) and a method (100) for visualizing an image on a user interface arrangement (1).