Single-sided PCB Illuminated Switch Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing illuminated switch assemblies require a double-sided mounting structure, leading to complex design processes, increased costs, and reduced space usability due to the need for a large separation space between components and LEDs on the PCB, making them unsuitable for narrow spacing applications.

Innovation Solution

An illuminated switch assembly where light from an LED on the circuit board is refracted horizontally and vertically using a light-guiding member to illuminate regions above the board, allowing for a compact layout and adjustable brightness of multiple illuminated areas with a single LED, utilizing a single-sided mounting board.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a double-sided mounting structure is used with LEDs mounted on the upper side of the PCB, then illumination function is achieved, but the design process becomes complicated and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination functionVSAvoiddesign process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional mounting approach by mounting the LED on the lower side of the PCB instead of the upper side. This inversion allows the light to travel upward through the PCB and illuminate the push button from below, eliminating the need for a double-sided mounting structure while maintaining the illumination function. The single-sided mounting simplifies the design process and reduces costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The PCB itself serves as an intermediary medium to guide the light from the LED on the lower side to the push button on the upper side. By utilizing the PCB's structural properties and light-guiding capabilities, the patent eliminates the need for separate illumination structures or double-sided mounting, thereby simplifying the overall design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If a double-sided mounting structure with LEDs on the upper side is used, then illumination is achieved, but space usability is degraded due to large separation space requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination functionVSAvoidspace usability

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the LED mounting position to the lower side of the PCB, the patent eliminates the need for large separation spaces between components and the LED. The light travels upward through the PCB structure, allowing components to be positioned closer together and improving space usability in compact device layouts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Illumination intensity

If a double-sided mounting structure is used, then illumination function is achieved, but development of driving programs and enormous costs are involved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The inverted mounting approach uses the PCB's existing structure and materials to guide light, eliminating the need for complex double-sided mounting hardware and associated driving programs. This reduces manufacturing complexity and costs while maintaining the illumination function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Area of stationary object

If the separation space between PCB and components is made narrow, then space usability improves, but the related art cannot be applied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace usabilityVSAvoidapplicability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By mounting the LED on the lower side of the PCB and utilizing the PCB structure itself to guide light upward, the patent enables narrow spacing between the PCB and upper components. This inverted approach removes the constraint that prevented application in compact designs, thereby improving both space usability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

This solution simplifies circuit management, reduces costs, and enables the use of space above the circuit board, even in narrow spacing conditions, by allowing multiple regions to be illuminated with a single LED, while maintaining operational effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

light from an LED mounted on a circuit board to emit light downward is refracted horizontally and vertically to reach a position above the circuit board

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS9140442B2Low-profile illuminated switch assembly

Publication Date: 2015.09.22 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to an illuminated switch assembly that includes a case; a circuit board disposed inside the case; a light-emitting diode mounted on the circuit board to emit light downward; a light-guiding member configured to transmit the light emitted downward by the light-emitting diode to a position above the circuit board; and an operation member disposed in an upper part of the case to be operable as a switch, the operation member being configured to be illuminated with light received from the light-guiding member.