Game Machine Pushbutton Light Guide Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing game machine pushbutton designs that use a diffusion sheet to prevent light spots result in a thicker profile and inefficient use of light, especially when only the side or periphery is intended to be the lighting surface, as they require a longer distance between the light source and the lighting surface.
Innovation Solution
A game machine pushbutton with light sources arranged along the peripheral part of the input key, where their emitting surfaces are oriented differently from the lighting surface, using a light guide to direct light and a reflective component to prevent light leakage and create even illumination, eliminating the need for a long diffusion path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a diffusion sheet is arranged at a sufficient distance from the light source to prevent light spots, then light spots are eliminated, but the thickness of the pushbutton increases
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide is introduced as an intermediary component between the light source and the lighting surface. The light guide receives light from the light source and guides it to the lighting surface through its side surface, eliminating the need for a diffusion sheet and long diffusion path while preventing light spots.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting surface is formed by the side surface of the light guide rather than the top surface. This dimensional change allows light to be emitted from the peripheral part of the pushbutton without requiring a long distance from the light source, thus reducing thickness while preventing light spots.
2Illumination intensity
If a diffusion sheet is used to illuminate the entire input surface, then uniform illumination is achieved, but light from the light source is not used effectively when only the side or periphery is intended to be the lighting surface
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is designed to emit light specifically from its side surface (peripheral part) rather than distributing light uniformly across the entire top surface. This local quality approach ensures that light is emitted only where needed (the peripheral lighting surface), improving light efficiency while maintaining uniform illumination at the targeted area.
3Illumination intensity
If the light emitting surfaces are oriented toward the lighting surface, then light emission is maximized, but light spots appear on the lighting surface
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of orienting the light emitting surfaces toward the lighting surface (top surface), the light sources are oriented with their emitting surfaces facing the light guide's interior. The light guide then redirects this light to its side surface, inverting the traditional emission direction to eliminate light spots while maintaining effective light emission.
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 achieves a thinner device that effectively uses light without creating light spots or dark spots on the lighting surface, providing even illumination and reducing the thickness of the pushbutton compared to designs using natural diffusion or diffusion sheets.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide including a lighting surface, the light guide provided to surround the peripheral part of the input key and configured to direct light radiating thereon from the plurality of light sources and emit the light from the lighting surface
Implementation Method 2
a reflective component for returning light exiting from the light guide into the light guide, the reflective component arranged at the reverse surface of the light guide
Data Source
AI summary
A game machine pushbutton configured for mounting to a game machine, the game machine pushbutton including: an input key configured to accept a depression thereof; a plurality of light sources arranged along a peripheral part of the input key; and a light guide including a lighting surface; the light guide provided to surround the peripheral part of the input key and configured to direct light radiating thereon from the plurality of light sources and emit the light from the lighting surface; and the plurality of light sources is arranged with light emitting surfaces thereof oriented in a direction that is different from the direction toward which the lighting surface is oriented.