Multi-Illuminated Pushbutton with Static Lighting Board
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Solution Overview
Problem
Previous multi-legend pushbuttons face mechanical stress on their lighting circuits due to button movement, leading to wear and reliability issues, as the lighting circuit and conductors are integrated with the button cap and must accommodate movement relative to the main circuit.
Innovation Solution
A multi-illuminated pushbutton design where the lighting circuit is static and separated from the button cap, with a substrate-mounted lighting board and a button cap that prevents light leakage between states, allowing the button base to move through the lighting board without affecting electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the lighting circuit is integrated with the button cap, then the button structure is compact and the lighting moves with the button, but the lighting circuit and conductors are mechanically stressed each time the pushbutton is actuated leading to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pushbutton into separate functional components: the button cap assembly (with switch) and the lighting board assembly. The lighting circuit is segregated onto a static board mounted to the substrate, while the button cap moves independently. This segmentation eliminates mechanical stress on the lighting circuit during button actuation, resolving the contradiction between structural integration and circuit durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting circuit is extracted from the moving button cap and placed on a separate static lighting board. The button cap is removed from the through channel of the lighting board, allowing independent movement without stressing the lighting connections. This extraction resolves the contradiction by separating the moving mechanical components from the static electrical lighting components.
2Measurement precision
If the button cap prevents light leakage between states, then the illumination accuracy is improved, but the button structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The button cap is designed with differentiated optical properties in different regions: transparent or translucent windows in specific areas to allow light transmission for indicator visibility, and opaque portions in other areas to prevent light leakage between adjacent indicators. This local differentiation of optical quality achieves accurate light transmission control without requiring complex overall structure.
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 design enhances durability and manufacturability by eliminating the mechanical stress on lighting circuits, resulting in a more robust and reliable pushbutton structure that does not wear quickly.
Implementation Method 1
The button base can be shaped to prevent substantially all light emitted from the first light source from transmission through the second window and prevents substantially all light emitted from the second light source from transmission through the first window
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-illuminated pushbutton, including a substrate having a switch and a button cap. A lighting board may be affixed to the substrate, the lighting board having a first light source, a second light source, and a through channel disposed between the first light source and the second light source. The button cap can have a first window for transmission of light from the first light source, a second window for transmission of light from the second light source, and a button base disposed through the channel of the lighting board and in operable relation with the switch. The button base can be shaped to prevent substantially all light emitted from the first light source from transmission through the second window and prevents substantially all light emitted from the second light source from transmission through the first window.