Data Storage Device Light Homogenizing Plate Thickness Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage devices for Esports computers require a thick light-homogenizing layer to prevent uneven illumination, which increases the overall size and material usage of the device.
Innovation Solution
A data storage device design featuring a light emitting module with a light-homogenizing plate and a light output portion, where the light emitting elements emit light that is homogenized by the plate and then diffused through a space before being output, reducing the thickness of the homogenizing layer to 2 mm while maintaining even illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a thick light-homogenizing layer is used to prevent uneven illumination, then illumination uniformity is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guiding strip is divided into two separate components: a light-homogenizing plate with reduced thickness and a light diffusion plate. This segmentation allows each component to have optimized thickness independently, with the light-homogenizing plate being much thinner while the light diffusion plate handles the diffusion function, thereby reducing overall device size while maintaining illumination uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by separating the homogenization and diffusion functions into different components positioned at different locations. The light-homogenizing plate is placed close to the LEDs while the light diffusion plate is positioned further away, creating a multi-dimensional light path that achieves uniform illumination without requiring excessive thickness in a single layer.
2Illumination intensity
If a thick light-homogenizing layer is used to prevent uneven illumination, then illumination uniformity is improved, but material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the light guiding strip into a thin light-homogenizing plate and a separate light diffusion plate, the patent reduces material usage in the homogenizing function while maintaining overall illumination uniformity. The light diffusion plate can be made from materials with different properties optimized for diffusion rather than homogenization, allowing more efficient material selection and reduced total material consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thickness parameter of the light-homogenizing plate from the conventional 8 mm or more to 2 mm or less, significantly reducing material usage. This parameter change is made possible by the segmented design where the light diffusion plate compensates for the reduced homogenization layer thickness, maintaining illumination uniformity with much less material.
3Length of stationary object
If the light-homogenizing plate thickness is reduced to 2 mm, then device size is reduced, but mechanical strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light-homogenizing plate with the heat dissipating unit by making the heat dissipating unit integrally form the light-homogenizing plate. This integration provides mechanical support and structural strength to the thin plate, compensating for the reduced thickness while maintaining both structural integrity and optical homogenization functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat dissipating unit serves multiple functions: it provides thermal management for the LEDs, structural support for the thin light-homogenizing plate, and mechanical strength to the overall assembly. This multi-functionality allows the light-homogenizing plate to be made very thin without compromising mechanical strength, as the heat dissipating unit simultaneously provides support and cooling.
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 reduces the overall size and material usage of the device while providing a more even illuminance effect compared to conventional solutions, with the light-homogenizing plate offering mechanical strength and the light diffusion space optimizing light output.
Implementation Method 1
light emitted by the light emitting elements is transmitted into and homogenized by the light-homogenizing plate
Implementation Method 2
a light diffusion space is disposed between the light-homogenizing plate and the light output portion. The light emitted by the light emitting elements propagates sequentially into the light-homogenizing plate, the light diffusion space, and the light output portion
Implementation Method 3
The heat dissipating unit is in thermal contact with the memory module, holds the light guiding unit
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage device includes a memory module including a circuit board, a plurality of light emitting elements and a light guiding unit. The light emitting elements are electrically connected to the circuit board. The light guiding unit includes a light-homogenizing plate and a light output portion. The plate is disposed between the light output portion and the light emitting elements. A light diffusion space is disposed between the plate and the light output portion. The light emitted by the light emitting elements propagates sequentially into the plate, the light diffusion space, and the light output portion and then is output through the light output portion.