Touch Slider Light Module With Parallel Light Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light source modules, particularly those using LEDs, require significant space due to direct light output and the need for optical components to achieve uniformity, which increases their size and makes integration into low-profile applications challenging.
Innovation Solution
A light source module design featuring a carrier with an elongate array of light sources mounted on its underside, utilizing a reflector arrangement to reflect light towards a window, forming a light path parallel to the carrier, which reduces depth and allows for uniform light output without increasing vertical space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If direct light output from LEDs is used, then the light source module can be compact, but the light output appears as separate spots rather than uniform
Solution Approach 1:
A reflector arrangement is introduced as an intermediary component between the LED light sources and the output surface. The reflector has a specific geometry that redirects light from multiple LEDs to travel parallel paths, causing them to converge and overlap at the output, creating uniform illumination while maintaining compact module size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the light propagation from vertical paths to parallel horizontal paths by using the reflector arrangement. This dimensional change allows light from multiple LEDs to travel along parallel trajectories, enabling uniform light distribution without requiring increased vertical space or additional optical components
2Illumination intensity
If optical components are added to achieve uniform light output, then uniformity is improved, but the size of the light source module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector arrangement serves multiple functions simultaneously: it redirects light from multiple LEDs, creates parallel light paths, enables uniform illumination output, and maintains compact module dimensions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate optical components that would otherwise be required to achieve each of these effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of light redirection, path parallelization, and uniformity creation into a single integrated reflector structure. This merging of functions into one component achieves uniform light output without the need for multiple separate optical elements, thereby avoiding an increase in module size
3Illumination intensity
If a significant light path length is provided for LED light output to spread, then uniform light output is achieved, but the vertical space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector arrangement redirects light propagation from vertical paths to parallel horizontal paths. This dimensional transformation allows the light to travel a significant path length for uniformity while the path extends horizontally rather than vertically, maintaining a compact vertical profile suitable for low-profile applications
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 design provides a compact, space-efficient light source module that achieves uniform light output while maintaining a low profile, suitable for integration into surfaces with minimal depth, and can be used as an illuminated user interface with touch sensing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector arrangement for reflecting light from the array of light sources towards the window to escape from the top surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A control interface (10) for controlling a system, comprising a module comprising: a carrier (32) having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface; an elongate window formed in, or adjacent, the carrier; an elongate array of light sources (36) on the bottom surface of the carrier; a reflector arrangement (40) for reflecting light from the array of light sources towards the window (38) to escape from the top surface, such that a light path is formed between each light source and the window (38), with a portion of the light paths being parallel to the carrier (32), wherein the light sources are adapted to be turned on in response to a control signal; wherein the module further comprises: a user interface surface (20), comprising a track area (22) for receiving touch input from a user, wherein the window is formed beneath the track area; and a touch sensor circuit (34) beneath the track area (22), wherein the touch sensitive circuit (34) comprises a touch sensor region on the top surface of the carrier (32); and a controller (70) adapted to control the light sources in dependence on a detected location of a touch input.