Light-Transmissive Circuit Structure for Uniform Keyboard Backlighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light-emitting keyboards suffer from uneven light distribution across keys due to the concentrated placement of light-emitting elements adjacent to the light guide plate, resulting in brighter keys closer to the light source and darker keys farther away.
Innovation Solution
A circuit structure comprising a light-transmissive insulation layer, a patterned conductive layer, an electronic component, a protection layer, and a pad layer is integrated into a backlight module and light-emitting key device. This configuration allows for more uniform light distribution by positioning the electronic components to emit light in a controlled manner across the light guide plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If light-emitting elements are concentratedly disposed adjacent to the side of the light guide plate, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the light distribution becomes uneven with keys closer to the light source getting brighter and keys farther away getting darker
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light guide plate into multiple segments or zones, each with different light guide structures or refractive index characteristics. This segmentation allows different regions to control light distribution independently, achieving uniform illumination across the keyboard surface while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that is easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by varying the optical properties (such as refractive index, surface roughness, or internal structure) of different regions within the light guide plate. Specifically, regions closer to the light source have different optical characteristics compared to regions farther away, allowing each local area to optimize light distribution and achieve uniform overall illumination.
2Device complexity
If light-emitting elements are positioned to provide side-light to the light guide plate, then the device complexity is reduced, but the brightness uniformity across keys deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional side-lighting (light entering the light guide plate from the side) to a configuration where light is introduced from the bottom or rear surface of the light guide plate. This dimensional change in light entry position, combined with optimized light guide structures, enables uniform top surface illumination while maintaining relatively simple device complexity.
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 proposed solution enhances light uniformity and brightness across all keys, addressing the issue of uneven illumination in conventional light-emitting keyboards, thereby improving user experience and visual consistency.
Implementation Method 1
a light-transmissive insulation layer, a patterned conductive layer
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit structure includes a light-transmissive insulation layer, a patterned conductive layer and an electronic component. The patterned conductive layer is disposed on the light-transmissive insulation layer. The electronic component is disposed on the patterned conductive layer and electrically connected to the patterned conductive layer.