Transparent Press Button With Integrated Light Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slot machine switch units face challenges in maintaining a high-impact display performance while minimizing light leakage, which is complicated by the need for multiple parts and complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A switch unit design featuring transparent press buttons with a frame-like light guiding body, integrated inner and outer light shielding parts, and an elastically transformable bending transformation part, which allows for effective light management and assembly without increasing the number of parts or complicating the process flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a single rubber sheet is cut into pieces for each operation button, then the light performance can be improved by shielding light leakage, but the number of parts increases and the assembly process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the light shielding function directly into the button body structure. The button body is designed with a specific shape that includes light shielding portions, eliminating the need for separate rubber sheets. This merging of functions reduces the number of parts while maintaining the light performance benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The button body is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the pressable operation surface, acts as a light shielding structure to prevent light leakage, and serves as a structural support element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated light shielding components.
2Illumination intensity
If a single rubber sheet is cut into pieces for each operation button, then the light performance can be improved, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the light shielding function into the button body itself, the patent reduces the number of assembly steps. Instead of requiring separate installation of multiple rubber sheet pieces, the integrated structure is installed as a single unit, significantly improving assembly productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The button body is segmented into functional regions including the pressable surface and light shielding portions, allowing the light shielding function to be built-in without requiring separate component assembly. This segmentation within integration maintains functionality while simplifying assembly.
3Loss of information
If the opening is positioned to avoid the peripheral edge of the display region, then the display performance impact is reduced, but the light shielding effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The button body is designed with different local characteristics: the pressable surface area provides user interaction, while the light shielding portions provide optical blocking. This local differentiation allows the opening to be positioned optimally for display performance while the light shielding portions effectively block light leakage through alternative paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The light shielding function is extended into the vertical dimension with light shielding portions that extend downward from the button body. This three-dimensional light shielding structure prevents light leakage even when the opening is positioned to optimize display performance, as the light shielding portions block light from escaping through the sides and bottom.
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 enhances display impact by showing images between and around buttons, reduces light leakage, and simplifies assembly by integrating shielding parts and eliminating displacement issues.
Implementation Method 1
a frame-like light guiding body provided below the button body and provided so as to cover the light source
Implementation Method 2
an inner light shielding part integrally formed with an inner peripheral surface of the light guiding body and configured to shield light leaking to an inner peripheral side of the top surface
Implementation Method 3
an outer light shielding part integrally formed with an outer peripheral surface of the cover and configured to shield light leaking to an outer peripheral side of the cover
Implementation Method 4
a transparent substrate provided below the base and having a light source in a position corresponding to the outer periphery of the top surface
Data Source
AI summary
A switch unit has a display part configured to display an image, and an operation part provided on the display part in a stacked manner. The operation part includes a plurality of press buttons each having a pressable top surface formed to be transparent, a transparent base having a plurality of openings formed so as to be spaced from each other in positions corresponding to a display region of the display part, while avoiding a peripheral edge of the display region, and a transparent substrate provided below the base and having a light source in a position corresponding to the outer periphery of the top surface. Each of the press buttons includes, and forms into a unit, a button body having the top surface, and a frame-like light guiding body provided in a flange shape below the button body and provided so as to cover the light source.