Two-Sided Illumination Device Using Printed Wiring Board Light Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in providing improved illumination configurations that enhance user input capabilities while maintaining robust and reliable product configurations, as consumers demand increased functionality and distinct key markings for different applications.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves a printed wiring board with two light sources and corresponding translucent members, where each light source is connected to opposite sides of the board, and lightguides are used to deliver light to the user input region, with the flexible printed wiring board separating light emissions to prevent straylight and allow for different graphics modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light sources are used to provide different illuminations for different applications, then user input capabilities are enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser input capabilitiesVSAvoidillumination configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination system is segmented into multiple independent light sources (first light source and second light source) that can be selectively activated. Each light source is associated with different translucent members that display different key markings, allowing the system to provide different illumination modes (number mode, alphabet mode, etc.) without requiring a completely different configuration for each mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The printed wiring board serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, electrical connectivity for the light sources, and acts as a separator between the first and second light sources. The same physical structure (printed wiring board) is used to accommodate both light sources and manage their light paths, reducing the need for additional components and simplifying the overall device configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Illumination intensity

If light sources are placed on opposite sides of the printed wiring board, then light delivery to user input region is improved, but light mixing and straylight become problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight delivery efficiencyVSAvoidstraylight

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The printed wiring board acts as an intermediary barrier between the first light source and the second light source. It physically separates the two light sources on opposite sides of the board, preventing light from one source from directly reaching the opposite side and causing mixing or straylight issues. This intermediary structure allows both light sources to illuminate the user input region effectively without interfering with each other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If different key markings are provided for different applications, then functionality is increased, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidassembly steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides dynamic adaptability through electronic control of different light sources rather than requiring multiple static physical keypads with different markings. The translucent members can display different key markings (numbers, alphabets, symbols) by selectively activating different light sources, allowing the same physical structure to adapt to different functional requirements without requiring separate manufacturing processes for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 configuration provides effective illumination for various user input modes, such as number and alphabet modes, without complex assembly steps, ensuring reliable and efficient light delivery to the user input region, enhancing user experience and device functionality.

Implementation Method 1

The first translucent member is configured to transfer light from the first light source to a surface of the first translucent member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transfer: Light

Implementation Method 2

The printed wiring board is between the first lightguide and the second lightguide. The printed wiring board is configured to separate light emitting from the first light source and the second light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight separation: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS8025434B2Two-sided illumination device

Publication Date: 2011.09.27 WSOU INVESTMENTS LLC

AI summary

A two-sided illumination device including a printed wiring board, a first light source and first translucent member connected to a first side of the wiring board, and a second light source and second translucent member connected to a second side of the wiring board. The first translucent member is configured to transfer light from the first light source to a surface of the first translucent member, while the second translucent member is configured to transfer light from the second light source to a surface of the second translucent member. The illumination device is used for illuminating a user input region of an apparatus.