Back Plate Buffer Assembly for Display Thermal Expansion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing backlight modules of display devices face challenges in reducing the screen-to-body ratio due to thermal expansion of the light guide plate, which requires increasing the size of the back plate to accommodate the elongation, leading to gaps between the rubber members and the light guide plate.
Innovation Solution
A back plate unit with a buffer assembly comprising thermoplastic and thermoset buffer members between the back plate and the optical member, where the thermoplastic members can be deformed and compressed to absorb the expansion of the optical member, reducing gaps and increasing the screen-to-body ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the size of the back plate is increased to accommodate thermal expansion of the light guide plate, then the light guide plate can expand without pressing the LED, but the screen-to-body ratio cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different locations: thermoplastic buffer members are placed on the first side (away from LED) where they can be deformed and compressed to absorb expansion, while thermoset buffer members are placed on the second side (near LED) where they provide stable support and prevent over-compression of the LED. This local differentiation allows the back plate to be smaller while still protecting the LED.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite buffer assembly combining two different types of rubber members with distinct material properties: thermoplastic material (deformable and compressible) and thermoset material (stable and protective). This composite structure enables the system to both absorb thermal expansion and protect the LED, allowing reduction of the back plate size while maintaining LED protection.
2Reliability
If thermoset rubber members are used to position the light guide plate, then the light guide plate can be positioned and vibration can be absorbed, but gaps are left between the rubber members and the light guide plate when the light guide plate expands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different functional roles to different sides: the first side uses thermoplastic buffer members that are specifically designed to be deformed and compressed to absorb expansion, eliminating gaps, while the second side uses thermoset buffer members for stable positioning and vibration absorption. This local functional differentiation resolves the gap formation issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter (thermoplastic vs. thermoset) based on the functional requirement at each location. The thermoplastic material's ability to be deformed and compressed allows it to adapt to the expanded light guide plate, eliminating gaps that would form with rigid thermoset material alone.
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 solution effectively reduces the reserved gaps between the buffer members and the optical member, allowing for a smaller back plate design while preventing displacement or deformation during transport and operation, thus enhancing the screen-to-body ratio of the display device.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one first buffer member and the optical member are deformed when heated, and the at least one first buffer member is squeezed and compressed by expansion of the optical member
Data Source
AI summary
A back plate unit includes a back plate having opposite first and second sides, an optical member mounted to the back plate, and a buffer assembly disposed between the optical member and the back plate and including at least one first buffer member disposed on the first side and made of a thermoplastic material, and at least one second buffer member disposed on the second side and made of a thermoset material. The at least one first buffer member and the optical member are deformed when heated, and the at least one first buffer member is squeezed and compressed by expansion of the optical member. A backlight module of a display device is also disclosed.