Edge-Type Backlight Unit Bracket Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The edge-type backlight unit is thicker at the edge closest to the light source, making it challenging to achieve a slimmer design for display devices, which is desirable for improved space utilization and design aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

The light source is positioned between the bracket and the light guide plate, with a heat conducting member and a substrate fixed to the bracket, allowing the substrate to serve as both a heat sink and a mold frame, reducing the thickness of the light input section by omitting the traditional mold frame at the light input section.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If the light source is positioned at the edge of the LCD panel in an edge-type backlight unit, then the overall thickness of the backlight unit is reduced, but the edge closest to the light source becomes thicker due to the need for additional structural components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethickness of backlight unitVSAvoiduniformity of edge thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the mold frame and bracket into a single integrated component. The bracket serves dual functions: supporting the light source and acting as the mold frame that defines the display panel's positioning. This integration eliminates the need for a separate mold frame at the light input section, reducing thickness at the edge where the light source is positioned while maintaining proper structural support and panel alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the light source, provides heat dissipation pathways, and serves as the mold frame for positioning the display panel. This multi-functionality allows the edge-type backlight unit to achieve reduced thickness without compromising structural integrity or thermal management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If traditional separate components (mold frame and bracket) are used in the edge-type backlight unit, then structural stability is maintained, but the thickness increases and design flexibility for curved displays is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidthickness of light input section
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the mold frame and bracket into one integrated component, the patent reduces the number of parts and overall thickness at the light input section. The integrated design maintains structural stability through careful engineering of the bracket's geometry and material properties, while enabling curved display applications by reducing rigidity constraints associated with multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the structural parameters of the bracket by integrating it with the mold frame function. This parameter change allows the component to achieve both thickness reduction and maintained structural stability, while also providing the flexibility needed for curved display configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Length of stationary object

If the light source is positioned close to the edge to achieve thinner design, then space utilization is improved, but heat dissipation becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethickness of backlight unitVSAvoidheat dissipation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of the mold frame and bracket creates a larger thermal management structure. The bracket, being in direct contact with the light source, serves as a heat sink and thermal pathway, conducting heat away from the LED packages. This merged structure provides enhanced heat dissipation capability compared to separate components, allowing the light source to be positioned close to the edge for thinner design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket acts as an intermediary thermal management component between the light source and the surrounding structure. It conducts heat from the LED packages positioned at the edge and transfers it to the integrated mold frame structure, enabling effective heat dissipation even with the compact edge-type configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enables a slimmer display device design while maintaining effective heat dissipation and reducing manufacturing costs, also enabling the production of curved displays.

Implementation Method 1

A heat conducting member may be positioned between and in contact with the bracket and the LED package

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3051337B1Backlight unit for a display device
Publication Date: 2019.11.06 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3051337B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3051337B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3051337B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A backlight unit that allows a slimmer design for a display device is presented. The backlight unit includes: a bottom chassis (211, 212); a bracket (220) accommodated in the bottom chassis and positioned at an edge of the bottom chassis; a light source unit (230) including a substrate (231) fixedly positioned on the bracket and a light source (232) mounted on the substrate, the light source protruding toward a bottom (211) of the bottom chassis; and a light guide plate (270) disposed in the bottom chassis and transmitting light from the light source towards a display panel (110-140).