Backlight Module Clamping Hooks Prevent Escape

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing clamping structures for backlight modules are time-consuming and laborious to assemble, prone to deformation, and susceptible to 'clamping-escape' during manufacturing or shipping, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage to the display screen.

Innovation Solution

A backlight module design featuring clamping hooks on the frame and matching parts on the back plate, where the hooks are inserted into hook holes and secured by retainer portions, forming a secure and easy-to-manufacture clamping structure that prevents clamping-escape and simplifies assembly and disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the existing clamping structure with protrusions is used to join the back plate and frame, then the clamping function is achieved, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and laborious

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping functionVSAvoidassembly efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping structure is segmented into distinct functional parts: the frame with integrated clamping hooks and the back plate with matching hook holes and retainer portions. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly where components interlock through predetermined geometric features rather than requiring complex deformation processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping hooks are pre-formed on the frame during frame manufacturing, and the hook holes and retainer portions are pre-formed on the back plate. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex assembly operations and reduces assembly time significantly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Force

If the existing clamping structure deforms protrusions through pressing to achieve clamping, then the clamping force is obtained, but fragments are likely to be generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping forceVSAvoidfragment generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of deforming the frame's protrusions through pressing, the invention inverts the approach by having the back plate's retainer portions clamp onto the frame's pre-formed hooks. This reversal eliminates the need for plastic deformation during assembly, preventing fragment generation while maintaining clamping force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The design accepts that the retainer portions on the back plate may be relatively simple in structure, prioritizing the elimination of fragment generation and assembly complexity over using expensive, complex frame modifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Stability of the object's composition

If multiple clamping structures are used to join the frame and back plate, then the clamping stability is improved, but the disassembly process becomes very complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping stabilityVSAvoiddisassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping structure is segmented into multiple identical hook-retainer pairs distributed around the frame perimeter. This segmentation allows for standardized, repetitive assembly and disassembly operations, reducing complexity despite the number of clamping points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hook and retainer geometry is pre-designed to enable tool-free assembly and disassembly. The retainer portions can be easily pushed to release the hooks, allowing rapid disassembly for repairs without complex tools or procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Length of moving object

If the clamping structure uses thin frame material or soft back plate material, then the overall device thickness is reduced, but deformation occurs during disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice thicknessVSAvoiddeformation control

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping force is applied in reverse direction compared to traditional designs - the back plate's retainers clamp onto the frame's hooks rather than the frame deforming to clamp the back plate. This inversion protects the thin frame and soft back plate from deformation during assembly and disassembly operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer portions are designed with geometric features that distribute clamping forces evenly, providing beforehand cushioning against localized stress concentrations that would cause deformation in thin or soft materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

5Reliability

If the existing clamping structure is used, then the clamping function is achieved, but the assembly process is prone to worker fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping functionVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

All clamping features (hooks, hook holes, retainer portions) are pre-formed during component manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for workers to perform complex deformation operations during assembly, reducing fatigue and improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping structure is segmented into simple, repetitive geometric features that can be assembled through straightforward insertion and engagement motions, reducing worker fatigue compared to complex, continuous deformation operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

6Reliability

If the clamping structures escape from clamping state due to external forces, then the device may be damaged, but using more robust clamping structures increases assembly complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping stabilityVSAvoidclamping structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer portions are nested within the hook structure, with the retainers fitting inside the hook's geometric features. This nested configuration provides inherent mechanical interlocking that prevents clamping-escape while maintaining relatively simple component geometries

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping mechanism is inverted so that the back plate's retainers actively clamp onto the frame's hooks rather than the frame passively holding the back plate. This inversion creates a more secure connection that resists external forces while keeping the overall structure simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS10139555B2Backlight module and display device

Publication Date: 2018.11.27 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a backlight module and a display device. The backlight module includes a back plate comprising a base plate and at least one side wall defining an accommodation space, a frame, at least a portion of which is accommodated in the space. The frame comprises at least one side surface arranged opposite to the side wall. Clamping hooks are arranged on the side surface, and matching parts are arranged on the side wall and correspond with the clamping hooks. The clamping hook comprises a first portion connected to the side surface and a second portion formed by bending and extending the first portion. The matching part comprises a hook hole portion and a retainer portion arranged around the hook hole portion. The first portion may be inserted into the hook hole portion, and the second portion is clamped by and fixed with the retainer portion.