Backlight Unit Frame with Superelastic Alloy and Elastomer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional frames used in flexible display panels are prone to fatigue fracture and misalignment of optical components when bent, due to simultaneous compressive and tensile forces, leading to undesirable deformation and misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A backlight unit featuring frame members made of superelastic alloys and elastomers, where the first frame member is bent in the same direction as the display panel and the second frame member overlaps the edge of the first frame member, with penetration holes and coupling portions designed to securely fix the light source and optical components, reducing misalignment and deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional metal frame is used to support a flexible display panel, then the frame can provide structural support, but the frame undergoes fatigue fracture or permanent deformation when bent due to simultaneous compressive and tensile forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the frame from conventional metal to elastomer, which fundamentally alters the mechanical properties. The elastomer frame can undergo large elastic deformations without permanent deformation or fatigue fracture, resolving the contradiction between providing structural support and resisting fatigue damage during bending operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining an elastomer frame with a superelastic alloy mesh. The elastomer provides flexibility and fatigue resistance, while the superelastic alloy mesh reinforces the frame to maintain structural integrity during bending, thus achieving both strength and reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional rigid frame is bent to accommodate a flexible display panel, then the frame can follow the bending shape, but the various optical components accommodated within the frame become misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid metal to elastomer, which allows the frame to bend elastically without permanent deformation. This elastic reversibility ensures that optical components remain properly aligned during bending and return to their original positions when the bending force is removed, maintaining manufacturing precision while achieving adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic flexibility through the elastomer material, allowing the frame to adapt its shape during bending operations. The frame dynamically responds to bending forces while maintaining the relative positions of optical components through its elastic properties, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and precision
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 use of superelastic alloys and elastomers in the frame members allows for elastic deformation and restoration, effectively preventing misalignment and deformation of optical components when the display device is bent, enhancing the structural integrity and optical alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a first frame member which is bent in at least one direction and includes a superelastic alloy
Implementation Method 2
a second frame member which overlaps an edge portion of the first frame member and includes an elastomer
Data Source
AI summary
A backlight unit includes: a light source which generates light; and frame members which accommodate the light source therein. The frame members include: a first frame member which is bent in at least one direction and includes a superelastic alloy; and a second frame member which overlaps an edge portion of the first frame member and includes an elastomer.