Backlight Structural Support via Glass Light Guide Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Backlight systems in computing devices face challenges in reducing thickness and weight due to rigid metal housing, which also leads to flexing issues when the housing is omitted, and air gaps between components with different thermal expansion coefficients.
Innovation Solution
Adhering a rigid glass light guide to a reflector or adjacent structure within the backlight system, using adhesive light extracting features to enhance structural rigidity and reduce air gaps, and integrating the reflector with the rear chassis to provide support and uniform light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid metal housing is used in the backlight system, then structural support and rigidity are improved, but weight and thickness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rigid metal housing (metal canister) from the backlight system, extracting the unnecessary structural component that added weight and thickness. The backlight system is reconfigured to function without this enclosing housing, achieving weight reduction while maintaining structural integrity through alternative support mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the reflector with the rear chassis structure, making the chassis serve dual purposes: as the structural housing and as the reflective surface for light distribution. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate structural and optical components, reducing overall weight and complexity.
2Strength
If a rigid metal housing is used in the backlight system, then structural support and rigidity are improved, but device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rigid metal housing that occupied significant space in the device thickness direction. By eliminating this bulky enclosing structure, the overall device profile is reduced while maintaining necessary structural support through integrated design elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the reflector and rear chassis into a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate structural housing and optical reflector components. This merging reduces the cumulative thickness that would result from stacking multiple discrete components.
3Weight of moving object
If the metal housing is omitted to reduce weight and thickness, then device portability is improved, but structural rigidity and flexing resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The rear chassis is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural support, acting as the reflective surface for light distribution, and serving as the mounting structure for backlight components. This multi-functionality maintains rigidity without requiring additional structural components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by integrating the reflector with the rear chassis, creating a unified structure that combines structural and optical functions. This integrated approach provides rigidity comparable to separate metal housing while using lighter materials and reducing overall mass.
4Temperature
If components are loosely held within the metal housing, then thermal expansion freedom is improved, but air gaps increase and structural rigidity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the reflector with the rear chassis eliminates air gaps between these components, creating a unified structure with no voids. This merging ensures thermal contact and structural continuity while eliminating the harmful air spaces that would increase overall volume and reduce rigidity.
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 approach results in a thinner, lighter computing device with improved rigidity, reducing flexing and maintaining effective backlighting while eliminating the need for a metal canister, and allows for precise light source placement and thermal stability.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide comprising a glass sheet, the glass sheet being adhered to the reflector with adhesive light extracting features
Implementation Method 2
the glass sheet being adhered to the reflector with adhesive light extracting features
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of structurally supportive backlight systems and devices incorporating such backlight systems are disclosed. One disclosed example provides a backlight system comprising a reflector, a light guide comprising a glass sheet, the glass sheet being adhered to the reflector with adhesive light extracting features, and a light source positioned to direct light into the light guide.