Backlight Module Light Guide Plate Recesses for Uniform Illumination

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional backlight modules have a low light utilization ratio and non-uniform light output due to linear and uniformly spaced grooves on the light guide plate, requiring additional costly optical films for correction, resulting in increased thickness and cost.

Innovation Solution

A light guide plate with a plurality of recesses arranged in a matrix, where each recess defines a first slant facing the light source, with the arris aligned perpendicular to the light path, optimizing light reflection and reducing the need for corrective films by ensuring uniform light distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If linear and uniformly spaced grooves are used on the light guide plate, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but the light output becomes non-uniform and light utilization ratio is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidlight output uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making each recess have a specific geometric configuration (first slant with arris perpendicular to light path, second slant with different angle) that is optimized for its local function of reflecting light upward. This localized geometric optimization ensures uniform light output while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the recesses, specifically the angles of the first and second slants, where the arris of the first slant is aligned perpendicular to the main light path. This parameter optimization improves light reflection efficiency and uniformity without complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If additional optical films are added to correct light uniformity, then light output uniformity is improved, but the module thickness and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight output uniformityVSAvoidmodule thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The light guide plate performs self-correction of light uniformity through its own integrated recess structures. The specially designed recesses with optimized slant angles inherently distribute light uniformly without requiring external optical films, thus reducing thickness while maintaining light uniformity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the light distribution function into the light guide plate itself by integrating the recess structures directly into the plate. This combines the light guiding and light uniformizing functions into a single component, eliminating the need for separate optical films and reducing overall module thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If additional optical films are added to correct light uniformity, then light output uniformity is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight output uniformityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the light distribution function into the light guide plate itself by integrating the recess structures directly into the plate. This combines the light guiding and light uniformizing functions into a single component, eliminating the need for separate optical films and reducing overall module thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light guide plate performs self-correction of light uniformity through its own integrated recess structures. The specially designed recesses with optimized slant angles inherently distribute light uniformly without requiring external optical films, thus reducing thickness while maintaining light uniformity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 enhances light utilization and brightness, achieving uniform light output without the need for additional optical films, resulting in a more compact and cost-effective backlight module.

Implementation Method 1

Each recess defines a first slant facing the light source and an arris at a top of the first slant. The arris of the first slant at each recess is aligned substantially perpendicular to a main path of light beams that propagate from the light source to the recess.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS7824094B2Backlight module having light guide plate with recesses

Publication Date: 2010.11.02 INNOLUX CORP

AI summary

An exemplary backlight module (1) includes a light source (11) and a light guide plate (12). The light guide plate includes a light incident surface (121) to which the light source is placed adjacent, and a bottom surface (122) adjacent the light incident surface. The bottom surface defines a plurality of recesses (1222). Each recess defines a first slant (101) facing the light source and an arris (103) at a top of the first slant. The arris of the first slant at each recess is aligned substantially perpendicular to a main path of light beams that propagate from the light source to the recess.