Backlight Module Bezel Width Reduction via Film Reflector Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional backlight modules face challenges in reducing the width of the bezel due to the positioning structure of films, which can lead to mura defects and increased bezel width, hindering the development of thinner, brighter, and cost-effective LCDs.

Innovation Solution

The proposed backlight module incorporates a reflector with extending portions and a film with positioning portions that are bent and overlapped to form a box-shaped structure, allowing for reduced bezel width without additional space for thermal expansion, using a supporting plate and positioning portions that correspond to each other for secure fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If the conventional positioning structure with through holes and pins is used to fasten films to the back bezel, then the films are securely fixed, but the bezel width cannot be reduced due to the space required for positioning portions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebezel widthVSAvoidpositioning structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the positioning function and fastening function into a single integrated structure. The positioning portions are formed as integral extensions of the film layers themselves, eliminating the need for separate positioning features and pins. This consolidation allows the positioning portions to be directly attached to the back bezel without requiring additional space for separate positioning mechanisms, thereby reducing bezel width while maintaining secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional positioning approach (flat positioning portions on the film surface) to a three-dimensional configuration where positioning portions extend perpendicularly from the film layers. This vertical extension allows the positioning portions to engage with the back bezel in a different spatial dimension, eliminating the need for lateral space that would otherwise be required for positioning features, thus enabling bezel width reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of stationary object

If thermal expansion space is reserved between films and back bezel, then films are protected from warping and shifting, but the bezel width increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebezel widthVSAvoidfilm stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic positioning structure where the positioning portions are elastically deformable and can dynamically adjust to thermal expansion. The positioning portions are configured to engage with the back bezel in a manner that allows for thermal movement while maintaining secure attachment. This dynamic engagement mechanism protects against warping and shifting due to thermal expansion without requiring fixed thermal expansion space, thereby reducing bezel width while preserving film stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the positioning structure by making the positioning portions elastically deformable rather than rigid. This parameter change allows the positioning portions to accommodate thermal expansion through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for fixed thermal expansion clearance. The elastic properties enable the structure to maintain secure attachment while adapting to temperature-induced dimensional changes, thus reducing bezel width without compromising film stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If multiple separate components (reflector, light guide plate, films) are used, then optical functions are achieved, but the overall structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoiddisplay brightness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple optical components into an integrated assembly where the reflector, light guide plate, and films with positioning portions are configured as a unified structure. The positioning portions are formed as integral parts of the film layers, and the entire assembly is mounted to the back bezel as a single unit. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining all necessary optical functions for achieving display brightness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9250379B2Backlight module
Publication Date: 2016.02.02 AU OPTRONICS CORP
  • US9250379B2 patent drawing
  • US9250379B2 patent drawing
  • US9250379B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A backlight module includes a reflector, a light guide plate and a film. The reflector includes a supporting plate and two extending portions, and the extending portions are located on two opposite sides of the supporting plate, respectively. The film includes a main body and two positioning portions, and the positioning portions are located on two opposite sides of the main body, respectively. The light guide plate is located between the supporting plate and the main body. The main body corresponds to the supporting plate, and the positioning portions correspond to the extending portions. The extending portions are bent toward the main body, and the positioning portions are bent toward the supporting plate. The positioning portions are at least partially overlapped with and are fixed to the extending portions, respectively.