Backlight Module Flexible Fixing-Element Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional backlight modules have a complex and costly assembly process due to the use of copper pillars or accordion-shaped walls for fixing optical films, leading to increased production time and module thickness, which limits the compactness and slimness of display devices.

Innovation Solution

A backlight module with a flexible fixing-element that connects the optical film to the frame using a hole and accommodation fillister, allowing for simpler assembly and reduced thickness, made from film material without molds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If copper pillars are used to fix the optical film, then the optical film can be securely positioned, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidassembly efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive copper pillars with a disposable adhesive tape that is applied to the back of the optical film. This adhesive tape is a low-cost, single-use component that eliminates the need for time-consuming copper pillar embedding processes while providing sufficient fixing reliability during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical copper pillar embedding system with an adhesive bonding system. Instead of mechanically securing the optical film through copper pillars that require burring and insertion processes, the adhesive tape provides secure bonding through chemical adhesion, dramatically simplifying the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If copper pillars are used to fix the optical film, then the optical film can be securely positioned, but the production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If accordion-shaped walls are used as positioning parts, then the structure can be formed on the back plate, but dust issues occur and proper positioning is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning structureVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the positioning function from the back plate structure itself and transfers it to the optical film side by adding a positioning hole to the lug. This eliminates the need for complex accordion-shaped walls on the back plate, reducing structural complexity and improving positioning accuracy through a simple hole alignment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary positioning hole in the optical film's lug that works in conjunction with a positioning protrusion on the back plate. This intermediary feature mediates the positioning between the optical film and back plate, providing precise alignment without requiring complex accordion-shaped wall structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If positioning part is used alone to prevent horizontal movement, then horizontal positioning is achieved, but vertical movement cannot be prevented and module thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehorizontal positioningVSAvoidmodule thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into the adhesive tape: it simultaneously provides horizontal positioning (through its width and adhesive area), vertical positioning (through its thickness and bonding strength), and dust prevention (by sealing the gap between optical film and back plate). This single component replaces the need for separate positioning structures that would increase module thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive tape serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a positioning element for both horizontal and vertical directions, provides secure bonding, prevents dust ingress, and eliminates the need for additional thickness-inducing structures. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and module thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8902376B2Backlight module and display device using the same

Publication Date: 2014.12.02 AU OPTRONICS CORP

AI summary

A backlight module includes a frame, at least one optical film and a flexible fixing-element. The frame includes a bottom plate and a sidewall connected to the bottom plate. The frame has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface has an accommodation fillister. The frame further has a hole disposed between the accommodation fillister and the bottom plate and configured to connect the inner and outer surfaces to each other. The optical film(s) is disposed in the frame and includes a main body and a lug. The lug is inserted in the accommodation fillister and has a first opening. The flexible fixing-element has a first end and a second end. The flexible fixing-element is suitable to pass through the hole and the first opening. The first end of the flexible fixing-element is fixed on the outer surface. A display device adopting the backlight module is also provided.