Backlight Module Light Guide Plate Concave Convex Lens Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current LCD-based switchable peep-proof display techniques face issues such as complexity, high cost, and power consumption due to the use of 'peep-proof film+Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC)' and 'double light guide plates' schemes, which result in light loss and increased thickness.

Innovation Solution

A backlight module with a light guide plate featuring alternately arranged concave and convex lens structures corresponding to different light sources, allowing for beam angle control via a controller to switch between normal and privacy display modes, utilizing LED, microLED, or miniLED light sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If 'peep-proof film+Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC)' scheme is used, then privacy display function is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprivacy display functionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The backlight module is segmented into multiple independent light sources (first light sources and second light sources) that can be controlled separately. Each light source corresponds to specific lens structures (concave or convex), allowing selective activation to achieve different display modes without requiring complex PDLC film switching mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The same light guide plate structure serves multiple functions by combining both concave lens structures and convex lens structures in a single component. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate privacy mode components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining both normal and privacy display capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If 'double light guide plates' scheme is used, then privacy display function is achieved, but device thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprivacy display functionVSAvoidmodule thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of what would traditionally require separate light guide plates into a single integrated light guide plate. By incorporating both concave lens structures (for normal mode) and convex lens structures (for privacy mode) within one plate, the design achieves privacy functionality without increasing thickness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of adding thickness in the vertical dimension to achieve privacy mode, the patent utilizes the horizontal dimension by arranging different lens structures (concave and convex) side-by-side on the light guide plate. This dimensional transition allows multiple functions to coexist without increasing overall module thickness

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional backlight switching scheme is used, then privacy display function is achieved, but light loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprivacy display functionVSAvoidlight loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the light guide plate have different optical properties - concave lens structures in one area and convex lens structures in another. Each region is optimized for its specific function, allowing light to be efficiently directed according to the selected mode without unnecessary light loss from inappropriate optical elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical or chemical switching mechanisms (like PDLC film switching) with optical path control through selective light source activation. By controlling which light sources (first or second) are activated, the system achieves mode switching through optical control rather than physical or chemical changes, reducing light loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution provides efficient beam angle adjustment for improved peep-proof functionality with reduced light loss and cost, while maintaining brightness and power efficiency, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

each of said plurality of concave lens structures may make light emitted from a corresponding first light source pass through said concave lens structure and exit from said backlight module at a first beam angle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

each of said plurality of convex lens structures may make light emitted from a corresponding second light source pass through said convex lens structure and exit from said backlight module at a second beam angle smaller than said first beam angle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS10948773B2Backlight module including a light guide plate comprising concave and convex lens structures, control method thereof and display device
Publication Date: 2021.03.16 HEFEI BOE OPTOELECTRONIC TECH CO LTD
  • US10948773B2 patent drawing
  • US10948773B2 patent drawing
  • US10948773B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A backlight module comprising a plurality of light sources and a light guide plate. The plurality of light sources comprises a plurality of first light sources and a plurality of second light sources. The light guide plate comprises a plurality of concave lens structures and a plurality of convex lens structures on a side of the light guide plate distant from the plurality of light sources. The plurality of concave lens structures and the plurality of convex lens structures correspond to the plurality of first light sources and the plurality of second light sources, respectively. A method for controlling a backlight module and a display device including the backlight module is also provided.