Backlight Module Light Guide Tube Microstructures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional backlight modules with LEDs face challenges in reducing light mixing distance, increasing production costs, and complicating heat dissipation due to the need for a long light box and additional lenses, while also being difficult to repair and maintain.
Innovation Solution
The use of light guide tubes with microstructures arranged in a matrix array within a light box, which disperses light beams from LEDs, reducing the required light mixing distance and eliminating the need for a separate light guide plate, allowing for a more compact and cost-effective design with easier maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the distance among LEDs is decreased to reduce light mixing distance, then the light mixing distance is reduced, but the number of LEDs increases resulting in higher production costs and aggravated heat dissipation problems
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide plate with light guiding structures is introduced as an intermediary component between the LEDs and the display panel. The light guiding structures guide light from adjacent LEDs to mix and distribute it uniformly across the display area, enabling effective light mixing while maintaining larger LED spacing and reducing the number of LEDs required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the thickness dimension of the light guide plate to achieve light mixing. By guiding light through the thickness direction and using total internal reflection at angled surfaces, the system mixes light from multiple LEDs in three-dimensional space rather than requiring them to be closely spaced in a single plane
2Illumination intensity
If a lens is used to improve light mixing effect, then the light mixing effect is improved, but the design becomes difficult and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive precision lenses with a cost-effective light guide plate made of standard optical materials. The light guiding structures are formed through conventional manufacturing processes like injection molding, significantly reducing production costs while achieving the required light mixing effect
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from using optical parameters of lenses (focal length, aperture) to using geometric parameters of light guiding structures (angle, depth, shape). This allows light mixing to be achieved through structural design rather than complex optical component design, simplifying manufacturing
3Ease of manufacture
If LEDs are installed in the light box, then the backlight module can be assembled, but the light box must be disassembled when broken LEDs need to be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backlight module into distinct functional layers: LED light source layer, light guide plate layer, and display panel layer. The LEDs are mounted on a separate PCB that interfaces with the light guide plate, allowing the LED assembly to be independently replaced without disassembling the entire light box structure
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 achieves improved light mixing efficiency, reduces production costs, and facilitates easier replacement of LEDs, while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design for the backlight module.
Implementation Method 1
The microstructures disperse the light beam from the light guide tubes
Implementation Method 2
Each of the light guide tubes has a plurality of microstructures which are spaced apart along a length of a corresponding one of the light guide tubes
Data Source
AI summary
A backlight module includes a light box, at least one light guide tube, and at least one light source. The light box has a light exit side. The light guide tube has a plurality of microstructures which are spaced apart along a length of the light guide tube. The light guide tube and the microstructures are disposed in the light box in a particular arrangement so that the microstructures are placed substantially in a matrix array within the light box. The light source is disposed adjacent to the light guide tube, and is operable so as to emit a light beam to the light guide tube. The microstructures disperse the light beam from the light guide tube.