Backlight Module Micro Reflector Array Light Column Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional edge-type backlight modules for LCDs suffer from light column phenomena, leading to non-uniform illumination and reduced light distribution efficiency due to the limited refractive angle of the light guide plate and the shading effect of reflectors, which results in alternating light and dark zones.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a micro reflector array on the light input surface and a reflector around the light source, with the micro reflectors and reflector structured to direct and reflect light beams into the light guide plate at angles that eliminate the light column phenomenon, improving light distribution uniformity and utilization efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional light guide plate with limited refractive angle is used, then the structure is simple, but light distribution uniformity deteriorates due to light column phenomenon
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide plate is divided into multiple regions with different refractive angles. A first light guide plate region has a first refractive angle and a second light guide plate region has a second refractive angle different from the first, allowing different sections to handle light distribution differently to eliminate light column phenomenon while maintaining overall structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the light guide plate are assigned different optical properties (different refractive angles) according to their specific functional requirements. The region adjacent to the light source has optimized refractive angle to control light entry, while other regions have different angles to distribute light uniformly across the display area
2Illumination intensity
If the refractive angle of the light guide plate is increased to eliminate light column phenomenon, then light distribution uniformity improves, but the utilization efficiency of light beams deteriorates due to increased reflection
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide plate uses different refractive angles in different regions optimized for their specific functions. The first region has refractive angle optimized for light entry from source, while the second region has different angle optimized for light distribution, allowing each region to operate at optimal efficiency without excessive reflection
Solution Approach 2:
The refractive angle parameter is changed across different regions of the light guide plate. By varying this optical parameter spatially, the system achieves both good light distribution uniformity and high light utilization efficiency, as each region's refractive angle is optimized for its specific optical function
3Loss of energy
If a reflector is added around the light source to reflect light back into the light guide plate, then light utilization efficiency improves, but light distribution uniformity deteriorates due to shading effect
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into multiple light sources positioned at different locations, with each light source having its own optimized light guide plate region. This segmentation allows light to be distributed from multiple zones, preventing the shading effect that would occur with a single reflector and maintaining uniform light distribution while improving overall utilization efficiency
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 effectively reduces the light column phenomenon, enhances illumination uniformity, and increases the utilization efficiency of light energy by directing light beams into the light guide plate from both adjacent and distant areas of the light source, resulting in improved luminance and uniformity.
Implementation Method 1
a micro reflector array, having a number of micro reflectors on the light input surface, which, reflecting the light beams emitted from the light source, are substantially directed toward the light source
Implementation Method 2
a reflector, arranged around the light source, which faces the light input surface of the light guide plate
Data Source
AI summary
A backlight module (70) includes a light guide plate (72), a light source (74), a micro reflector array (723), and a reflector (76). The light guide plate includes a light input surface (722) facing the light source, a light output surface (724) adjacent to the light input surface, and a reflective surface (726) opposite to the light output surface. The light source and an emitting surface (744) thereof both face the light input surface. The micro reflector array and the reflector are configured for cooperatively coupling a first portion of the light beams into the light input surface via any corresponding microgap and reflecting a second portion of the light beams into the light guide plate at a location distant from the light source.