Backlight Unit Step-Like Mold for Narrow Bezel Stiffness

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional liquid crystal display (LCD) devices with narrower bezels lack the necessary structural stability and stiffness due to the reduced width, which compromises the securement of the backlight unit and display panel.

Innovation Solution

A backlight unit design featuring a panel guide mold and bottom cover with an alternating, step-like structure, where first and second mold units are offset to form a zigzag pattern, providing structural stability without the need for a wide bezel, and incorporating a light supply unit between the mold and cover for enhanced stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the bezel width is reduced to meet consumer demand for narrower bezels, then the aesthetic appearance and modern design are improved, but the structural stability and stiffness of the backlight unit deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebezel widthVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The panel guide mold is divided into multiple mold units (first mold units and second mold units) that are spaced apart from each other. These segmented mold units form a modular structure that provides structural support while allowing for a narrower bezel design. The segmentation allows the backlight unit to maintain stiffness through distributed support points rather than requiring a wide continuous bezel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light supply unit is disposed between the panel guide mold and the bottom cover, creating a nested structure where components are arranged in layers. This nesting arrangement optimizes space utilization and provides structural reinforcement without increasing the overall bezel width, as the light supply unit serves both functional and structural purposes within the existing space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Length of stationary object

If the bezel width is reduced to achieve a slimmer display device, then the overall thickness and profile are improved, but the stiffness necessary to secure structural stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebezel widthVSAvoidstiffness

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The panel guide mold is divided into multiple mold units (first mold units and second mold units) that are spaced apart from each other. These segmented mold units form a modular structure that provides structural support while allowing for a narrower bezel design. The segmentation allows the backlight unit to maintain stiffness through distributed support points rather than requiring a wide continuous bezel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mold units are arranged in multiple dimensions and orientations within the panel guide mold structure. The first and second mold units are positioned at different locations and angles, creating a three-dimensional support network that provides stiffness without requiring increased bezel width. This multi-dimensional arrangement distributes mechanical loads more effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If conventional screw-coupling methods are used between the bottom cover and panel guide mold, then reliable structural connection is achieved, but the bezel width must be at least 14 mm which increases the overall device size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural connectionVSAvoidbezel width

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The panel guide mold is divided into multiple mold units (first mold units and second mold units) that are spaced apart from each other. These segmented mold units form a modular structure that provides structural support while allowing for a narrower bezel design. The segmentation allows the backlight unit to maintain stiffness through distributed support points rather than requiring a wide continuous bezel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light supply unit is disposed between the panel guide mold and the bottom cover, serving as an intermediary component. This intermediary arrangement allows for structural connection without requiring extensive screw-coupling space, as the light supply unit itself provides structural support and the mold units are positioned to minimize the required bezel width for assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8514346B2Backlight unit and display device having the same

Publication Date: 2013.08.20 SUZHOU LEKIN SEMICON CO LTD

AI summary

A backlight unit includes a panel guide mold that comprises a plurality of first mold units and a plurality of second mold units; a bottom cover including a plurality of first sidewalls and a plurality of second sidewalls; and a light supply unit disposed between the panel guide mold and the bottom cover, wherein the plurality of second sidewalls are offset in an outward direction relative to the plurality of first side walls to form an alternating, step-like structure, where the second sidewall protrudes, the second mold unit is recessed, wherein each of the plurality of first sidewalls is inserted and coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of first mold units offset in an outward direction, and wherein each of the plurality of second sidewalls offset in an outward direction receives and is coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of second mold units.