Backlight Support Frame With Gap Holding Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The expansion of light guide panels due to heat generated during the operation of light sources in edge-illumination type backlight units can damage the light sources or cause them to separate from the printed circuit board, leading to deteriorated performance.
Innovation Solution
A backlight assembly design featuring a support frame with a gap holding portion and an insertion groove that accommodates the light source module, minimizing the expansion of the light guide panel and enhancing heat dissipation by allowing direct contact between the light sources and the support frame, thereby preventing damage and separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light sources are mounted on a printed circuit board in an edge-illumination type backlight unit, then light can be emitted uniformly onto the display panel, but heat generated during operation causes the light guide panel to expand, which may damage the light sources or cause them to separate from the printed circuit board
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is divided into multiple functional portions: a bottom portion for mounting, a side wall portion for structural support, a cover portion for enclosing light sources, a gap holding portion for maintaining spacing, and an insertion groove for securing the printed circuit board. This segmentation allows each portion to address specific issues related to heat management and structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame acts as an intermediary structure between the light sources and the light guide panel. It provides a stable mounting platform that isolates light sources from thermal expansion effects of the light guide panel, while still allowing controlled heat dissipation. The frame mediates the interaction between thermal expansion forces and structural requirements.
2Productivity
If the light guide panel is positioned close to light sources for efficient light guidance, then light transmission efficiency is improved, but thermal expansion of the light guide panel increases the risk of damaging light sources or causing separation
Solution Approach 1:
The gap holding portion extends from the cover portion toward the bottom portion, creating a predetermined gap between the light guide panel and light sources. This gap serves as a cushioning space that accommodates thermal expansion of the light guide panel before it can reach and damage the light sources, while still maintaining efficient light transmission geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame introduces a vertical dimension (height) to the design by creating a three-dimensional structure with the bottom portion, side wall portion, and cover portion. This vertical space allows the light guide panel to expand thermally in the horizontal plane without compromising light source integrity, while maintaining optimal light transmission paths.
3Ease of manufacture
If light sources are directly mounted on the printed circuit board for simple assembly, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but heat dissipation performance deteriorates and light sources may separate under thermal stress
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: it provides mechanical support for the printed circuit board, creates thermal management pathways through its metal construction, maintains structural integrity under thermal stress, and simplifies assembly by pre-positioning the light sources and PCB relative to each other. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets and thermal management components.
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 design effectively prevents light source damage and separation while improving heat dissipation, reducing the deterioration of light sources and ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
The backlight assembly can make heat generated from the light sources be discharged to the support frame without leakage, and thus can improve the heat dissipation performance of the light sources
Data Source
AI summary
A backlight assembly comprises: a receptacle; a support frame; and a light source module. The support frame is arranged on one side of the receptacle. The light source module is accommodated in the support frame and includes a printed circuit board and light sources. The support frame includes: a bottom portion; a side wall portion; a cover portion; a gap holding portion; and an insertion groove. The side wall portion extends from the bottom portion. The cover portion extends from the side wall portion to an inside. The gap holding portion extends from an end portion of the cover portion in a direction of the bottom portion. The printed circuit board is partially inserted into the insertion groove to be arranged on the upper surface of the bottom portion. The light sources are surrounded by the side wall portion, the cover portion, and the gap holding portion.