Backlight Module Support Device for Large Light Guide Plates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional backlight modules for LCD devices face structural instability due to insufficient bearing capacity, particularly when the size of the light guide plate increases, leading to potential damage to the light source module.

Innovation Solution

A support device with a metal-made support portion and positioning portion is integrated into the frame, providing enhanced structural support and stability by engaging partially with the frame and extending into the space within the frame to support the bottom end of the sheet-form optical element, distributing external forces effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the size of the light guide plate is increased to match larger LCD devices, then the illumination area is improved, but the bearing capacity requirement of the stop plate increases leading to structural damage risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight guide plate areaVSAvoidstop plate bearing capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is segmented from the frame structure. Instead of relying solely on the integrated stop plate, a separate support device is introduced to specifically bear the light guide plate weight, dividing the load-bearing responsibility between the frame and the dedicated support component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support device acts as an intermediary component between the frame and the light guide plate. This mediator transfers and distributes the load from the large-area light guide plate to the frame through optimized structural contact points, preventing direct stress concentration on the stop plate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the stop plate is integratedly formed with the frame by injection molding, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the bearing capacity is insufficient for larger light guide plates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe manufacturing processVSAvoidstop plate bearing capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution combines different material properties by using a metal support device with the plastic frame. The metal material provides superior strength and bearing capacity for supporting large light guide plates, while the plastic frame maintains ease of manufacturing through injection molding. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between manufacturability and strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If a separate support device is added to enhance bearing capacity, then the structural stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebacklight module structural stabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the entire frame structure more complex, the support device is designed with localized functionality. The support portion and positioning portion are concentrated in specific areas where needed, keeping the rest of the structure simple. This localized approach enhances stability without proportionally increasing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The support device is designed to perform multiple functions: supporting the light guide plate, positioning it accurately, and preventing downward sliding. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the number of separate parts is minimized, reducing complexity while maintaining structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7677785B2Backlight module and an optical slice unit support device thereof

Publication Date: 2010.03.16 AU OPTRONICS CORP

AI summary

The present invention provides a backlight module and a support device for a sheet-form optical element contained within the backlight module. The backlight module mainly includes a frame, a support device and the sheet-form optical element disposed within the frame. The support device includes a support portion and a positioning portion. The support portion has a support end and a connection end. The support end extends into the space within the frame, and supports the bottom end of the sheet-form optical element. The positioning portion has a first end, a second end and a bend portion connecting the first end with the second end. The first end connects to the connection end of the support portion, and an included angle exists between the first end and the support portion. The positioning portion of the support device is inset in the frame to provide a support force for the support portion.