Optically-Calibrated Backlight Supports for Thin Display Rigidity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large display devices with thin profiles face challenges in maintaining rigidity, which can lead to deformation under external forces, compromising display quality and user experience.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of optically-calibrated internal supports within the air gap of the backlight unit, which are configured to increase the rigidity of the chassis without altering the uniformity of light emission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If the display device is made with a thin profile, then the device becomes more aesthetically pleasing and space-efficient, but the rigidity of the chassis decreases leading to deformation under external forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethickness of display deviceVSAvoidrigidity of chassis
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The internal support structure is divided into multiple ribs extending in different directions (first plurality of ribs in first direction, second plurality of ribs in second direction) that are spaced apart from each other. This segmented approach provides distributed structural reinforcement throughout the air gap, increasing overall chassis rigidity while maintaining the thin profile of the display device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support ribs extend into the air gap dimension (z-direction) between the backlight unit and display panel, creating a three-dimensional support framework. This adds structural strength in the thickness direction without increasing the overall device footprint, effectively resolving the contradiction between thin profile and chassis rigidity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If internal support structures are added to increase rigidity, then the chassis becomes more resistant to deformation, but the uniformity of light emission may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverigidity of chassisVSAvoiduniformity of light emission
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The support ribs are positioned specifically within the air gap and have optimized dimensions (width, height, spacing) that provide local structural reinforcement without interfering with the overall light distribution. The ribs are configured to support the chassis structure while allowing light to pass through the optical path unobstructed, achieving both rigidity and uniform illumination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The support ribs act as intermediary structures that mediate between the conflicting requirements of structural support and optical performance. By carefully designing the ribs to be thin and strategically positioned, they provide mechanical support while minimizing their impact on light transmission, effectively resolving the contradiction between rigidity and illumination uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3853661B1Optically-calibrated backlight unit internal supports
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3853661B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3853661B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3853661B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A backlight unit (140) for a display device (100) comprising a chassis (141), a reflector (145) affixed to the chassis (141), optical sheets (143) affixed to the chassis (141), one or more light emitters (146) affixed to the chassis (141), and optically-calibrated internal support structures (142). There is an air gap (147) between the reflector (145) and the optical sheets (143). The optically-calibrated internal support structures (142) are disposed within the air gap (147) and affixed to the chassis (141). The optically-calibrated internal support structures (142) are configured to increase rigidity of the chassis (141), and to substantially not alter the uniformity of light emitted by the one or more light emitters (146) through the optical sheets (143).