Display Device Light Guide Plate Structural Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current liquid-crystal display devices face challenges in achieving a thinner and lighter form factor due to structural restrictions from the front frame and back case, which limits their weight reduction and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The proposed display device design eliminates the need for a back board by using a decorative layer and reflector adhered to the light guide plate, allowing for a thinner and lighter structure while maintaining functionality, and incorporates a light guide plate with refractive layers and optical films to enhance light emission efficiency and reflectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a back board and front frame structure is used to support the display panel and backlight module, then structural strength and protection are improved, but device thickness and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoiddevice thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the back board from the traditional display structure, extracting only the essential support function. The display panel is directly mounted on the light guide plate, eliminating the intermediate back board structure while maintaining structural integrity through optimized mounting design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple structural functions into fewer components. The light guide plate serves both as a light diffusion element and as a structural support base for the display panel, merging optical function and mechanical support into a single integrated component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If a back board and front frame structure is used to support the display panel and backlight module, then structural strength and protection are improved, but device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The back board is completely removed from the structure, extracting unnecessary weight while preserving essential support functions through alternative mounting arrangements that directly attach the display panel to the light guide plate assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs thin-film adhesive layers and slim structural components instead of thick rigid back boards, achieving structural support with minimal weight addition while maintaining the required mechanical strength and protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional adhesive layers are used to couple the display panel to the backlight unit, then assembly simplicity is maintained, but light diffusion and optical performance are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidlight diffusion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive layer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical bonding between components while also serving as a light diffusion medium. This multi-functional adhesive eliminates the need for separate diffusion films, maintaining assembly simplicity while enhancing optical performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the optical parameters of the adhesive layer by selecting materials with specific refractive indices and diffusion properties. This changes the light propagation characteristics to achieve better light distribution while maintaining the adhesive's primary bonding function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This design results in a lighter, thinner display device with improved light emission efficiency and reduced weight, achieving the goal of a more compact and efficient display solution.

Implementation Method 1

an adhesive layer that is formed adjacent to the first surface of the light guide plate and has a refractive index that is generally equal to the refractive index of the light guide plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

a light reflecting layer that is bonded to the first surface of the light guide plate with at least the adhesive layer being interposed therebetween

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3382446B1Display device
Publication Date: 2022.03.30 INNOLUX CORP
  • EP3382446B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3382446B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3382446B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A display device including a display panel and an optical element is provided. The optical element is disposed on one side of the display panel. At least one portion of the optical element overlaps a display area of the display panel. An area of the optical element which is exposed and does not overlap the display area functions as an appearance area. Therefore, the appearance area of the optical element may be seen by a user from outward appearance of the display device. Brand trademarks, ambient light, touch buttons, and other patterns may be displayed through the appearance area. Therefore, a backlight module may be decorative or perform other additional functions besides functioning as a light source.