Elastic Light Guide Plate Prism Structure for Bendable Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transmission type LCDs are unsuitable for outdoor use due to reduced contrast and inability to display correct colors in bright environments, while reflection type flat panel displays struggle in dark environments and have limitations in bending due to their structure and reliance on external light.
Innovation Solution
A front light unit incorporating a light source, a light guide plate, and prism shape structures made of transparent elastic material, allowing for image display without external light and enabling flexible bending, integrated with an image forming panel to form a flat panel display apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional front light unit with multiple film parts and hard parts is used, then light can be supplied to desired places, but the device cannot be bent freely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional hard film parts with a flexible membrane structure that has light-transmitting properties. This membrane can be bent and deformed while still functioning as a light guide, enabling the front light unit to be integrated into bendable display devices. The flexible membrane maintains light transmission capability while providing the necessary flexibility for bending operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures combining flexible substrates with light-transmitting layers. This composite approach allows the light guide components to possess both optical functionality and mechanical flexibility, resolving the contradiction between light supply capability and bendability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If reflection type display apparatus is used to reduce power consumption and improve portability, then power consumption is reduced and portability is improved, but the device cannot be used in dark places without external light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the display apparatus to function in both reflection mode and transmission mode. The front light unit can operate using ambient light (reflection mode) to conserve power in bright environments, and can also use the integrated light source (transmission mode) when external light is insufficient. This multi-functionality allows the device to adapt to various lighting conditions while maintaining low power consumption characteristics.
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
Enables image display in various lighting conditions and allows for the flexible bending and portability of flat panel displays by providing a self-sufficient light source and elastic structure, overcoming the limitations of traditional LCDs.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of prism shape structures which are provided in one unit with the light guide plate and emits light totally reflected from the front surface of the light guide plate
Data Source
AI summary
The front light unit includes a light source and a light guide plate that guides light emitted from the light source. The light guide plate includes a rear surface through which the guided light is emitted and a front surface facing the rear surface, and a plurality of prism shape structures which are provided in one unit with the light guide plate and emits light totally reflected from the front surface of the light guide plate. The light guide plate and the prism shape structures are formed of a transparent elastic material.