Fiber Bundle Backlight Module for Flexible LCD Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional edge backlight modules are inflexible due to the large size of light-emitting diode chips and light bars, which limits their application in liquid crystal displays.
Innovation Solution
A backlight module design utilizing a fiber bundle with a light guide section and a light emitting section, where the fiber emits light from its side face instead of the end face, allowing for flexible attachment to a light guide plate and improved light uniformity through hybrid matching of mixed strands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional light-emitting diode chips and light bars are used in edge backlight modules, then light emission function is achieved, but the module becomes rigid and inflexible due to large size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical light-emitting structure (LED chips mounted on circuit boards) with an optical fiber-based light transmission system. Optical fibers are attached directly to the light guide plate without requiring complex circuit board integration, thereby eliminating the rigid mechanical mounting structure and achieving flexibility while maintaining the light emission function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes flexible optical fibers instead of rigid LED components. The optical fibers can be bent and positioned along the edges of the light guide plate, enabling the backlight module to adapt to different display panel shapes and sizes while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If light-emitting diode light bars are integrated on circuit boards, then light emission is achieved, but the backlight module cannot be used flexibly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the rigid circuit board-based LED light bar assembly with flexible optical fibers that can be directly attached to the light guide plate. This eliminates the need for large circuit boards and rigid mounting structures, allowing the backlight module to adapt to various display sizes and configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the light transmission function into multiple discrete optical fibers rather than using a single integrated light bar. These individual fibers can be independently positioned and configured along the light guide plate edges, providing adaptability while reducing the overall footprint of the light-emitting components.
3Volume of stationary object
If fiber emits light from end face, then light transmission is achieved, but space utilization in backlight system is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional light emission approach by having optical fibers emit light from their side faces rather than end faces. This configuration allows the fibers to be positioned flat against the light guide plate, maximizing space utilization while maintaining effective light transmission to the display panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from end-face emission (one-dimensional light output) to side-face emission (two-dimensional light distribution along the fiber length). This dimensional change enables the optical fibers to illuminate a broader area of the light guide plate while maintaining a compact footprint in the backlight system.
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 replaces the rigid light-emitting diode light bar with a flexible fiber, enhancing the backlight system's lightness, thinness, and flexibility, enabling more efficient use of space and improved light uniformity.
Implementation Method 1
a fiber bundle, disposed on an edge of a light incident side of the light guide plate and including a light guide section and a light emitting section
Implementation Method 2
a light collection reflector, configured to reflect light emitted from the fiber bundle to the light incident side of the light guide plate
Implementation Method 3
The light guide section of the fiber bundle further includes an inner fiber material and an outer fiber material, and the refractive index of the inner fiber material is greater than the refractive index of the outer fiber material
Data Source
AI summary
The backlight module includes: a light guide plate, having a light incident side; a fiber bundle, disposed on an edge of the light incident side of the light guide plate and having a light guide section and a light emitting section; a light source project light into the fiber bundle; and a light collection reflector, configured to reflect light from the fiber bundle toward the light incident side of the light guide plate. A liquid crystal display panel, configured to display an image, is arranged to receive light from the backlight module.