FIPEL Backlighting for LCD Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current direct LED backlight systems for LCD displays are bulky, heavy, and have a high parts count, which makes them less efficient and more expensive compared to edge-lit systems, while also lacking in power efficiency and design simplicity.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of Field-Induced Polymer Electro-Luminescence (FIPEL) technology, which uses a simpler apparatus with fewer components, thinner and lighter designs, and operates on alternating current to produce a more efficient and cost-effective backlighting system by employing a mix of poly(N-vinylcarbazole):fac-tris(2-phenylpyridine)iridium(III) [PVK:Ir(ppy)3] emissive layer with Medium Walled Nano Tubes (MWNTs), and a dielectric layer of P(VDF-TrFE) to achieve higher light output and color control through frequency modulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If direct LED backlight systems are used with multiple LEDs and control circuits for local dimming, then local area or zone dimming capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocal area dimming capabilityVSAvoidparts count
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple LED control circuits into a single integrated controller that manages all LEDs across different zones. This consolidation reduces the overall parts count while maintaining the capability to independently control multiple zones for local dimming effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls individual LEDs, manages multiple zones, implements local dimming algorithms, and coordinates with the LCD panel. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function.

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

2Stability of the object's composition

If diffuser sheets and light steering films are added to LED backlight systems, then light distribution uniformity is improved, but profile thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution uniformityVSAvoidprofile thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs ultra-thin diffuser films and light steering layers with thicknesses measured in micrometers rather than millimeters. These thin films provide the necessary light scattering and steering functions while adding minimal thickness to the overall backlight profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite light guiding structures that integrate multiple functions into single layers. These composite materials combine light scattering particles, refractive index variations, and reflective properties within a single thin layer, eliminating the need for multiple separate sheets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If air gaps are introduced between backlight components, then light mixing homogeneity is improved, but device volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight mixing homogeneityVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the air gaps between backlight components and replaces them with optically coupled interfaces. The light mixing function previously achieved through physical separation and air gap refraction is now accomplished through optimized optical pathways and micro-structured light guiding layers without requiring additional volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple individual LEDs are used in direct backlight systems, then local dimming control is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvezone control capabilityVSAvoidbacklight weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple individual LED packages and their mounting structures into integrated LED arrays where LEDs are mounted on shared substrates. This merging reduces redundant structural elements, solder joints, and mounting hardware, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining individual LED control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

FIPEL technology results in a thinner, lighter, and more power-efficient backlight system with improved contrast ratio and reduced component count, offering enhanced light emission and color control, suitable for various display applications including televisions and mobile devices.

Implementation Method 1

Field-Induced Polymer Electro-Luminescence (FIPEL) technology, which uses alternating current to produce light from thin, lightweight panels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectro-luminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 2

improved light distribution through the use of ITO and aluminum coatings on substrates

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9196855B2Zone backlighting for LCD displays LCD displays through use of field-induced polymer electro luminescence panels
Publication Date: 2015.11.24 VIZIO INC
  • US9196855B2 patent drawing
  • US9196855B2 patent drawing
  • US9196855B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A display system, having an emissive body, emitting light over a complete surface as part of a display system. The emissive body can be a FIPEL type device with a first transparent conductive coating over a light emitting substrate. A transparent substrate, has first and second surfaces, with the first surface coupled to the first transparent conductive coating, and the second surface of said transparent substrate including a surface formed with plural light channeling structures thereon.