Flat Optical Lighting Assembly with Integrated Circuitry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting methods for electronic devices require multiple physical layers for light generation, guidance, and delivery, leading to increased thickness, complexity, and costs.
Innovation Solution
Integration of circuitry, overlays, reflectors, display materials, switches, and other electronic components into a single modular flat optical lighting assembly using a light guide panel with embedded LEDs and conductive traces, allowing for total internal reflection and uniform illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple physical layers are used for light generation, guidance and delivery, then lighting functionality is achieved, but assembly thickness and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate layers (lighting panel layer, lighting circuit layer, electronic layer) into a single integrated flat optical lighting assembly. The circuitry is embedded directly within the panel, eliminating the need for separate circuit boards and layers, thereby reducing overall assembly thickness while maintaining full lighting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated panel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the light guide structure and the circuit carrier. The same panel that directs and distributes light also houses the electrical circuitry, switches, and electronic components, making the assembly more compact and reducing the number of required layers.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple physical layers are used for light generation, guidance and delivery, then lighting functionality is achieved, but assembly complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the lighting panel and circuit board into a single integrated structure, the patent reduces the number of components that need to be assembled and aligned. This integration simplifies the assembly process, reduces manufacturing steps, and lowers both material and assembly costs while preserving complete lighting functionality.
3Length of stationary object
If circuitry is integrated into the lighting panel, then assembly thickness is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds circuitry at specific locations within the panel structure where it can be efficiently integrated without compromising optical performance. By strategically placing circuit elements in appropriate zones of the panel, the design achieves thinness while managing manufacturing precision requirements through localized optimization rather than uniform complexity throughout.
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 solution reduces assembly thickness, simplifies the assembly process, lowers material and assembly costs, and enhances performance by providing efficient and uniform lighting in electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide panel with embedded LEDs and conductive traces, allowing for total internal reflection and uniform illumination
Data Source
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AI summary
Lighting assembly comprises an optical fiber light guide panel member having a light conducting core cladded on opposite sides by cladding made of optically transparent material having a lower index of refraction than the light conducting core to cause total internal reflection of conducted light within the light conducting core at the core-cladding interface. Disruptions at one or more areas of the cladding cause conducted light within the light conducting core to be emitted from one or more areas of the panel member. Electrical circuitry is bonded to one or both sides of the cladding. One or more LEDs embedded in the panel member are in electrical conduct with the electrical circuitry and optically coupled to the light conducting core.