Front Light Module Enhancement Layer for Flexible Light Guide Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display technologies face challenges in achieving uniform light distribution and maintaining structural integrity, particularly when used in flexible or non-planar environments, due to issues with light guide plates bending and delamination.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an enhancement layer between the light guide substrate and optical adhesive, with carefully designed refractive index differences and thicknesses, to enhance adhesion and optimize optical performance, including the use of materials with specific refractive indices and microstructures to improve light distribution and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light guide plate is used to guide light distribution, then uniform light source is achieved, but the light guide plate is prone to damage when bending or in non-planar environments
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide plate is constructed as a composite structure with a light guide substrate and an enhancement layer. The enhancement layer has a refractive index lower than the substrate (Δn1=n1−n2>0), creating optimal refraction conditions that improve light extraction efficiency. This composite design maintains uniform light distribution while the thin enhancement layer (thickness less than substrate and adhesive) reduces overall rigidity, enabling flexibility and resistance to bending damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the refractive index parameters of different layers. Specifically, the enhancement layer's refractive index n2 is designed to satisfy Δn1=n1−n2>0 and Δn2=n3−n2>0, where n1 is the substrate refractive index and n3 is the optical adhesive refractive index. This parameter optimization ensures maximum light extraction efficiency while maintaining structural flexibility for bent configurations.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple layers are stacked in the light guide plate, then optical performance is optimized, but delamination occurs between layers
Solution Approach 1:
The enhancement layer serves as an intermediary between the light guide substrate and the optical adhesive. With refractive index n2 satisfying Δn1=n1−n2>0 and Δn2=n3−n2>0, it optimizes optical refraction at both interfaces. Simultaneously, this intermediate layer creates a gradual refractive index transition that reduces stress concentration and improves interfacial adhesion, preventing delamination while maintaining enhanced light extraction efficiency.
3Strength
If the enhancement layer thickness is increased, then adhesion is improved, but the flexibility and optical performance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The enhancement layer thickness is optimized to be less than both the light guide substrate thickness and the optical adhesive thickness. This thickness parameter ensures sufficient adhesion strength while maintaining flexibility for bending applications. The thin profile also minimizes impact on light extraction efficiency, preserving optical performance while enabling flexible and curved display configurations.
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
The solution provides improved optical performance, increased flexibility, and enhanced durability of displays by ensuring uniform light distribution and reducing delamination, suitable for both flexible and curved products.
Implementation Method 1
The refractive index of the light guide substrate is n1. The refractive index of at least a portion of the enhancement layer is n2. The refractive index of the first optical adhesive is n3. The difference between the refractive index of the light guide substrate and the refractive index of the at least a portion of the enhancement layer is Δn1. Δn1=n1−n2. The difference between the refractive index of the first optical adhesive and the refractive index of the at least a portion of the enhancement layer is Δn2.
Data Source
AI summary
A display includes a light guide plate, a first optical adhesive, a light source element, and a display panel. The light guide plate includes a light guide substrate and an enhancement layer disposed on the light guide substrate. At least a portion of the enhancement layer is interposed between a first surface of the light guide substrate and the first optical adhesive. A difference between the refractive index n1 of the light guide substrate and the refractive index n2 of the at least a portion of the enhancement layer is Δn1. Δn1=n1−n2. A difference between the refractive index n3 of the first optical adhesive and the refractive index n2 of the at least a portion of the enhancement layer is Δn2. Δn2=n3−n2, Δn1≥0, Δn2≥0, and Δn1≥Δn2.