Front Light Module Thinner Substrate Reduces Reflection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional front light modules for electronic paper display devices suffer from light reflection issues due to the distance between the light transmissive protection cover and the ink layer, limiting color options for the housing and requiring additional air gaps that compromise transmittance.
Innovation Solution
A front light module design featuring a light guide plate, a first light transmissive substrate, a second light transmissive substrate with a thinner thickness, and a printing ink layer, where the second substrate's thickness is reduced to minimize light reflection, allowing for adjustable ink colors and improved transmittance without the need for additional air gaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the perpendicular distance between the external surface of the light transmissive protection cover and the ink layer is increased, then light reflection is reduced, but the transmittance of the front light module is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by adding a light diffusing layer between the light transmissive protection cover and the ink layer. This intermediate layer diffuses light in multiple directions, preventing direct reflection paths while maintaining overall light transmission. The diffusing layer transforms the light propagation from a two-dimensional path to a three-dimensional diffusion process, effectively reducing reflection without compromising transmittance.
Solution Approach 2:
The light diffusing layer serves as an intermediary element between the light transmissive protection cover and the ink layer. This mediator layer intercepts light before it reaches the ink layer, diffuses it to change its direction, and thereby prevents direct reflection. The intermediary layer resolves the contradiction by providing a buffer that manages light interaction without requiring increased distance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a dark ink layer is used to reduce fluorescent illumination, then visual interference is reduced, but the color options for the housing are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light management function into two separate components: the light diffusing layer handles light reflection and fluorescent illumination control, while the ink layer focuses on aesthetic and color matching functions. This segmentation allows the ink layer to be any color without compromising visual interference reduction, as the diffusing layer independently manages the light reflection issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The light diffusing layer acts as an intermediary that decouples the functional requirement (reducing fluorescent illumination) from the aesthetic requirement (ink color). By placing the diffusing layer between the light source and the ink layer, it manages light interaction independently, allowing the ink layer to provide various color options without being constrained by functional requirements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an additional air gap is used to change light refraction direction, then light reflection is reduced, but the transmittance of the front light module is sacrificed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing the physical distance parameter (air gap), the patent changes the optical parameter by introducing a light diffusing layer with specific optical properties. This layer has a refractive index and light scattering characteristics that actively manage light direction and reflection, providing a more efficient solution than passive air gap distance adjustment.
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 design reduces light reflection, prevents visual interference, and allows for flexible ink color choices matching the device's housing, while maintaining or enhancing transmittance compared to conventional modules.
Implementation Method 1
The light guide plate has a first light emitting surface, a second light emitting surface opposite to the first light emitting surface, and a light incident surface between the first and second light emitting surfaces
Implementation Method 2
The light emitted by the light source is guided to the external surface of the light transmissive protection cover
Implementation Method 3
The perpendicular distance between the external surface of the light transmissive protection cover and the ink layer is so far that the light is apt to be reflected to the ink layer by the external surface of the light transmissive protection cover
Data Source
AI summary
The front light module includes a light guide plate, a light source, a first light transmissive substrate, a second light transmissive substrate, and a printing ink layer. The light guide plate has a first light emitting surface, a second light emitting surface, and a light incident surface. The light source faces the light incident surface. The first light transmissive substrate is located on the first light emitting surface. The second light transmissive substrate is located on the surface of the first light transmissive substrate facing away from the light guide plate, and the thickness of the second light transmissive substrate is smaller than that of the first light transmissive substrate. The printing ink layer is located on the surface of the second light transmissive substrate facing the first light transmissive substrate, and on an edge of the second light transmissive substrate.