Gradient-Depth Light-Receiving Channels for Uniform LED Backlighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluorescent-light-based signage backlighting systems pose challenges due to mercury content, size limitations, and design inflexibility, as well as inefficiencies in energy usage and disposal/recycling issues.
Innovation Solution
A display backlight apparatus featuring a substrate with gradient-depth light-receiving channels and light-emitting diodes, allowing for even light distribution and customization, which is thinner, more energy-efficient, and mercury-free, enabling flexible design and application in various signage settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If fluorescent-light tubes are used for backlighting, then illumination effectiveness is achieved, but mercury content creates disposal and recycling complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful mercury component from the lighting system by replacing fluorescent tubes with LED modules that contain no mercury, thereby maintaining illumination effectiveness while eliminating the harmful factor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the light source from fluorescent (mercury-based) to LED (solid-state), transforming the chemical composition and eliminating mercury content while maintaining or improving illumination performance
2Illumination intensity
If fluorescent tubes are used for backlighting, then illumination is provided, but size limitations and form factor restrictions reduce design freedom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backlighting system into modular LED modules that can be independently configured and arranged in various patterns and shapes, allowing designers to customize the backlighting to fit different sign formats and requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic configuration of LED modules where the same basic module can be arranged in different patterns, densities, and geometries to create various light distribution patterns, transforming a static fluorescent tube system into a flexible, adaptable LED system
3Illumination intensity
If fluorescent tubes are used for backlighting, then illumination is achieved, but energy efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical fluorescent lighting system with an electrical LED system that converts electricity directly to light through electroluminescence, eliminating the need for mercury vaporization and phosphor conversion, thereby improving energy efficiency
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 uniform and efficient backlighting without hot or dark spots, offering design flexibility and reducing environmental impact through the use of energy-efficient LEDs, accommodating diverse signage sizes and shapes while avoiding mercury-related disposal issues.
Implementation Method 1
light-emitting diodes
Implementation Method 2
light rays that orthogonally enter the light-receiving inputs will have an opportunity to contact the edges of the channels and be reflected
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a display backlight having a substrate and a plurality of light-receiving channels formed in that substrate. At least some of these channels have a depth that varies as a gradient along a longitudinal axis of the channel that is substantially axially aligned with a light-receiving input for the channel. These channels can be formed substantially parallel to one another. The aforementioned light-receiving inputs can, if desired, be formed at either end of each such channel and can be disposed inwardly of an edge of the substrate. Also if desired, at least some of these channels can be disposed other than at an orthogonal angle with respect to such substrate edges. So configured, light rays that orthogonally enter the light-receiving inputs will have an opportunity to contact the edges of the channels and be reflected outwardly of the channel to provide the desired backlighting effect.