Gradient Index Lens Backlighting Module Light Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In miniaturized edge-lit backlighting modules, light leakage occurs due to the light incident surface of the light guide plate being smaller than the light emitting surface of the light source, leading to reduced light utilization efficiency, and previous solutions like trapezoidal light guide plates face challenges in optimizing slope angles for effective light guidance without increasing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A light guide module comprising a light guide plate and a gradient index lens, where the gradient index lens is attached to the light output surface of the light guide plate, with internal refractive indexes increasing from the first surface to the second surface, allowing incident light to be refracted and totally reflected back to the light guide plate, thereby improving light collection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the light incident surface of the light guide plate is made smaller to match miniaturized display screens, then the size of the backlighting module is reduced, but light leakage occurs and light utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A gradient index lens is introduced as an intermediary component between the light source and the light guide plate. The lens has a refractive index that increases from its first surface to its second surface, creating a gradient effect that refracts light multiple times and directs it onto the light guide plate, thereby preventing light leakage while maintaining miniaturization
Solution Approach 2:
The refractive index parameter of the lens is changed continuously from the first surface to the second surface, creating a gradient index structure. This parameter change enables progressive refraction of light, allowing the light to be redirected onto the smaller light incident surface of the light guide plate without loss
2Loss of energy
If a trapezoidal light guide plate is used to guide light back to the plate, then light leakage is avoided, but when the slope is too steep light guidance is ineffective and when too gentle manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gradient index lens serves as a mediator that replaces the need for a trapezoidal light guide plate structure. The lens handles the light redirection function through its gradient refractive index, allowing the light guide plate to maintain a simpler, more cost-effective geometry while still preventing light leakage
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical trapezoidal structure is replaced by an optical solution using the gradient index lens. Instead of relying on geometric shape (mechanical structure) to redirect light, the system uses optical properties (refractive index gradient) to achieve the same light guidance function with a simpler structure
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 gradient index lens enhances light receiving efficiency by guiding light emitted from the source back to the light guide plate, achieving near-total light utilization and improved illuminance, with the light guide module design capable of evenly distributing light while minimizing light leakage.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of internal refractive indexes of the gradient index lens is increased gradually from the first surface to the second surface. After the incident light enters the gradient index lens, the incident light is refracted a plurality of times within the gradient index lens
Implementation Method 2
the incident light is refracted a plurality of times within the gradient index lens, and totally reflected back to the light guide plate by the second surface of the gradient index lens
Data Source
AI summary
A light guide module includes a light guide plate and a gradient index lens. The light guide plate has a light output surface and a light incident surface. The light incident surface is connected to the light output surface. The gradient index lens has a first surface, a second surface and a third surface. The first surface and the second surface are connected to the third surface. The first surface of the gradient index lens is attached to the light output surface. Multiple internal refractive indexes of the gradient index lens are increased gradually from the first surface to the second surface. A minimum refractive index of the multiple internal refractive indexes is less than a refractive index of the light guide plate. The incident light is refracted multiple times within the gradient index lens, and totally reflected back to the light guide plate.