Integrated Housing Light Guide for Thin TV Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic apparatuses, such as televisions, face challenges in reducing thickness due to the separate provision of a light guide plate and housing, which limits light guide efficiency and increases power consumption and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a portion of the housing as a light guide plate, allowing light to be emitted uniformly to the display panel, eliminating the need for a separate light guide plate and enabling flexibility in light source placement, thereby reducing thickness and improving light guide efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a separate light guide plate is provided in conventional electronic apparatuses, then the housing structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the overall thickness increases and light guide efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light guide plate function with the housing structure by forming a light guide portion directly within the housing. The housing includes a light guide portion that guides light from the light source to the display panel, eliminating the need for a separate light guide plate. This integration reduces the overall thickness while maintaining structural integrity and optical functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, encloses internal components, and simultaneously acts as a light guide through the integrated light guide portion. This multi-functionality allows the housing to perform both mechanical and optical roles, reducing the number of separate components needed.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a separate light guide plate is used, then manufacturing processes are well-established, but power consumption increases and manufacturing costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide function is combined with the housing structure, allowing the use of lower-power light sources since the housing material can be optimized for light guidance. This integration improves light guide efficiency and reduces power consumption while still using conventional molding techniques for manufacturing.
3Illumination intensity
If light sources are placed at specific positions for optimal light guide efficiency, then illumination is improved, but the placement is constrained by the separate light guide plate structure
Solution Approach 1:
The housing serves as both structure and light guide, providing flexibility in light source placement. The light guide portion within the housing can be designed to accommodate light sources at various positions, including edge positions and rear surface positions, allowing optimization of illumination while maintaining structural integrity.
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 integration reduces the overall thickness of electronic apparatuses, enhances light guide efficiency, and allows for the use of low-power, cost-effective light sources, while improving assemblability and manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide portion (25) serving as a light guide plate and formed of a light transmissive material
Implementation Method 2
Light from the light source reaches the panel through the second wall
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a housing, a panel, and a light source. The panel includes a display screen. The housing includes a first wall and a second wall. The first wall includes an opening exposing the display screen. The second wall is opposite to the first wall. Light from the light source reaches the panel through the second wall.