Inclined Sidewall Backlight Unit for Thin Bezel Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
In display apparatuses, reducing the bezel size while maintaining display quality is challenging due to difficulties in securing a sufficient distance between the light source unit and the light guide plate, leading to potential pressure on the display panel and heat dissipation issues, especially with the thermal expansion of the light guide plate.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a backlight unit with a bottom cover and top cover configuration, where the sidewall portion of the bottom cover extends parallel to the top cover's sidewall portion, forming acute angles with the display panel, and a fixing bar with a shape that increases in thickness to improve heat discharge efficiency and prevent light leakage, while maintaining a sufficient distance to limit vertical expansion of the light guide plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the width of the top cover is reduced to decrease bezel size, then the appearance size is improved, but the distance between the light source unit and light guide plate becomes insufficient, causing display quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric configuration from a conventional rectangular top cover to one with an inclined sidewall portion. This dimensional change creates additional vertical space within the same horizontal footprint, allowing sufficient distance between the light source unit and light guide plate while maintaining a reduced bezel width for improved appearance.
2Area of stationary object
If the width of the top cover is reduced, then the bezel size is decreased, but the heat discharging structure volume is reduced, causing heat dissipation deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined sidewall portion extends in an direction inclined with respect to the top portion, creating additional vertical space that accommodates a more substantial heat discharging structure. This allows the heat dissipation volume to be increased while the horizontal bezel width remains reduced for aesthetic purposes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the light guide plate is allowed to thermally expand, then the material freedom is maintained, but the display panel is subjected to pressure, degrading display quality
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined sidewall portion creates a pre-established spatial buffer zone between the light guide plate and display panel. This preliminary spatial arrangement prevents the light guide plate from directly contacting or pressing against the display panel during thermal expansion, thereby maintaining display quality while allowing natural material expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The additional vertical space created by the inclined sidewall acts as a cushioning region that absorbs the thermal expansion of the light guide plate. This beforehand cushioning prevents the expansion from transmitting pressure to the display panel, protecting display quality while accommodating material thermal behavior.
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 configuration enhances heat discharge efficiency, reduces light leakage, and prevents the light guide plate from expanding vertically, thereby improving display quality and maintaining the reduced bezel size.
Implementation Method 1
The fixing bar may fix the light source unit and discharge heat generated from the light source unit
Implementation Method 2
The light guide plate may guides the light provided from the light source and allow the light to travel upward therefrom
Implementation Method 3
The reflection plate may be under the light guide plate and reflect the light leaked from the light guide plate
Implementation Method 4
The light source unit may include a light source which generates and emits the light
Data Source
AI summary
A display apparatus includes a display panel displaying an image, a backlight unit, and a top cover. The backlight unit includes a bottom cover including a first bottom cover as a bottom surface and a second bottom cover extending from the first bottom cover. The top cover includes first and second top covers. The first top cover covers an edge of an upper surface of the display panel and the second top cover is connected to the first top cover and extends in a direction inclined with respect to a direction in which the first top cover extends. An edge of the backlight unit is more outwardly protruded than an edge of the first top cover when viewed in a plan view, and the second bottom cover extends in a direction substantially parallel to the second top cover.