Integral Light Guide for Displays Resolving Foreign Particle Penetration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional non-emissive electronic displays are prone to quality issues such as foreign particle penetration and mechanical stress sensitivity due to the use of multiple stacked layers with air gaps, which complicates assembly and reduces active display area.

Innovation Solution

An integral light guide with a prism section and microstructure section integrated into a single body, eliminating the need for separate optical sheets and air gaps, and featuring a prism pattern with cavities filled with fluid to provide light guiding functionality while being less sensitive to foreign particles and mechanical impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple stacked layers with air gaps are used in traditional back light units, then optical functionalities (prism, diffuser, light guide) can be provided, but the assembly becomes complex, foreign particles can penetrate into air gaps, and the display becomes sensitive to mechanical stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensitivity to foreign particles and mechanical stressVSAvoidnumber of stacked layers and air gaps
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate optical layers (prism sheet, diffuser, light guide) into a single integral light guide component. The prism pattern, microstructure section, and light guiding body are integrated into one piece, eliminating the need for multiple stacked layers and air gaps between them. This reduces assembly complexity and eliminates pathways for foreign particle penetration while maintaining all necessary optical functionalities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Area of stationary object

If multiple separate optical sheets are stacked to provide different optical functionalities, then each function can be optimized independently, but the active display area is reduced due to rim tape and glue coverage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactive display areaVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple optical functions into a single integral light guide component that can be directly attached to the display panel without requiring rim tape or extensive glue coverage. The integrated design eliminates the need for separate alignment and attachment of multiple sheets, thereby maximizing the active display area while simplifying the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If separate optical sheets are used with air gaps between them, then each sheet can be manufactured independently, but assembly requires precise positioning and creates susceptibility to mechanical impact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidmechanical stress sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the prism section, microstructure section, and light guiding body into a single rigid component. This eliminates air gaps between layers that would require precise positioning during assembly and are susceptible to mechanical impact. The integrated structure provides inherent mechanical stability while simplifying assembly to a single attachment operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Simplifies assembly, reduces sensitivity to foreign particles and mechanical stress, and maximizes active display area by integrating optical functionalities into a single component, enhancing the robustness and reliability of electronic displays.

Implementation Method 1

the prism section comprising at least one prism pattern completely enclosed within the body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

the microstructure section being arranged adjacent, and extending essentially in parallel with, the bottom surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3847505B1Light guide for an electronic display and electronic display comprising said light guide
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3847505B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2

AI summary

An integral light guide (1) for an electronic display, the integral light guide (1) comprising a top surface (2), a bottom surface (3), and a body (4) extending completely between the top surface (2) and the bottom surface (3). The body (4) comprises a prism section (5) and a microstructure section (6), the prism section (5) being arranged adjacent the top surface (2), the microstructure section (6) being arranged adjacent the bottom surface (3). The prism section (5) comprises at least one prism pattern completely enclosed within the body (5). By integrating the prism section into the body of the light guide, a solution which is less sensitive to foreign materials and mechanical impact is provided.