Integrated Lens Supports for Display Optical Distance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display devices with direct LED backlight units face challenges in maintaining the optical distance between the optical lens and the diffuser plate, which affects light diffusivity and uniformity, leading to increased manufacturing costs and potential degradation of optical properties due to heat-induced deformation of the diffuser plate.

Innovation Solution

The integration of supports within the optical lens, such as the first, second, and third supports, maintains a consistent optical distance between the optical lens and the diffuser plate, preventing deformation and enhancing light diffusion properties while simplifying the manufacturing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the optical distance between the optical lens and the diffuser plate is maintained to retain optical lens characteristics, then light diffusivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for additional support structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight diffusivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structures are integrated directly into the optical lens body, merging two previously separate components (lens and supports) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate support elements while maintaining the required optical distance, thereby reducing device complexity without compromising light diffusivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical lens is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the optical element for light diffusion and the structural support for maintaining optical distance. By making the lens multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated support structures, resolving the contradiction between maintaining optical properties and reducing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If separate support structures are used to maintain optical distance, then manufacturing precision can be achieved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical distance maintenanceVSAvoidmanufacturing costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the support function into the lens manufacturing process itself, the patent eliminates the need for separate support components and their associated assembly steps. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs while maintaining precise optical distance through the lens's own structural design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens is designed with integrated support portions that are strategically positioned to maintain optical distance only where needed, rather than using a complete separate support structure. This segmented approach to support integration reduces material usage and manufacturing complexity while achieving the required precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Length of stationary object

If the diffuser plate is positioned close to the optical lens to reduce device thickness, then device compactness is improved, but heat-induced deformation occurs affecting optical properties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice thicknessVSAvoidoptical property stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated support structures within the lens provide continuous thermal and mechanical stability to the diffuser plate, preventing heat-induced deformation even when positioned close to the lens. This merger of support functionality into the lens allows compact positioning without sacrificing optical property stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If additional support structures are added to maintain optical distance, then optical property stability is improved, but light uniformity deteriorates due to support interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical property stabilityVSAvoidlight uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structures are designed with specific local characteristics - they are positioned and shaped to provide necessary support only in critical areas while minimizing their presence in light paths. This localized support approach maintains optical property stability without causing significant interference with light uniformity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated support portions act as intermediaries between the lens and diffuser plate, providing mechanical stability while being designed to minimize optical interference. Their integration into the lens allows them to serve as mediators that maintain distance without being separate interfering elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 ensures consistent optical properties, improves light uniformity, reduces manufacturing costs, and minimizes interference from supports, thereby enhancing the overall performance and cost-effectiveness of the display device.

Implementation Method 1

an optical lens 110 that emits light from the light source in multiple directions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

to emit the light guided in the light guiding lens in a vertical direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight diffusion: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP3796075B1Display device
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3796075B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3796075B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3796075B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a display device. The display device includes a display panel; a light source configured to emit light toward the display panel; a diffuser plate configured to diffuse incident light and disposed between the light source and the display panel; an optical lens configured to diffuse the light emitted by the light source; and at least one support provided adjacent to an edge of the optical lens and protruding toward the diffuser plate, the optical lens being integrally formed with the at least one support.