Integrated Light Guide and Metal Frame for Thin Backlight Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional backlight modules face challenges in thinning while maintaining mechanical strength, as thinner rubber frames are prone to deformation and increase production and maintenance costs, and adding a backplate complicates thickness reduction and increases material costs.
Innovation Solution
A light guide assembly comprising a metal element and a light guide element formed as a single, integral structure, which omits the need for a rubber frame and backplate, enhancing mechanical strength and allowing for thinner designs without compromising structural integrity, and includes features like holes and rough surfaces for improved bonding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the rubber frame is made thinner to reduce backlight module thickness, then the thickness requirement is met, but the mechanical strength decreases and the frame becomes prone to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light guide plate and frame into a single integrated structure formed from one piece of light guide material. This eliminates the need for a separate rubber frame while the light guide plate itself provides both optical function and structural support, achieving thinness without sacrificing mechanical strength
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide plate assumes multiple functions simultaneously: it guides light from the light source and also serves as the structural frame of the backlight module. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate rubber frame component, reducing overall thickness while maintaining structural integrity
2Strength
If a backplate structure is added to improve mechanical strength, then the strength requirement is met, but the thickness of the backlight module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the frame and light guide plate into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for a separate backplate structure. The integrated light guide plate provides sufficient mechanical support without requiring additional reinforcing plates, thus maintaining thinness while ensuring structural strength
3Strength
If a separate rubber frame and backplate are used, then mechanical strength is ensured, but the device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the frame and light guide plate into a single one-piece structure, reducing the number of components from multiple separate parts (light guide plate, rubber frame, backplate) to a single integrated component. This simplifies the device structure, reduces assembly steps, and lowers production and maintenance costs while maintaining mechanical strength
Data Source
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AI summary
A light guide assembly for a backlight module is disclosed, comprising a metal element and a light guide element which are integrated together. At least a portion of at least a side surface of the light guide element is used to receive light emitted from a light source to generate backlight, and the metal element surrounds a side surface of the light guide element that is not used to receive light from the light source. In this way, the backlight module can omit the structures such as rubber frame, backplate, and the like, while the overall mechanical strength of the backlight module can be ensured, the thickness of the backlight module can be decreased to meet the requirement on thinning of the display device, and the production and maintenance costs can be reduced.