Integrated Light Guide Structure for Hidden Display Shapes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display apparatus configurations with separate light guides and diffusing members are cumbersome and difficult to assemble due to the need for additional supporting components, making it challenging to enhance the ease of assembly while maintaining the visual recognition of design shapes only when the light source is on.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus with an integrated light guide that includes a radiating portion, peripheral walls, and an upper wall to support the radiating portion, which guides light from the LED to a light-transmissive portion, eliminating the need for separate diffusing and supporting members, and allowing the design shape to be visually recognized only when the light source is on.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate light guide and diffusing member are used, then light distribution function is achieved, but number of components increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light guide and diffusing member into a single integrated light guide structure. The light guide includes a light incident portion, light guiding portion, and light radiating portion with diffusing characteristics, eliminating the need for separate diffusing members and reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide structure performs multiple functions: it guides light from the light source, distributes light to the display area, and provides structural support. The integrated design makes the light guide a multi-functional component that replaces what would traditionally require separate elements.
2Reliability
If additional supporting member is added to hold light guide, then light guide positioning is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting function is merged into the light guide structure itself. The light guide is designed with inherent structural features that provide both light guiding functionality and mechanical support, eliminating the need for separate supporting members.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide structure is designed to support itself and maintain its positioning without requiring additional supporting components. The integrated design allows the light guide to self-position and self-support within the display apparatus.
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 reduces the number of components, simplifies assembly, and efficiently directs light to the light-transmissive portion, ensuring the design shape is visible only when the light source is on, while minimizing external light leakage and internal reflections.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide that guides the light emitted from the light source to the light-transmissive portion
Implementation Method 2
the radiating portion applying the light emitted from the light source toward the light-transmissive portion
Data Source
AI summary
A display apparatus includes a light source, a display unit including a light-transmissive portion having a predetermined design shape, and a light guide that guides light emitted from the light source to the light-transmissive portion. The display unit enables the design shape to be visually recognized when the light emitted from the light source is applied. The light guide includes a radiating portion that applies the light emitted from the light source toward the light-transmissive portion, a first peripheral wall, a second peripheral wall, an upper wall, and an outer peripheral wall. Each of the radiating portion, the first peripheral wall, the second peripheral wall, the upper wall, and the outer peripheral wall is integral to the light guide. Each or all of the first peripheral wall, the second peripheral wall, the upper wall, and the outer peripheral wall are supporting portions that support the radiating portion.