Lateral Backlight Unit with Strip Light Source for Narrow Border Displays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Large multiple-display devices face challenges in image quality due to wide non-active areas between adjacent LCD modules, which are caused by the dimensions of edge-type backlight units, leading to increased material costs and manufacturing complexity for larger displays.
Innovation Solution
The use of a strip light source with light-emitting elements arranged alternately on both sides of a partition wall, combined with light-guiding plates, reduces the material requirements for frames, bezels, and cases, and allows for a narrower border, while a supporting part from the partition wall enhances the structural support and flexibility for curved displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If edge-type backlight units are used in multiple-display devices, then the display modules can be manufactured with standard structures, but the non-active area between adjacent displays increases, degrading image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from edge-type backlight units (light sources at corners) to a lateral-type backlight unit with a strip light source positioned at the lateral side of the partition wall. This dimensional change in light source placement allows light to be emitted directly toward the active area, eliminating the need for large non-active areas while maintaining manufacturability
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral-type backlight unit serves multiple functions: it provides uniform light to both display modules sharing the partition wall, reduces the non-active area to enhance image continuity, and maintains compatibility with standard manufacturing processes. The single backlight unit structure replaces what would traditionally require two separate edge-type units
2Area of stationary object
If larger glass substrates are used for large display devices, then the display size increases, but manufacturing cost increases due to higher failure rates and equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple small-sized display modules (e.g., four 10-inch modules to create a 20-inch display) arranged in an array with partition walls between them. This segmentation approach allows manufacturing with smaller, more reliable glass substrates using existing equipment, while achieving large display sizes through combination. The lateral backlight unit further reduces the non-active area between segments, improving image quality
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple small display modules are combined to form a large display device. The lateral-type backlight unit merges the lighting function for adjacent modules, providing uniform illumination across the entire display area while reducing the material and space requirements compared to using a single large backlight unit
3Device complexity
If wide non-active areas are present between display modules, then the structural support is simplified, but image continuity is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral light source emits light in a direction perpendicular to the partition wall, directly illuminating the active area. This dimensional change in light emission direction allows the partition wall to maintain its structural support function while minimizing its impact on image continuity, as the light-guiding plate efficiently directs light around the partition
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 minimizes the non-active area, improves image continuity, reduces material costs, and strengthens the display device's structure, enabling more efficient and cost-effective manufacturing of larger displays with enhanced image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a strip light source, a longitudinal edge of which is extended along a longitudinal edge of the partition wall for emitting light to the display panels disposed at opposite side of the partition wall
Implementation Method 2
two light-guiding plates disposed at opposite sides of the strip light source for guiding the light emitted from the strip light source into the display panels
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes at least two display panels and a frame for supporting the display panels. The frame includes a partition wall configured for supporting at least an end portion of the display panels. A backlight unit is located at one side of the display panels and provides light to the display panels. The backlight unit includes a strip light source, a longitudinal edge of which is extended along a longitudinal edge of the partition wall for emitting light to the display panels disposed at opposite side of the partition wall and two light-guiding plates disposed at opposite sides of the strip light source for guiding the light emitted from the strip light source into the display panels.