LCD Module Backlight Frame Reflector Design for Edge-to-Edge Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
LCD modules have a significant 'deadband' around the active display area due to larger backlight units, which reduces the usable display space, especially in smaller devices like tablets and smartphones, and existing solutions compromise module robustness or increase optical distortions when trying to minimize this deadband.
Innovation Solution
The design modifies the backlight unit's frame to have a reduced width with a reflector extending around its corners and attached to the LCD panel, using an optically non-reflective adhesive to minimize the deadband without compromising robustness or increasing optical distortions, by aligning the module deadband closely with the panel deadband on all sides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the backlight unit is made larger to accommodate the light guide and reflector, then the structural robustness is improved, but the deadband width increases reducing the display area
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is extended from a planar component to wrap around the corners of the frame into the side regions, utilizing three-dimensional spatial arrangement. This allows the reflector to maintain structural integrity and robustness while extending into areas that do not compromise the front display area, effectively reducing the deadband without sacrificing module strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector is positioned to wrap around the frame structure, with portions of the reflector nested within or alongside the frame corners. This nested arrangement allows the reflector to maintain close structural integration with the frame for robustness while extending the optical functionality into the side regions to reduce deadband width.
2Area of stationary object
If the frame width is reduced to minimize deadband, then the display area is improved, but the module robustness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector extends around the frame corners into the side regions, compensating for the reduced frame width by providing structural and optical functionality in the previously unused corner and side areas. This three-dimensional extension maintains overall module robustness despite the narrower front frame width.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame width at the front face is reduced asymmetrically compared to the extended reflector structure at the corners and sides. This asymmetric design allows the front display area to be maximized while the corner extensions provide the necessary structural support and optical reflection functionality.
3Area of stationary object
If the reflector is extended to reduce deadband, then the display area is improved, but optical distortions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is positioned to wrap around the frame corners and extend into specific side regions, providing localized reflection functionality precisely where needed to reduce deadband. This targeted placement ensures that reflection is provided only in areas that do not interfere with the active display region, minimizing optical distortions while maximizing display area.
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 approach effectively reduces the deadband width while maintaining the module's robustness and minimizing optical distortions, without adding complexity or components, allowing for a more edge-to-edge display in smaller devices.
Implementation Method 1
a reflection frame comprised at an outer side of the fixing frame and reflecting leaked light
Data Source
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AI summary
An LCD module (101) comprises an LCD panel (104) and a backlight unit (206). The LCD panel (104) has a front face (204) and N sides (240) (where N>2). The backlight unit (206) comprises a frame (130), a light guide (120) and a reflector (228). The frame (130) has a front face (235), a rear face (232), N sides (234) and a central aperture and the LCD panel (104) is attached to the front face (235) of the frame (130) such that a first of the N sides (234) of the frame (130) is flush with a first of the N sides (240) of the LCD panel (104). The light guide (120) is positioned within the central aperture of the frame (130). The reflector (238) covers the rear face (126) of the light guide (120) and some or all of the rear face (232) of the frame (130) and is attached to at least a part of the first side (234) of the frame (130) and to at least a part of the first side (240) of the LCD panel (104).