Light Emitting Panel Centering Ribs for Display Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light emitting panels in display devices often suffer from non-uniform light distribution due to improper alignment of the light source and light guide, resulting in hot spots and reduced brightness.
Innovation Solution
A light emitting panel with a light interface aperture and centering ribs/beveled sections to align the light source, maintaining a uniform air gap and ensuring even light dispersion across the panel, integrated into a backlight assembly that can be securely attached to a circuit board using a display retainer and elastomeric zebra-strip for optimal alignment and conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the light source is spaced apart from the light emitting panel to allow light transmission, then light distribution uniformity improves, but alignment precision becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an air gap as an intermediary space between the light source and light emitting panel. This air gap serves as a mediator that allows light to transmit uniformly while preventing direct contact that would cause alignment issues. The air gap acts as a buffer zone that maintains consistent spacing and light distribution without requiring precise mechanical alignment.
2Illumination intensity
If the light source is aligned precisely with the light guide to ensure uniform light distribution, then illumination uniformity improves, but the complexity of assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-aligning features including centering ribs that protrude into the air gap and corresponding recesses in the light emitting panel. These features enable the light source to automatically center itself relative to the light guide during assembly, eliminating the need for complex external alignment tools or procedures. The assembly process becomes simpler as the components guide themselves into the correct position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric centering ribs with specific geometries that are not symmetric about the light source. These asymmetric features create a unique fit within the air gap, ensuring that the light source can only be positioned in the correct orientation and location. This asymmetric design simplifies assembly by providing built-in alignment cues that prevent incorrect positioning.
3Illumination intensity
If the air gap dimensions are reduced to improve light transmission efficiency, then light intensity improves, but alignment tolerance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the air gap dimensions to specific parameter ranges that balance light transmission efficiency with alignment tolerance. By carefully controlling the size and uniformity of the air gap through the centering rib design, the system achieves efficient light transmission while maintaining sufficient tolerance for manufacturing variations. The air gap parameters are tuned to provide the optimal compromise between these two competing requirements.
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
The solution ensures uniform and consistent light distribution across the display panel, reducing visual inconsistencies and enhancing brightness and illumination uniformity.
Implementation Method 1
the light source and light emitting panel may form part of a backlight of the display panel that can be used to facilitate viewing at night or in low-lighting conditions. Typically, the light emitting panel will include a point-type light source such as a light emitting diode (LED) or bulb adapted to direct light into a light guide, which acts as an optical waveguide to distribute the light rays across the surface of the light emitting panel
Implementation Method 2
In some designs, a diffusive pattern of ridges, grooves or dots on the light emitting panel may be used to disperse the light rays in a desired pattern across surface of the light emitting panel for providing a desired lighting characteristic to the display panel
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and assemblies for providing light to a display panel, including methods of attaching such devices and assemblies to a circuit board, are disclosed. An illustrative device can include a light emitting panel including at least one light interface for receiving light from a light source. The light interface may define an aperture adapted to receive a portion of the light source, forming an air gap between the light source and interface. A number of centering ribs and/or beveled sections can be used to align the light source within the aperture during assembly of the device to a circuit board.