Light Guide Module With Demarcating Grooves For Region Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light-emitting modules for surface light sources lack the ability to individually control light emitted from each region, limiting their functionality in applications such as LCD displays where localized light management is required.

Innovation Solution

A light-emitting module is designed with a light guide member featuring demarcating grooves to define separate light-emitting regions, accompanied by a light-reflecting member and a wavelength converting member, allowing for individual control of light emission from each region, and a manufacturing method that includes forming these grooves and integrating the components on a wiring substrate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a light emitting module is divided into multiple light-emitting regions with demarcating grooves, then individual control of light emission is enabled, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light guide member is divided into multiple light-emitting regions by forming demarcating grooves that separate adjacent regions. This segmentation enables independent control of light emission from each region while maintaining a unified module structure. The grooves create optical barriers that prevent light leakage between regions, allowing localized illumination control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the light guide member are assigned different functions through the demarcating grooves. Each region can be independently controlled for specific illumination requirements, such as displaying different colors or intensities in different areas of the display panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If demarcating grooves are formed in the light guide member, then light emission control is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The demarcating grooves are formed in the light guide member before assembling other components. This preliminary action allows the light guide structure to be prepared in advance with precise geometric features that will later guide the placement of light sources and other components, simplifying subsequent assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The demarcating grooves serve as intermediary structures that facilitate the integration of multiple components. They provide mechanical features for positioning and securing light sources while also serving optical functions for light isolation and directionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If light sources are arranged in specific regions with demarcating grooves, then light extraction efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light guide member is segmented into distinct regions with demarcating grooves that separate adjacent light-emitting areas. This segmentation allows optimized arrangement of light sources in each region, improving light extraction efficiency by reducing optical interference between adjacent sources while maintaining a systematic overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables precise control of light emission from each region, improving luminance uniformity and reducing color imbalance, while enhancing mechanical strength and light extraction efficiency, suitable for applications like liquid crystal display backlights.

Implementation Method 1

a light-reflecting member disposed in the demarcating groove

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a wavelength converting member covering an upper surface of the light guide member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWavelength conversion: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS11692688B2Light emitting module, surface light source, and a method of manufacturing light emitting module

Publication Date: 2023.07.04

AI summary

A light emitting module includes at least one light source, a light guide member having a demarcating groove configured to demarcate at least one light emitting region, and at least one light source arrangement part located in each of the at least one light emitting region and accommodating a light source, a first light-reflecting member disposed in the demarcating groove, and a wavelength converting member covering an upper surface of the light guide member.