Light Guide Apparatus With Integrated Circuit And Recessed Compartment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The conventional backlight module fabrication process is complex and costly due to the need for welding LEDs to a circuit board, which is then secured to the light guide plate, especially for larger area modules where uniform illumination is challenging with single-sided light sources.

Innovation Solution

A light guide apparatus with a recessed compartment on the light guide plate for housing the light source and a connector system that electrically connects the light source to a circuit, allowing for easier and more cost-effective assembly by positioning the light source within the compartment and using elastic arms or pieces for securement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If LEDs are welded to a circuit board and assembled to the light guide plate, then the light source can be securely positioned, but the fabrication process becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure positioning of light sourceVSAvoidfabrication process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the light source mounting function and electrical connection function into a single integrated circuit board structure. The circuit board directly contacts the light guide plate while providing both mechanical support and electrical pathways, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets and complex wiring assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit board serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for positioning light sources, establishes electrical connections between LEDs and control circuits, and acts as a thermal management interface. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If light sources are provided at one side of the light guide plate, then the device structure is simple, but the illumination becomes nonuniform for large area modules

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structure simplicityVSAvoidillumination uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the light guide plate into multiple illumination zones, each served by dedicated light source groups positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows independent optimization of light distribution in each zone, achieving uniform overall illumination across large areas while maintaining relatively simple local structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from single-sided light source arrangement to multi-sided or distributed light source configuration. By adding light sources at multiple positions around the light guide plate perimeter, the system achieves uniform illumination across the surface without significantly increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Simplifies the backlight module assembly process by eliminating the need for welding LEDs to a circuit board, reducing fabrication costs and ensuring uniform illumination for larger area modules by allowing light sources to be placed on multiple sides of the light guide plate.

Implementation Method 1

the LED light source emits a light, and the light is inputted into light guide plate from the lateral side of the light guide plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

A part of the light is reflected by the reflective sheet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS8602631B2Light guide apparatus for a backlight module
Publication Date: 2013.12.10 GLOBAL LIGHTING TECHNOLOGIES (TAIWAN) INC
  • US8602631B2 patent drawing
  • US8602631B2 patent drawing
  • US8602631B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A light guide apparatus for a backlight module is disclosed, which includes a light guide plate, a circuit having a plurality of conductive contacts integrated with the light guide plate, and a light source disposed on the light guide plate and electrically contacted to the plurality of conductive contacts.