Light Guide Plate with Integrated Circuit Contacts
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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 integrated circuit contacts on the light guide plate allows for direct electrical connection of light sources, which can be placed on the front, rear, or side surfaces, and includes recessed compartments for receiving light sources, simplifying the assembly process by eliminating the need for a separate circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If light sources are provided at one lateral side of the light guide plate, then the fabrication process is simpler, but the illumination uniformity deteriorates for large area modules
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the light guide plate into multiple sections, each with its own light source. For large area backlights, multiple light sources are distributed across different locations (edges and/or surfaces) rather than using a single light source, ensuring uniform illumination across the entire display area while maintaining fabrication simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional edge-lit configuration to incorporating surface-mounted light sources. By placing light sources on the surface of the light guide plate in addition to or instead of edge mounting, the patent creates a multi-dimensional light input structure that improves illumination uniformity without complicating the fabrication process
2Reliability
If LEDs are welded to a circuit board and then assembled to the light guide plate, then the electrical connection is reliable, but the fabrication process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the light source mounting function directly into the light guide plate structure by providing integrated contact pads on the plate itself. This eliminates the need for a separate circuit board, reducing assembly steps and overall device complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connections through direct soldering of LED leads to the integrated pads
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide plate is designed to serve multiple functions: it guides light from sources to the display area and simultaneously provides electrical connection pathways through integrated contact pads. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate circuit board and simplifies the overall structure
3Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are distributed across the light guide plate, then the illumination uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple light source mounting locations and electrical connection pathways into a single integrated light guide plate structure. The contact pads are distributed across the plate surface but form part of the unified plate structure, allowing multiple LEDs to be mounted directly without requiring additional circuit board layers or complex routing
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 solution simplifies the backlight module fabrication process, reduces costs, and ensures uniform illumination for larger area modules by integrating circuit contacts and recessed compartments for light source placement, enhancing the assembly efficiency and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the light source emits a light, and the light is inputted into light guide plate from the lateral side of the light guide plate
Implementation Method 2
A part of the light is reflected by the reflective sheet
Data Source
AI summary
A light guide apparatus for a backlight module is disclosed, which includes a light guide plate, a circuit having a plurality of circuit contacts integrated with the light guide plate, and a light source disposed on the light guide plate and electrically contacted to the plurality of circuit contacts.