Light Guide Element with Mirror Image Microstructures for Hot Spot Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light guide plates with circular, linear, or fully arc-shaped microstructures face challenges such as pattern mura, inability to adjust light distribution, and hot spot issues due to their fixed design.
Innovation Solution
A light guide element with a first surface, a second surface, a light-incident surface, and a plurality of microstructure groups, where each microstructure group consists of mirror image first and second microstructures with varying distances and angles to adjust light distribution and reduce hot spots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fully circular, linear, or fully arc-shaped microstructures are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but hot spot problems occur easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing microstructures with non-circular, non-linear shapes that break the traditional symmetric patterns. The microstructures feature asymmetric geometries with varying curvature radii and orientations, which prevent concentrated light reflection that causes hot spots while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through injection molding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by varying the microstructure parameters (curvature radius, orientation, density) across different regions of the light guide plate. This allows optimization of light diffusion characteristics in specific areas to eliminate hot spots while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity through a single mold design.
2Manufacturing precision
If full arc design of microstructures is used, then uniform distribution is improved, but ability to adjust light distribution is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating region-specific microstructure configurations where different areas have optimized parameters for their specific functions. This allows simultaneous achievement of uniform overall distribution and localized light distribution adjustments, as each region's microstructures are tailored to its specific optical requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling adjustable light distribution through variable microstructure parameters that can be optimized for different viewing conditions. The microstructure design allows dynamic adjustment of light patterns by modifying curvature radii, orientations, and densities in response to different display requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If large-sized microstructures are used to cover full circle design, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but shielding effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the light guide plate surface into multiple smaller microstructure units rather than using few large structures. This segmentation allows better light diffusion control, prevents pattern mura by distributing light more evenly, and maintains manufacturing simplicity through repetitive small-unit patterns that can be molded efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses asymmetry in the microstructure designs to break up uniform large-scale patterns that cause pattern mura. The asymmetric microstructures of various sizes and orientations create more uniform light diffusion while remaining manufacturable through standard injection molding processes.
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 effectively eliminates or alleviates pattern mura, allows for adjustable light distribution, and reduces hot spots by utilizing smaller microstructures and varying their sizes and angles, thereby enhancing luminance and viewing angle.
Implementation Method 1
The first microstructure has a first light-receiving surface facing the light-incident surface. The second microstructure has a second light-receiving surface facing the light-incident surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A light guide element includes first and second surfaces, a light-incident surface, and microstructure groups arranged on the first surface. Each microstructure group includes a first microstructure and a second microstructure separated from and being mirror image structures of each other. A first intersection line is provided between a first light-receiving surface of the first microstructure and the first surface. A first distance is provided between the first intersection line and a light-incident intersection line in a first direction. A second intersection line is provided between a second light-receiving surface of the second microstructure and the first surface. A second distance is provided between the second intersection line and the light-incident intersection line in the first direction. A variation trend of the first distance in a second direction is opposite to a variation trend of the second distance in the second direction.