Light Guide Plate Ink Microstructure Optical Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing light guide layers for backlighting applications, such as injection molding and microstamping, are costly and limit optical quality, becoming more critical as backlights increase in size, with a need for alternative and improved methods for forming light guide layers and structures.
Innovation Solution
A light guide plate comprising a microstructured film layer with ink applied to control light escape, where the ink reduces light emission from microstructures, allowing for tailored optical performance and eliminating the need for expensive tooling and manufacturing processes, and a method of forming this plate by depositing ink onto microstructured films and combining with a light guiding material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If injection molding or microstamping is used to form light guide layers, then light guiding function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and optical quality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a microstructured film layer with a light guiding layer to form an integrated light guide plate. The microstructured film provides precise optical control features while the light guiding layer provides light transmission, merging two functional components into a single device that achieves both high optical quality and cost-effective manufacturing through alternative processes like UV curing instead of expensive injection molding or microstamping
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the manufacturing approach from traditional high-precision molding or stamping to a combination of film lamination and UV curing processes. This parameter change in the manufacturing method allows for achieving the required optical precision through the microstructured film's designed geometry rather than through expensive tooling and machining processes
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional molding techniques are used, then light guide structure is formed, but optical performance cannot be readily tailored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adaptability into the light guide plate design by using a microstructured film layer with controllable microstructure geometry, spacing, and distribution patterns. These parameters can be dynamically adjusted to tailor optical performance for different applications without requiring completely different manufacturing processes, allowing the same base structure to be adapted for various optical requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating a microstructured film layer with specifically designed microstructures at particular locations and orientations within the light guide plate. This allows different regions of the light guide plate to have customized optical properties, enabling tailored light extraction, scattering, or guiding characteristics in different zones to meet specific display 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 provides readily tailored optical performance, low-cost printing technology, and enhanced mechanical protection for light sources, while eliminating the use of expensive tooling and manufacturing processes, resulting in improved light guiding and scattering characteristics for backlighting applications.
Implementation Method 1
The surface features disturb the total internal reflection of the light thus allowing light, guided inside the plate, to escape in a controlled manner
Implementation Method 2
an ink in contact with one or more of said microstructures, wherein said ink reduces the amount of light escaping from the light guide plate at said microstructure
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2
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AI summary
This invention relates to film layer which is suitable for use in a light guide plate and methods of forming said film layer and light guide plate. The invention also relates to the light guide plate and light guide devices made therefrom. The film and light guide plate are suitable for use in a range of applications, particularly in connection with the backlighting of displays, for example, liquid crystal displays.