Light Guide Plate Stiffening Element Bonding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting devices with light guide plates lack sufficient mechanical stability, which can lead to bending and instability, especially in larger formats or thin-walled designs, affecting the uniformity of light distribution and the integrity of the device.

Innovation Solution

A lighting device with a stiffening element that features a peripheral edge area materially bonded to the frame's outer surface over a large area and a central area accommodated within the frame's passage, enhancing mechanical stability through increased rigidity and preventing bending.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a reflector with a support rim resting on the frame is used, then the device structure is simple, but the mechanical stability and torsional stiffness are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stiffening element extends in two dimensions: its circumferential edge region bonds to the outer surface of the frame, while its central region extends into the passage bounded by the frame. This dual-dimensional engagement provides comprehensive stiffening without requiring complex multi-component structures.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The stiffening element integrates two functional regions (circumferential edge region for bonding and central region for passage engagement) into a single composite structure, combining the benefits of surface bonding stiffness with internal support stiffness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Weight of moving object

If the light guide plate is made thin-walled, then the device weight is reduced, but the mechanical stability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice weightVSAvoidmechanical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The stiffening element acts as an intermediary structure between the light guide plate and the frame, providing mechanical support and preventing bending of the thin-walled light guide plate while allowing the plate itself to remain lightweight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Illumination intensity

If a circumferential edge section of the light guide plate is received in the frame, then the light coupling is improved, but the mechanical stability remains insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight coupling efficiencyVSAvoidmechanical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The stiffening element is segmented into two functional regions: the circumferential edge region that bonds to the frame outer surface and the central region that engages with the passage. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally while working together to provide comprehensive mechanical stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3184886B1Lighting device comprising a light guide plate
Publication Date: 2021.01.20 REHAU AG & CO
  • EP3184886B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3184886B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a lighting device (10) with a light guide plate (12), at least one light-emitting diode (14) for generating light coupled into the light guide plate (12), a circumferential frame (16), and a stiffening element (18), wherein the frame (16) defines a passage (19), wherein a circumferential edge section (20) of the light guide plate (12) is received in the frame (16), wherein the light guide plate (12) has a circumferential side surface (22) and at least one light-emitting surface (24), wherein at least one means (26) for coupling the light-emitting diode light coupled into the light guide plate (12) from the circumferential side surface (22) is provided through the light-emitting surface (24), wherein the stiffening element (18) comprises a circumferential edge region (28) and a central region (30), wherein the circumferential edge region (28) is provided with a circumferential The outer surface (32) of the frame (16) is connected in a flat and materially bonded manner,and wherein the middle area (30) is recorded in the passage (19).