Modular Backlight Unit for Slim LCDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing back-light units for liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are thick and lack modular design, which hinders the production of slim LCDs with high contrast ratios, as they require complex assembly and higher production costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular back-light unit design utilizing a light guide plate and reflection plate arranged in a tiling fashion, with LEDs positioned on the edges of the light guide plate, allowing for easier assembly, reduced thickness, and improved light distribution, enabling high contrast ratios through local dimming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a traditional back-light unit is used, then the display device can be assembled, but the thickness of the display device becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The back-light unit is divided into multiple modules, each containing a light guide plate, light source, and reflection plate. These modules can be assembled in a tiling fashion to form the complete back-light unit, reducing overall thickness while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide plate is designed with a projection that extends in the thickness direction, creating an air layer gap between the light guide plate and the optical sheet. This dimensional change allows for reduced thickness without compromising light distribution.
2Length of moving object
If the back-light unit is made into modules, then the thickness can be reduced, but optical unevenness occurs at the boundary of adjacent modules
Solution Approach 1:
A reflection plate is positioned between adjacent light guide plate modules to act as an optical intermediary. The reflection plate reflects light from one module toward adjacent modules, compensating for optical unevenness at the boundaries and achieving uniform light distribution across the entire display surface.
3Ease of manufacture
If a non-modular back-light unit is used, then assembly is simpler, but production cost increases and contrast ratio is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The back-light unit is segmented into standardized modules that can be easily assembled in a tiling fashion. Each module contains integrated components (light guide plate, light source, reflection plate), simplifying the assembly process while enabling local dimming control for high contrast ratios.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design enables dynamic control of different module groups, allowing local dimming where specific modules can be independently adjusted based on image content. This dynamic control achieves high contrast ratios while maintaining ease of assembly through standardized module interfaces.
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 design reduces the overall thickness of the display device, simplifies assembly, lowers production costs, and enhances light uniformity and contrast ratios by allowing for modular construction and efficient light management.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide plate having a first side surface receiving light emitted from the LED light source incident thereon and a second side surface facing the first side surface
Implementation Method 2
at least one reflection plate having plural light guide plates thereon
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display. The thickness of the back-light unit of the present invention can be reduced and the back-light unit can be driven partially by a module and can provide high contrast ratio. Since the assembly of the plurality of back-light unit modules is made to be easy according to the described structure, a production cost may be reduced.