Movable Light Source Module for Thermal Expansion in Edge-Lit Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing display apparatus with an edge-type backlight unit faces issues due to thermal expansion of the light guide plate, leading to increased space between the light source and the light guide plate, resulting in decreased luminance, higher power consumption, and increased heat generation.

Innovation Solution

A display module with a movable light source module guided by a guide member that prevents movement in the Z-direction, coupled with an elastic member and a graphite sheet for heat dissipation, maintains a constant distance between the light source and the light guide plate, ensuring accurate and smooth movement during expansion and contraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a predetermined gap is provided between the light source and the light guide plate to accommodate thermal expansion, then the light guide plate can expand without damage, but light loss occurs and luminance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal expansion accommodationVSAvoidluminance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The light source module is designed to be movable relative to the light guide plate through a guide member mechanism. This allows the light source module to dynamically adjust its position in response to thermal expansion of the light guide plate, maintaining optimal spacing and preventing light loss while accommodating dimensional changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A guide member is introduced as an intermediary component between the light source module and the light guide plate. This guide member facilitates controlled movement and maintains proper spacing, enabling both the light source module and light guide plate to coexist without direct rigid contact, thus accommodating thermal expansion while preserving light transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a predetermined gap is provided between the light source and the light guide plate, then thermal expansion is accommodated, but power consumption increases to maintain the same luminance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal expansion accommodationVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The movable light source module dynamically adjusts its position based on thermal expansion conditions, ensuring consistent light coupling efficiency. By maintaining optimal spacing through movement rather than relying on a fixed gap, the system avoids the increased power consumption that would be required to compensate for light loss from a predetermined gap.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If a predetermined gap is provided between the light source and the light guide plate, then thermal expansion is accommodated, but heat generation increases due to increased power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal expansion accommodationVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By enabling dynamic position adjustment of the light source module, the system maintains efficient light coupling without requiring increased power input. This prevents the cascade effect where gap accommodation through fixed spacing would lead to higher power consumption and subsequently higher heat generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Illumination intensity

If the light source module is made movable to accommodate thermal expansion, then the distance between light source and light guide plate can be maintained, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveluminanceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide member serves as a simple intermediary mechanism that enables controlled movement of the light source module without requiring complex actuation systems. It provides straightforward mechanical guidance and spacing maintenance, achieving the desired functionality with minimal added structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration maintains constant distance, improving brightness, reducing power consumption, and minimizing heat generation while facilitating easy installation and detachment of components.

Implementation Method 1

a graphite sheet for heat dissipation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a light guide plate for guiding the light emitted from the light source to the display panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight refraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

a light guide plate for guiding the light emitted from the light source to the display panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3660578B1Display module and display device having same
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3660578B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3660578B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3660578B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a display module having a display panel having a long side and a short side and installed adjacent to at least one of a long side and a short side of the display panel, a light guide plate to guide the light emitted from the light source to the display panel, a bottom chassis disposed behind the light guide plate, and a guide member to guide the movement of the light source module in accordance with the expansion and contraction of the light guide plate. The guide member guides the light source module to move along one of the long side and the short side on which the light source module is installed. The guide member prevents the light source module from moving in the direction parallel to the other one of the long side and the short side or moving in the direction orthogonal to the long side and the short side.