Multi-Region Light Guide Structure for Independent Backlight Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display backlights in dishwashers require multiple light guide plates for independent function control, increasing assembly complexity and cost due to their thin edge-lit design.

Innovation Solution

A light guide structure with at least two backlight regions, each surrounded by light-shield components, and light concentrators to enhance brightness and reduce light leakage, allowing for a single light guide assembly that simplifies mounting and reduces processing times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light guide plates are used for independent function control in thin edge-lit backlights, then independent function control is achieved, but assembly complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent function controlVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple light guide plates into a single integrated light guide plate with multiple backlight regions. This consolidation maintains the ability to provide independent function control to different regions while significantly reducing the number of separate components that need to be assembled, thereby lowering assembly complexity and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single light guide plate is segmented into multiple backlight regions (first backlight region, second backlight region, etc.) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows different functions to be displayed in different regions while using a single unified structure, resolving the contradiction between independent control and assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light guide plates are used for independent function control, then independent function control is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent function controlVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By combining multiple light guide plates into one integrated structure, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This merging approach maintains functional independence through regional segmentation while significantly lowering manufacturing costs associated with producing and assembling multiple separate plates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If light guide plate is divided into multiple regions for independent control, then independent function control is achieved, but light leakage occurs at the regions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent function controlVSAvoidlight leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces light-shield components as intermediary elements positioned between adjacent backlight regions. These light-shield components act as mediators that prevent light from leaking from one region to another while allowing each region to maintain its independent function control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light guide plates are used, then independent function control is achieved, but the number of processing times increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent function controlVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple light guide plates into a single integrated plate, reducing the number of processing operations from multiple separate manufacturing and assembly steps to a single processing sequence. This maintains independent function control through regional design while significantly reducing the total number of processing times required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 reduces assembly complexity, lowers manufacturing costs, and improves brightness and display quality by concentrating light evenly across the backlight regions.

Implementation Method 1

at least two light concentrators corresponding in one-to-one way to the at least two backlight regions and located in the at least two backlight regions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight concentration: Focusing

Implementation Method 2

at least two light-shield components corresponding in one-to-one way to the at least two backlight regions and surrounding the at least two backlight regions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight shielding: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20260016624A1Light guide structure, backlight module, display screen, and household appliance

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 WUHU MIDEA SMART KITCHEN APPLIANCE MFG CO LTD

AI summary

A light guide structure includes a light guide plate having at least two backlight regions arranged at intervals in a longitudinal direction of the light guide plate, at least two light concentrators corresponding in one-to-one way to the at least two backlight regions and each located in one of the at least two backlight regions, and at least two light-shield components corresponding in one-to-one way to the at least two backlight regions and each surrounding one of the at least two backlight regions.