Optical Film Positioning Tabs for Thin Backlight Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional backlight modules face challenges in reducing the width of their outer frames to accommodate the trend of thinner electronic device bezels, as the existing arrangement with a mold frame, light guide plate, and optical film restricts further narrowing.
Innovation Solution
The optical film comprises a first and second film layer with positioning tabs and lugs that engage with the backboard's side plates, allowing the optical film to be stacked and fixed without a mold frame, reducing the overall thickness of the backlight module's outer frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a mold frame is used to fix the optical film in conventional backlight modules, then the structural stability is improved, but the outer frame width increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mold frame from the backlight module structure and integrates the optical film fixation function directly into the backboard through positioning tabs and lugs. This extraction of the redundant mold frame component directly reduces the outer frame width while maintaining structural stability through the alternative fixation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the mold frame and optical film into a single integrated structure where the optical film's positioning tabs directly engage with the backboard's lugs. This consolidation eliminates the separate mold frame layer, reducing the overall outer frame width while maintaining structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components (mold frame, light guide plate, optical film) are stacked in conventional backlight modules, then the functional requirements are met, but the overall thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mold frame and optical film into a single integrated component where the optical film serves both as the structural frame and the optical element. This merging reduces the number of stacked layers from three (mold frame, light guide plate, optical film) to two (light guide plate with integrated frame, optical film), thereby reducing overall thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the mold frame as a separate component and eliminates it entirely, integrating its structural function into the backboard's positioning features. This removal of the redundant mold frame layer directly reduces the overall thickness of the backlight module.
3Reliability
If light-shielding adhesive tape is used to fix components in conventional backlight modules, then the fixation is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding method (light-shielding adhesive tape) with a mechanical interlocking system consisting of positioning tabs and lugs. This mechanical fixation method eliminates the need for adhesive materials and simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining reliable fixation through the engageable tab-lug structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the light-shielding adhesive tape from the component fixation process and replaces it with the integrated positioning tab and lug structure. This extraction eliminates the adhesive material layer and reduces manufacturing complexity by using a purely mechanical fixation system.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an optical film and a backlight module. The backlight module includes a backboard, a light guide plate and the optical film. The backboard includes a bottom plate and two side plates mounted to the bottom plate having outside surfaces. The optical film includes a first film layer and a second film layer stacked on the first film layer. The first film layer has two opposite lateral edges including positioning tabs extending therefrom in a direction away from the first film layer. The light guide plate and the optical film are mounted on the backboard. The optical film is positioned on the light guide plate with the second film layer engaging the light guide plate. The positioning tabs cover surfaces of the side plates distant from the bottom plate and is folded to attach to the outside surfaces of the side plates. A display device is also provided.