Optical Module Positioning Frame With Interlocking Lug And Flange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical modules fail to securely fix optical films, leading to shifting and damage due to external forces, and increase the module's thickness with existing fixing mechanisms, which compromises brightness, uniformity, and the slim volume requirement.

Innovation Solution

An optical module with a positioning frame that incorporates a first lug with a base and expansion portion, and a flange with protrusions on the side wall, allowing for secure fixation of the optical film, restricting movement along three axes and preventing light spilling, while reducing manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional fixing mechanisms (clips, adhesive, hook protrusions) are used to secure the optical film, then the optical film can be fixed, but the module thickness increases and the fixing reliability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidmodule thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from conventional surface-level fixing (clips, adhesive) to a dimensional solution by forming a positioning cavity within the light guide structure. The positioning protrusion on the optical film engages with this cavity, creating a three-dimensional interlocking mechanism that secures the optical film without adding external thickness to the module.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning cavity is formed within the light guide structure itself, nesting the fixing mechanism inside the existing component. The positioning protrusion from the optical film fits into this cavity, creating a nested arrangement that eliminates the need for separate external fixing structures and reduces overall module thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If hook protrusions are added to prevent optical film removal, then the optical film cannot be taken off, but the module thickness increases and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the positioning function and the fixing function into a single integrated structure. The positioning cavity formed in the light guide serves both to locate the optical film accurately and to secure it firmly through the engagement with the positioning protrusion, eliminating the need for separate hook protrusions and reducing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If the optical film is not properly fixed, then the module structure remains simple, but the optical film shifts easily causing damage and image quality degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidoptical film stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning cavity is pre-formed within the light guide structure during manufacturing, preparing the fixing mechanism in advance. This preliminary action allows the positioning protrusion on the optical film to engage smoothly and securely with the cavity, ensuring stable fixation without requiring complex post-assembly operations or additional manufacturing steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8164703B2Optical module and positioning frame thereof
Publication Date: 2012.04.24 AU OPTRONICS CORP
  • US8164703B2 patent drawing
  • US8164703B2 patent drawing
  • US8164703B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An optical module with an optical film and a positioning frame is disclosed. The positioning frame firmly fixes the optical film of the optical module so as to prevent the deviation of the optical film. The optical film has at least a first lug with a base portion and an expansion portion extending outwardly, wherein the width of the expansion portion is wider than the base portion. The positioning frame has a side wall and a flange. The flange is disposed on the side wall and has a first opening. The flange located at one side of the first opening has a first protrusion extending outwardly the side wall on the two sides of the first opening. The first opening is used to contain the base portion of the first lug, and the expansion portion of the first lug can be disposed under the first protrusion.