Partition-integrated support for optical member undulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional display devices require a large number of columnar support members to suppress undulation of sheet-like optical members, leading to an increase in the number of parts and potential light leakage and brightness contrast issues.

Innovation Solution

A lighting device with a sheet-like optical member held by a support portion integrally provided to a partition, which protrudes towards a light diffusion plate, reducing the need for additional support members and preventing light leakage through recesses or notches, while maintaining mechanical strength and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If multiple columnar support members are provided for each light source to suppress undulation of the sheet-like optical member, then the undulation is suppressed, but the number of parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of sheet-like optical memberVSAvoidnumber of support members
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support portion is integrated into the partition structure, merging the support function with the partition function. This eliminates the need for separate columnar support members for each light source, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining the ability to suppress optical member undulation through the protruding support structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The partition is divided into multiple regions with support portions protruding at specific locations corresponding to light source positions. This segmented approach provides targeted support where needed without requiring support members across the entire optical member surface, optimizing the balance between stability and part reduction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If recesses or notches are provided in the partition to arrange support members, then the optical member can be supported, but light leakage occurs and brightness contrast performance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport of optical memberVSAvoidlight leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is merged into the partition body through protruding support portions, eliminating the need for recesses or notches. This maintains the partition's light-blocking integrity while providing necessary support for the optical member, preventing light leakage to adjacent compartments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of creating recesses inward from the partition surface to hold support members, the solution inverts the approach by having support portions protrude outward from the partition toward the optical member. This eliminates the need for light-blocking recesses while maintaining support functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 effectively suppresses undulation and maintains uniform light intensity and brightness contrast by integrating support structures within the partition, reducing the overall number of parts and enhancing mechanical strength.

Implementation Method 1

a light diffusion plate arranged opposite the light sources, the light diffusion plate being configured to diffuse light from the light sources

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight diffusion: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

The optical member includes a transmitting part that is configured to transmit the light emitted from the light sources

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 3

a reflecting part that is configured to reflect the light emitted from the light sources

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3767384B1Lighting device and display device
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 FUNAI ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP3767384B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3767384B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3767384B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A lighting device includes a plurality of light sources, a light diffusion plate, a sheet-like optical member, and a partition. The light diffusion plate is arranged opposite the light sources. The light diffusion plate is configured to diffuse light from the light sources. The optical member is disposed between the light diffusion plate and the light sources. The optical member includes a transmitting part that is configured to transmit the light emitted from the light sources and a reflecting part that is configured to reflect the light emitted from the light sources. The partition is arranged between adjacent light sources. The optical member is held by a support portion that is integrally provided to the partition and protrudes from an end portion of the partition toward the light diffusion plate.