Segmented Backlight Substrate Layout for Low-Cost Rigid Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display technologies face challenges in reducing production costs while maintaining rigidity, particularly in backlight units and displays that utilize multiple components.

Innovation Solution

A backlight unit design featuring a backlight substrate with spaced first substrates connected by a second substrate, light emitting diodes arranged on the front surface, a rear plate with protruding beads, a reflector, adhesive tape, and a diffuser plate supporter system that includes support protrusions and hooks for enhanced rigidity and assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple components are used in the backlight unit, then the functionality and performance are improved, but the production cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebacklight unit functionalityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the backlight substrate and rear plate into a single integrated component. The backlight substrate serves dual functions as both the light-emitting platform and the structural rear plate, eliminating the need for separate components. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining full functionality through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The backlight substrate is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the light-emitting elements, provides structural rigidity, serves as the rear plate for assembly, and facilitates heat dissipation. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed while ensuring reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Weight of stationary object

If the substrate area is reduced to minimize weight and cost, then production cost and weight are reduced, but structural rigidity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay weightVSAvoidsubstrate rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The backlight substrate is divided into multiple first substrates spaced apart from each other, with gaps between them. This segmentation allows the overall structure to be lighter and more cost-effective while the second substrate connects these segments to maintain structural integrity. The spaced arrangement reduces material usage without compromising the necessary rigidity for assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If a solid backlight substrate is used, then structural rigidity is maintained, but production cost and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubstrate rigidityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a single solid backlight substrate, the patent employs multiple first substrates spaced apart from each other. This segmented approach reduces material consumption and production cost while the second substrate serves as a connector to maintain the necessary structural rigidity for assembly and operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional solid substrate to a three-dimensional spaced arrangement of multiple substrates. The first substrates are positioned at predetermined intervals with gaps between them, creating a volumetric structure that reduces material usage while the second substrate provides dimensional connection to preserve rigidity.

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

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 design reduces production costs by minimizing substrate area and weight, while securing rigidity through innovative structural components that facilitate heat dissipation and improve assembly efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an adhesive tape disposed between the backlight substrate and the reflector and configured to attach the backlight substrate and the first bead of the rear plate to the reflector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

a reflector disposed on a front surface of the backlight substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged at predetermined intervals on a front surface of the backlight substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting diode effect: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP4542294B1Backlight unit and display
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4542294B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4542294B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP4542294B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A backlight unit capable of reducing production costs while securing rigidity, and a display including the same are disclosed. The backlight unit includes: a backlight substrate including a plurality of first substrates that is spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in a first direction and extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a second substrate through which the plurality of first substrates is connected to each other; a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged at predetermined intervals on a front surface of the backlight substrate; a rear plate including a substrate seating portion on which a rear surface of the backlight substrate is seated, and at least one first bead that protrudes forward while being disposed between the first substrates; a reflector disposed on a front surface of the backlight substrate; and an adhesive tape disposed between the backlight substrate and the reflector and configured to attach the backlight substrate and the first bead of the rear plate to the reflector.