Substrate Structure with Convex Members for Backlight Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Edge lighting structures in backlight modules are prone to damage to electrical elements and optical sheets during installation or replacement, and excessive space between optical films and light sources reduces optical efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A substrate structure with convex members on a perpendicular wall prevents direct contact between point light sources and optical sheets, installed into a frame with complementary concave sections to maintain optical efficiency and prevent damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the light source is positioned close to the optical sheets in an edge lighting structure, then optical efficiency is improved, but electrical elements and optical sheets are easily damaged during installation or replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical efficiencyVSAvoiddamage resistance of electrical elements and optical sheets
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a substrate structure with convex members as an intermediary component between the point light sources and the optical sheets. The convex members extend from the wall of the substrate structure toward the optical sheets, creating a protective barrier that prevents direct contact during installation while maintaining the close positioning needed for high optical efficiency. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by allowing the light sources to remain close to the optical sheets for optimal light coupling while physically protecting both the electrical elements and optical sheets from damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If there is an excessively large space between optical films and light source, then damage to electrical elements and optical sheets is prevented, but optical efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamage protectionVSAvoidoptical efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a non-uniform spacing structure where the convex members provide localized protection in specific areas while maintaining close proximity in other areas. The convex members are positioned to provide damage protection where needed during installation, while the overall structure maintains the close spacing required for optimal light coupling between the point light sources and optical sheets. This localized approach allows simultaneous achievement of both protection and optical efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of energy

If point light sources are installed close to optical sheets for optimal light coupling, then optical efficiency is maximized, but the risk of damage during installation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical efficiencyVSAvoiddamage risk during installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by pre-installing the convex members on the substrate structure wall before the optical sheets are placed. These convex members protrude toward the optical sheets and create a protective buffer zone that cushions against accidental contact during installation and replacement operations. This prior protective measure allows the point light sources to be positioned close to the optical sheets for maximum optical efficiency while preemptively protecting against the harmful damage risk during handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS7959324B2Substrate structure and side-entrance lighting structure
Publication Date: 2011.06.14 AU OPTRONICS CORP
  • US7959324B2 patent drawing
  • US7959324B2 patent drawing
  • US7959324B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A substrate structure includes a substrate, a plurality of point light sources, a first wall and a plurality of convex members. The point light sources are disposed on the substrate. The first wall is on a long side of the substrate and substantially perpendicular to the substrate. The convex members extend from the first wall along a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the substrate. The convex members keep away the point light sources from optical sheets when installing the substrate structure into a frame. Moreover, a side-entrance lighting structure is disclosed.