Transparent Light Guide with Integrated Micro-Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transparent light source systems for display devices are costly, complex, and have low light-emitting efficiency, with previous solutions compromising light-emitting effects and increasing production complexity.
Innovation Solution
A transparent light source system comprising a light source and a light guide plate with first and second optical micro-structures on the inner and outer light guide films, respectively, allowing unidirectional light emission with reduced optical interfaces and simplified manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple light guide films are laminated to form multi-layer structure, then light emission control is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light guide films into a single integrated light guide plate with internally formed micro-structures. Instead of laminating separate films, the micro-structures are directly formed within one plate through injection molding or other manufacturing processes, merging multiple functional layers into a single component that achieves the same light emission control with simpler manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide plate is segmented into multiple functional zones through internally formed micro-structures (such as prisms, gratings, or reflective patterns) that are distributed at different depths and positions within the plate. This internal segmentation replaces the need for multiple external film layers, achieving complex light control functions within a single monolithic structure.
2Reliability
If light guide film uses trapezoidal structure with glue layer bonding, then light guidance is achieved, but light-emitting effect deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the glue layer from the optical system by directly forming micro-structures within the light guide plate material itself. This extraction eliminates the additional optical interface that causes light scattering and loss, allowing light to travel through the plate with minimal interference while still achieving effective light guidance through the internal micro-structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide plate utilizes composite material structures where micro-structures (such as transparent or reflective particles, embedded prisms, or patterned regions) are incorporated within the base material. This composite approach enables both light guidance and efficient light emission without requiring separate bonding layers, as the functional elements are integrated within the material matrix.
3Reliability
If semi-transparent and semi-reflective film is attached to back of light guide plate, then light leakage is reduced, but light transmittivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attaching a film to the back surface to control light leakage, the patent inverts the approach by forming micro-structures within the bulk of the light guide plate that actively guide and redirect light toward the intended emission direction. This internal inversion eliminates the need for external reflective films, as the light is positively directed forward through the micro-structures rather than passively blocked from leaking backward.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical bonding system (attaching a semi-reflective film with adhesive) with an integrated optical system where micro-structures are formed within the light guide plate material. This substitution eliminates the additional optical interface and bonding layer, maintaining high light transmittivity while achieving light leakage control through the internal optical design rather than external film attachment.
4Illumination intensity
If micro-structures are formed on light guide film surface, then light emission is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The micro-structures are formed during the initial manufacturing process of the light guide plate, such as through injection molding with textured cavities, extrusion with patterned dies, or additive manufacturing. This preliminary formation of micro-structures eliminates the need for subsequent post-processing steps like laser etching or stamping, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining effective light emission enhancement.
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 system achieves good unidirectional light emission, reduces production complexity and costs, and enhances light-emitting efficiency by integrating the inner and outer light guide films, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective solution.
Implementation Method 1
first optical micro-structures allowing light transmitted in the light guide plate to be emitted from the upper surface are disposed on the upper surface
Implementation Method 2
second optical micro-structures opposite to the first optical micro-structures are disposed on an inner surface of the outer light guide film, and the second optical micro-structures allow light emitted out of the first optical micro-structures to be emitted from an outer surface of the outer light guide film
Implementation Method 3
The principle of the transparent light source system is as follows: when ambient light is intensive, the ambient light penetrates through the transparent light source system to enter the display device, and then the light with display information is reflected to human eyes
Data Source
AI summary
A transparent light source system for a display device comprises a light source, and a light guide plate which includes an incident surface opposite to the light source, an upper surface, a lower surface parallel to the upper surface, and a lateral surface opposite to the incident surface. An outer light guide film is disposed outside the upper surface, first optical micro-structures allowing light transmitted in the light guide plate to be emitted from the upper surface are disposed on the upper surface, second optical micro-structures opposite to the first optical micro-structures are disposed on an inner surface of the outer light guide film, and the second optical micro-structures allow light emitted out of the first optical micro-structures to be emitted from an outer surface of the outer light guide film.