TV Back Cover as Ambient Light Reflector

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ambient light display devices require multiple components and space for separate mechanical reflectors, increasing costs and thickness, particularly in flat TVs where component reduction and space efficiency are crucial.

Innovation Solution

The back cover of the display device is utilized as a reflector for ambient light sources, eliminating the need for a separate mechanical reflector and allowing for a thinner design by integrating side or top emitting LEDs into the backlight PCB, with a reflective surface deflecting light towards the wall behind the TV.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a separate mechanical reflector is used for ambient light sources, then light reflection efficiency is improved, but device complexity and component count increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight reflection efficiencyVSAvoidcomponent count

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The back cover is merged with the reflector function by applying a reflective coating directly to the back cover surface. This integration eliminates the need for a separate mechanical reflector component while maintaining the light reflection efficiency required for ambient lighting functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The back cover serves dual functions: it provides structural protection as a housing component and simultaneously acts as a reflector for ambient light sources. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while maintaining both protective and optical functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Illumination intensity

If a separate mechanical reflector is used for ambient light sources, then light reflection efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight reflection efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The back cover is merged with the reflector function by applying a reflective coating directly to the back cover surface. This integration eliminates the need for a separate mechanical reflector component while maintaining the light reflection efficiency required for ambient lighting functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The back cover serves its own additional function as a reflector, eliminating the need for a separate component. This self-service approach reduces both component count and manufacturing complexity, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If ambient light components are added to flat TV screens, then ambient light functionality is achieved, but device thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveambient light functionalityVSAvoiddevice thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The back cover is merged with the reflector function by applying a reflective coating directly to the back cover surface. This integration eliminates the need for a separate mechanical reflector component while maintaining the light reflection efficiency required for ambient lighting functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The back cover serves dual functions: it provides structural protection as a housing component and simultaneously acts as a reflector for ambient light sources. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while maintaining both protective and optical functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution reduces component count and labor costs, achieves space efficiency, and maintains effective ambient light distribution without the need for additional reflector components, enhancing the viewing experience while minimizing the TV's thickness.

Implementation Method 1

a reflective surface for deflecting light emitted from the ambient light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2577157B1Ambient light device

Publication Date: 2018.07.04 TP VISION HLDG BV

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AI summary

A back cover assembly for a device having an ambient light source is provided. The back cover assembly comprises a back cover which comprises an opening for allowing light emitted from the ambient light source to propagate therethrough and a reflective surface for deflecting light emitted from the ambient light source.