UV-Expanding Side Support for Thin LCD Panel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid crystal display (LCD) devices face challenges in achieving a thin profile and lightweight design due to the complexity and cost of the top frame, which also leads to potential damage and foreign substance accumulation when using side supporting means made from thermoplastic materials.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal display device utilizing a side frame with a light-curable material that expands upon UV irradiation to form a side supporting means, eliminating the need for a top frame and reducing fabrication costs by simplifying the modularization process and preventing damage to the liquid crystal panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a top frame with L-shaped cross-section is used to support the liquid crystal panel, then the panel is protected and supported, but the device weight increases and the profile thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the top frame from the device structure, retaining only the necessary side frames for support. This elimination of the top frame directly reduces device weight and profile thickness while maintaining adequate panel support through the side frames alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is segmented from a complete rectangular frame (top frame + side frames) into only the essential side frames. This segmentation allows the device to maintain panel support functionality while removing unnecessary structural components that add weight and thickness.
2Ease of manufacture
If thermoplastic polyurethane or thermoplastic elastomer is used for side supporting means, then the side frame can be formed, but the liquid crystal panel may be bent or cracked during disposal and foreign substances may accumulate in gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from thermoplastic polyurethane/elastomer to light-curable material. This material substitution allows the side supporting means to be formed without bending or cracking the liquid crystal panel during disposal, and prevents foreign substance accumulation in gaps, while maintaining ease of manufacture through the molding process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses light-curable material, which can be considered a composite material system that combines the benefits of moldability with the advantages of precise positioning and gap elimination. This material type enables the side supporting means to be formed accurately without damaging the panel or creating gaps for foreign substance accumulation.
3Reliability
If the opening size of side supporting means matches the liquid crystal panel size exactly, then the panel is supported, but the panel may be bent or cracked due to bending stress
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies beforehand cushioning by using light-curable material that can be molded to provide support while preventing excessive bending stress. The material properties and molding process are designed in advance to cushion against stress concentration that would cause panel bending or cracking, ensuring both support and structural integrity.
4Ease of manufacture
If the opening size of side supporting means is smaller than the liquid crystal panel size, then the panel is not supported properly, but gaps are created where foreign substances may accumulate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter to light-curable material, which enables precise molding of the side supporting means. This allows the opening size to be optimized for both proper panel support and minimal gaps, preventing foreign substance accumulation while maintaining ease of manufacture through the molding process.
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 solution enables a lightweight and thin-profile LCD device with improved durability and appearance by preventing panel damage and foreign substance accumulation, while reducing fabrication costs and simplifying the modularization process.
Implementation Method 1
a side supporting means on a step portion of the side frame, the side supporting means contacting a side surface of the liquid crystal panel to support the liquid crystal panel, wherein the side supporting means includes a light-curable material that expands due to irradiation of a ultraviolet ray
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid crystal display device includes: a bottom frame having a horizontal portion and a vertical portion extending from an edge region of the horizontal portion; a backlight unit disposed on the horizontal portion; a liquid crystal panel on the vertical portion and over the backlight unit; a side frame combined with the bottom frame to surround the vertical portion, the side frame having a step portion; and a side supporting means on the step portion, the side supporting means contacting a side surface of the liquid crystal panel to support the liquid crystal panel, wherein the side supporting means includes a light-curable material that expands due to irradiation of a ultraviolet ray.