Viscoelastic Layer Backlight for Uniform Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional backlight assemblies for electronic display devices are complex, requiring separate components and materials for optical coupling, which increases manufacturing costs and reduces durability.
Innovation Solution
A backlight composite assembly integrating a light source optically coupled to a lightguide with a viscoelastic layer and a nanovoided polymeric layer, featuring interconnected nanovoids and structured surfaces for efficient light management and distribution, eliminating the need for additional adhesive layers and simplifying fabrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional backlight assemblies use separate components and materials for optical coupling, then optical functionality is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adhesive layer and optical coupling functions into a single integrated layer. The viscoelastic material serves dual purposes as both adhesive and optical coupling medium, eliminating the need for separate adhesive and optical coupling components. This merging reduces the number of interfaces and potential failure points while simplifying the overall assembly structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The viscoelastic layer performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides adhesive bonding between components, enables optical coupling for light transmission, and offers stress relief through its viscoelastic properties. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized separate components and simplifies the backlight assembly design.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate layers (adhesive, optical films) are used in backlight assembly, then optical functionality is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adhesive layer and optical coupling layer into a single viscoelastic layer, reducing the total number of components from multiple separate layers to one integrated layer. This simplification directly reduces manufacturing complexity and material costs while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The viscoelastic layer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - adhesive bonding, optical coupling, and stress management - eliminating the need for separate specialized components and reducing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If conventional adhesive layers are used without viscoelastic properties, then assembly is simplified, but stress relief and durability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional rigid or semi-rigid adhesive to viscoelastic material. This parameter change enables the adhesive to exhibit time-dependent mechanical behavior, providing stress relief and strain accommodation while maintaining bond strength, thereby improving durability without adding complexity.
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 provides a cost-effective, durable, and adaptable illumination device that can be used in various applications, offering bright, diffuse, and uniform light with improved light extraction efficiency and flexibility, suitable for both interior and exterior use.
Implementation Method 1
a light source optically coupled to a lightguide such that light emitted by the light source enters the lightguide and is transported within the lightguide by total internal reflection
Implementation Method 2
a nanovoided polymeric layer comprising a plurality of interconnected nanovoids at least some of the interconnected nanovoids being connected to one another by hollow passages
Implementation Method 3
the nanovoided polymeric layer comprising a plurality of interconnected nanovoids
Implementation Method 4
a viscoelastic layer and a nanovoided polymeric layer
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~4b
Figure 4c~5b
AI summary
An illumination device, such as a backlight for electronic display devices, is disclosed. The illumination device includes a lightguide optically coupled to a light source, and a viscoelastic layer and a nanovoided polymeric layer are used in conjunction with the lightguide to manage light emitted by the light source. The viscoelastic layer may be a pressure sensitive adhesive.