Viscoelastic Lightguide Nanovoided Layer Backlight Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional backlight assemblies for LCD devices face challenges in efficiently distributing light and maintaining durability, often requiring complex constructions and separate components that increase manufacturing costs and reduce performance.
Innovation Solution
The proposed illumination device incorporates a viscoelastic lightguide with a nanovoided polymeric layer and a light source optically coupled for total internal reflection, utilizing microreplicated films and optically clear adhesives to create a simpler, more durable backlight composite assembly with improved light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional backlight assemblies use separate components and complex constructions, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (lightguide, adhesive layers, optical films) into a single integrated viscoelastic lightguide composite. The viscoelastic material serves both as adhesive and as the lightguide medium, eliminating the need for separate adhesive layers and reducing assembly steps while maintaining manufacturing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The viscoelastic lightguide material performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an adhesive to bond optical components, as a lightguide to transport light via total internal reflection, and as a structural element to maintain component spacing. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional backlight assemblies use multiple separate layers, then ease of manufacture is improved, but light extraction efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces localized optical features (prisms, lenses, or textured surfaces) at specific interfaces within the viscoelastic lightguide composite. These local structural variations create controlled light extraction zones where total internal reflection is disrupted, allowing efficient light extraction at specific locations while maintaining simple overall manufacturing.
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 configuration enhances light extraction efficiency and durability, providing a cost-effective solution for high-angle backlights in LCD displays by integrating functions and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining high light transmittance and low haze values.
Implementation Method 1
a light source optically coupled to the viscoelastic lightguide such that light emitted by the light source enters the viscoelastic lightguide and is transported within the lightguide by total internal reflection
Implementation Method 2
a nanovoided polymeric layer disposed on the viscoelastic lightguide, the nanovoided polymeric layer comprising a plurality of the interconnected nanovoids
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination device, such as a backlight for electronic display devices, is disclosed. The illumination device includes a viscoelastic lightguide optically coupled to a light source, and a nanovoided polymeric layer is used in conjunction with the lightguide to manage light emitted by the light source. The viscoelastic lightguide may be a pressure sensitive adhesive.