Baseplate assembly for flat panel display devices

Abstract

A flat panel display device includes a baseplate assembly which can be readily fabricated using mass production techniques. An insulative modulator support member is affixed to the baseplate in a location accurately defined with respect to location notches in the baseplate. A distal mesh support is accuratey located and maintained with respect to the location notches in a transverse direction and is loosely held in a longitudinal direction. The modulator support member and the distal mesh support contain slots which loosely receive vanes while holding the vanes perpendicular to the baseplate. The vanes thus form channels which extend longitudinally along the baseplate and perpendicular to the modulator support. The modulator support contains a recess extending transversely across the baseplate and a plurality of longitudinally extending recesses positioned in the proximity of the center of the channels. Tabs on beam guide assemblies engage the recesses to maintain precise spacing between the beam guide assemblies and modulator support. Tabs on the distal ends of the beam guide assemblies engage recesses in the distal mesh support. Grooves in the vanes receive beads which couple the meshes forming the beam guide assemblies. Upon evacuation of the envelope formed by mating the baseplate assembly with a front wall and side walls atmospheric pressure retains the assembly in the desired orientation and the vanes support the baseplate and front wall against collapse.