System and apparatus for reducing display surface temperature

Abstract

Various devices and systems for reducing surface temperature of a display are provided. For example, such a device may include a ventilated display having a display assembly configured to generate and project an image; a backlight assembly configured to generate light to illuminate the display assembly; and an air gap separating the display assembly from the backlight assembly and configured to allow air to flow through the air gap to thereby facilitate transfer of heat from the display assembly to the air flowing through the air gap to cool the display. For example, such a system may include a convective cooling system configured to direct a flow of cooling air across an exterior surface of the display, and thereby reduce a temperature of the exterior surface.

Description

Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 378,461, filed on October 5, 2022, titled "SYSTEMS AND DEVICES FOR DISPLAY SURFACE TEMPERATURE REDUCTION", the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] Systems and devices for reducing the temperature of a display surface are provided. Background Art

[0003] Product dispensers, such as fuel dispensers, typically may include a display configured to present information to a product dispenser user. Additionally, some product dispensers are equipped with a touchscreen display configured to receive touch inputs from a product dispenser user. Thus, these touchscreen displays allow a product dispenser user to operate a product dispenser so equipped via their touch interactions with the display. And, some of these displays are characterized by an "in - cell" structure, where a glass or plastic cover lens, various filters, and in the case of a touchscreen, a touchscreen sensor assembly are laminated as a unit to an LCD / backlight assembly.

[0004] While "bonded" displays may be characterized by excellent optical performance, it can be very difficult to prevent "bonded" displays from overheating, especially in outdoor installations where they are exposed to sunlight. When the temperature of such a display exceeds the maximum allowable design temperature, defects such as blotches may start to appear, which can distort the displayed content. Additionally, once the outer - facing surface of the display overheats, it may become too hot for a user to safely touch without discomfort or even burn their hand when doing so.

[0005] Some methods for cooling a display may include providing ventilation openings in a housing in which the display is installed, thereby allowing heat dissipation from the display through the ventilation openings. However, product dispenser housings are often exposed to outdoor environments. As such, installing ventilation openings in a product dispenser housing will result in the intrusion of water, fuel vapors, and other contaminants, which may cause the components of the display and other components installed in the product dispenser housing to fail.

[0006] Accordingly, there is still a need for systems and devices for reducing the temperature of a display. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Various systems and devices for reducing the temperature of a display surface are provided. Related methods and techniques are also described.

[0008] In one aspect, a display is provided. In an embodiment, the display may include a display assembly that includes a liquid crystal display and a transparent cover. The liquid crystal display is configured to generate and project an image, and the transparent cover is coupled to the liquid crystal display and configured to allow viewing of the projected image. The display may further include a backlight assembly that includes a backlight source and a backlight cover layer. The backlight source is configured to generate light for illuminating the liquid crystal display, and the backlight cover layer is configured to diffuse the light emitted by the backlight source. The display may further include an air gap that separates the display assembly from the backlight assembly. The air gap is configured to allow air to flow therethrough and thereby facilitate heat transfer from the display assembly to the air.

[0009] In some embodiments, the transparent cover may include a glass material or a plastic material. In some embodiments, the display assembly may include an infrared film layer that is adhered to the liquid crystal display opposite to the transparent cover. In some embodiments, the display assembly may include a touch sensing layer coupled to the transparent cover. In some embodiments, the backlight cover layer may include transparent cover glass. In some embodiments, the air gap may be defined by a distance between the display assembly and the backlight assembly, and the distance is between 1 mm and 15 mm.

[0010] In another aspect, a product dispenser is provided. In an embodiment, the product dispenser may include a housing that has one or more components mounted therein and configured to dispense fuel. The product dispenser may further include a display incorporated into the housing. The product dispenser may further include a cooling system incorporated into the housing. The cooling system may include a fan housing that has at least one air inlet formed on a first outer surface thereof. The cooling system may further include a fan disposed within the fan housing and in fluid communication with the air inlet, and an air outlet formed on a second outer surface of the fan housing and in fluid communication with the fan. The air outlet may be disposed adjacent to an outer-facing surface of the display. The fan is configured to draw air through the air inlet and direct the air out of the air outlet such that the air flows across the outer-facing surface of the display.

[0011] In some embodiments, the operation of the fan can be controlled based on data received from at least one of a temperature sensor, a timer, an infrared temperature sensor, or a camera. In some embodiments, an air inlet and an air outlet can be fluidly connected to an inner cavity within the housing, and the fan can be configured to circulate air within the inner cavity. In some embodiments, the cooling system can be integrated into an upper portion of the housing at a location above the display and between opposing towers of the housing. In some embodiments, the cooling system can include an air intake cover adjacent to the fan housing, and the air inlet is positioned at a lateral side of the air intake cover. In some embodiments, a first outer surface of the fan housing and a second outer surface of the fan housing can be perpendicular to each other. In some embodiments, the air intake can include overlapping rows of apertures extending along the first outer surface of the fan housing. In some embodiments, the fan can be disposed opposite the overlapping rows of apertures. In some embodiments, the fan can be a cylindrical fan having a longitudinal axis extending along the length of the fan and a plurality of fan blades radially arranged about the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the air outlet can be configured above an outward-facing surface of the display such that air exits the air outlet in a downward direction above the outward-facing surface of the display constructed below the air outlet.

[0012] In another aspect, a touch screen display is provided. In an embodiment, the touch screen display can include a display module configured to generate and project an image. The touch screen display can further include a transparent cover configured to allow viewing of the projected image. The display module can be positioned adjacent to a first surface of the transparent cover. The touch screen display can further include a thermal insulation film layer formed on a second surface of the transparent cover. The second surface can be opposite the first surface.

[0013] In some embodiments, the thermal insulation film layer can include a single layer of thermal insulation material or multiple layers of thermal insulation material. In some embodiments, the multiple layers can include a multi-layer polyester sheet having an acrylic adhesive. In some embodiments, the touch screen display can be included in at least one of a product dispenser, an automated teller machine, a charging station, a vending machine, or a payment kiosk. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The embodiments described above will be more fully understood from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

[0015] Figure 1A is a side view of one embodiment of a ventilated display;

[0016] Figure 1B is Figure 1A a perspective view of the ventilated display;

[0017] Figure 1C is a perspective view of an exemplary product dispenser in which has been installed Figure 1A ventilated display;

[0018] Figure 1D is Figure 1C a cross-sectional view of the exemplary product dispenser of Figure 1A illustrating the

[0019] Figure 1E is a perspective cross-sectional view illustrating the rear portion of the Figure 1C ventilated display when installed in the exemplary product dispenser of Figure 1A ;

[0020] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a product dispenser featuring a convective cooling system for the outer display surface;

[0021] Figure 2B is Figure 2A a top perspective view of a subset of the components of the convective cooling system for the outer display surface and a subset of the components of the product dispenser illustrated in

[0022] Figure 2C is Figure 2A a top perspective view of a subset of the components of the convective cooling system for the outer display surface and a subset of the components of the product dispenser illustrated in

[0023] Figure 2D is Figure 2A an additional top perspective view of a subset of the components of the convective cooling system for the external display surface and a subset of the components of the product dispenser illustrated in

[0024] Figure 2E is Figure 2A a cross-sectional view of the fan housing of the convective cooling system for the outer display surface of

[0025] Figure 2F is Figure 2A a bottom perspective view of a subset of the components of the convective cooling system for the outer display surface and a subset of the components of the product dispenser illustrated in

[0026] Figure 2G is Figure 2A a perspective view of the product dispenser of

[0027] Figure 3A is a perspective view of a touch screen display featuring an insulating cover film;

[0028] Figure 3B is Figure 3A a side view of the touch screen display of

[0029] Figure 3C isFigure 3A Detailed perspective view of a touch screen display. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide a thorough understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0031] In addition, in the present disclosure, components with similar names in the embodiments generally have similar features, and thus within a particular embodiment, each feature of each similarly named component is not necessarily elaborated in full detail. Additionally, to the extent that linear or circular dimensions are used in the description of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods, such dimensions are not intended to limit the types of shapes that can be used in conjunction with such systems, devices, and methods. Those skilled in the art will recognize that for any geometry, the equivalents of such linear and circular dimensions can be readily determined. The size and shape of the system and device and their components can depend at least on the size of the object in which the system and device will be used, the size and shape of the components that will be used in conjunction with the system and device, and the methods that will be used in conjunction with the system and device.

[0032] Various devices and systems are provided for reducing the temperature of a display surface. For example, such devices can include a ventilated display having: a display assembly configured to generate and project an image; a backlight assembly configured to generate light to illuminate the display assembly; and an air gap that separates the display assembly from the backlight assembly and is configured to allow air to flow through the air gap to thereby facilitate the transfer of heat from the display assembly to the air flowing through the air gap to cool the display. For example, such systems can include a convection cooling system configured to direct cooling air across the outer surface of the display and thereby reduce the temperature of the outer surface. For example, such devices can include a display having a thermal insulation film layer formed on the outer surface of the display and configured to reduce the transfer of heat from the display to a user's finger in contact with the display.

[0033] Figure 1A and Figure 1BFIG. illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a ventilated display 100 configured to dissipate heat from a touch surface and / or a liquid crystal display (LCD) incorporated into the ventilated display 100. As shown, the ventilated display 100 includes a display assembly 102 that includes one or more components for displaying information to a product dispenser user. The display assembly 102 can have a wide variety of sizes and shapes. For example, the display assembly 102 can have a diagonal size ranging from approximately 6 inches to 80 inches. However, these dimensions are in no way limiting as the display assembly 102 can have a diagonal size outside of this approximate range that is suitable for the installation of the display assembly 102. The display assembly 102 includes a transparent cover 104 configured to shield one or more components of the ventilated display 100 from the external environment. The cover 104 includes an outward-facing surface 104a that faces the external environment. When the ventilated display is configured as a touchscreen display, the outward-facing surface 104a also serves as a surface that can be touched by a product dispenser user when interacting with the touchscreen display in one or more aspects to control the operation of the product dispenser. The transparent cover 104 also includes an inward-facing surface 104b that is opposite the outward-facing surface 104a and faces other internal components of the ventilated display 100 that are disposed inwardly relative to the transparent cover 104. As shown in this embodiment, the transparent cover 104 is formed of transparent glass. However, in some embodiments, other transparent covering materials (e.g., clear plastic, etc.) can be used in place of the glass.

[0034] As shown, the display assembly 102 also includes a touch sensor layer 106 configured to sense a touch by a product dispenser user on the outward-facing surface 104a of the transparent cover 104. In some implementations, the touch sensor layer 106 can be adhered to or otherwise coupled to the inward-facing surface 104b of the transparent cover. Additionally, in some embodiments in which a touchscreen is not installed, the touch sensor layer 106 can be completely omitted from the ventilated display 100.

[0035] The display assembly 102 also includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) 108 configured to generate an image and project the image through the touch sensor layer 106 and the transparent cover 104 for viewing by a user of the product dispenser. As shown, the LCD 108 includes an outward-facing surface that may be adhered to or otherwise coupled to the touch sensor layer 106 such that the LCD 108 is disposed inside the touch sensor layer 106. Also, as shown, the display assembly 102 further includes an infrared film layer 110 that is adhered to or otherwise coupled to the inward-facing surface of the LCD 108 and is disposed inside the LCD 108. The infrared film layer may be configured to reduce the transfer of heat to the LCD 108 and thereby reduce the likelihood of overheating of the LCD 108. Additionally, in some embodiments, the infrared film layer 110 may be omitted from the ventilated display 100.

[0036] As Figure 1A and Figure 1B shown, the ventilated display 100 further includes an air gap 112 that is disposed inside the display assembly 102 and forms a free space within the ventilated display 100 that is configured to allow air to flow through the inward-facing side of the display assembly 102. The air flow through the air gap 112 may cause convective transfer of heat from the display assembly 102 and to the air flowing through the air gap 112. Thus, the air gap 112 may help dissipate the excess heat that has accumulated in the display assembly 102 and reduce the temperature of the display assembly 102 to reduce the likelihood of overheat failure of one or more components of the display assembly 102. Additionally, when the ventilated display is configured as a touchscreen, the dissipation of heat in the display assembly 102 caused by the air flowing through the air gap 112 may reduce the likelihood of a user of the product dispenser burning themselves when touching the transparent cover 104 during interaction with the product dispenser.

[0037] As shown, the ventilated display 100 also includes a backlight assembly 114 configured to illuminate the display assembly 102 and thereby enhance viewing of the display assembly 102 by a user of the product dispenser. As shown, the backlight assembly 114 is positioned inside the air gap 112 such that the air gap 112 is bounded on its outer side by the display assembly 102 and on its inner side by the backlight assembly 114. Accordingly, the volume of the air gap 112 can be determined in part by the distance between the inward-facing surface of the air gap 112 and the outward-facing surface of the backlight assembly 112. For example, in some embodiments, the distance between these surfaces can range from about 1 mm to 15 mm. In some embodiments, the distance between these surfaces can be determined by the amount of air flow required to achieve a desired temperature of the display assembly 102. In some embodiments, the distance between these surfaces can vary based on a variety of factors, such as the type of device in which the ventilated display 100 will be installed, the quality of the display optics, and / or the brightness required of the display. Assuming the air gap 112 is placed between the backlight assembly 114 and the display assembly 102, air flowing through the air gap 112 can effectively cool the components of the display assembly 102 without the need to also cool the backlight assembly 114. Accordingly, the ventilated display 100 requires less energy to cool the display assembly components, such as the LCD 108 and the cover 104, than would otherwise be required if the air gap 112 were not included in the ventilated assembly 100.

[0038] The backlight assembly 114 includes a backlight source 116 configured to generate light and thereby illuminate the display assembly 102. The backlight assembly 114 also includes a backlight cover layer 118 adhered to or otherwise coupled to the outward-facing surface of the backlight source 116. In some embodiments, the backlight cover layer 118 can include a diffuser layer configured to diffuse the light emitted by the backlight source 116 and thereby improve the uniformity of the light generated by the backlight source 116. In some embodiments, the backlight cover layer 118 can include a transparent cover glass configured to transmit the light generated by the backlight source 116 and thereby illuminate the display assembly 102.

[0039] Figure 1C An exemplary product dispenser 122 including the ventilated display 100 described above is illustrated, and Figure 1D a cross-sectional view of the ventilated display 100 when installed in the product dispenser 122 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the product dispenser 122 can be a fuel dispenser for dispensing petroleum fuel. In some embodiments, a product dispenser configured to include a ventilated display feature (e.g., Figure 1CProduct dispensers such as 122 can be configured to dispense (multiple) types of "fuels" in addition to petroleum fuels. For example, a product dispenser can be configured to dispense hydrogen, liquefied propane gas (LPG), or compressed natural gas (CNG), water, electricity, etc. It will be understood that the fuel stations and product dispensers described herein are not limited to petroleum gasoline in liquid form, and other types of product dispensers configured to dispense alternative types of "fuels" are contemplated. For example, in some embodiments, the product dispenser can be a hydrogen fuel dispenser. As another example, in some embodiments, the product dispenser can be a natural gas fuel dispenser. As yet another example, in some embodiments, the product dispenser can be a charging station.

[0040] As Figure 1C As shown in, the vented display 100 is mounted in the housing 124 of the product dispenser such that the outward-facing surface 104a of the transparent cover 104 faces the user who interacts with the product dispenser 122. When mounted in the product dispenser housing 124, as Figure 1D As shown in, the vented display 100 is mounted to the frame 126 of the product dispenser housing 122.

[0041] In some embodiments, the backlight assembly 114 is coupled to the display assembly 102. And, in some embodiments, the backlight assembly 114 is not coupled to the display assembly 102. Figure 1E Illustrated is the vented display 100 mounted within the product dispenser 122 in an exemplary configuration in which the backlight assembly 114 is not coupled to the display assembly 102. As shown, when mounted in this configuration, the backlight assembly 114 is held in place beside the display assembly 102 (not shown in this view) by two backlight assembly mounting supports 114a, 114b, which are configured to hold the backlight assembly in place. As Figure 1E As shown in, the backlight assembly mounting support 114a is attached to the frame 126 of the product dispenser housing 122 via two mounting brackets 114c and 114d, and the backlight assembly mounting support 114b is attached to the frame 126 of the product dispenser housing 122 via two mounting brackets 114e and 114f.

[0042] When installed on the frame 126, the ventilated display 100 is positioned such that the lower opening 112a of the air gap 112 is disposed adjacent to a forced convection device 128 (e.g., a fan, etc.), which is configured to drive an air flow into the lower opening 112a of the air gap 112, vertically upward through the air gap 112, and through the upper opening 112b of the air gap 112, thereby removing heat from the display assembly 102. Additionally, in some embodiments, there is no forced convection device 128, and air instead moves vertically upward through the air gap 112 via natural convection and through the upper opening 112b into the lower opening 112a.

[0043] In some embodiments, the forced convection device 128 may employ one or more of a variety of techniques for reducing the temperature of the air driven into the lower opening 112a. For example, in some embodiments, the forced convection device 128 may employ vortex cooling of air with a vortex cooler, active piezoelectric cooling, water cooling, Peltier cooling, refrigeration, and / or a heat exchanger system to reduce the temperature of the air. In some embodiments, the operation of the forced convection device 128 may be controlled based on data received or generated by one or more devices (such as a temperature sensor, a solar load sensor, a timer, an infrared temperature sensor, a camera, etc.) that are operatively communicable with the forced convection device 128. Accordingly, the forced convection device 128 may be activated in response to a condition sensed or determined by one of these devices in which the temperature of the display assembly 102 has or may have exceeded a temperature threshold. For example, in some embodiments, the forced convection device 128 may be activated in response to a temperature sensor measuring the temperature of the display assembly 102 and determining that the measured temperature has exceeded the temperature threshold and thus that the transparent cover 104 of the touch display assembly 102 may be unsafe.

[0044] In some embodiments, the forced convection device 128 and / or the lower opening 112a may be in fluid communication with an intake duct (s) that allows outside air to be drawn in and supplied to the air gap 112. Similarly, in some embodiments, the upper opening 112b may be in fluid communication with an exhaust duct (s) that allows the air driven through the air gap 112 to be discharged to an area external to the product dispenser housing in which the ventilated display 100 is installed. In some embodiments, the lower opening 112a and / or the upper opening 112b may be in fluid communication with the internal cavity of the product dispenser housing 122 such that the air flowing through the air gap 112 is drawn from and returned to the air in the internal cavity.

[0045] In some embodiments, the outward-facing surface of the product dispenser display cover may be cooled via the flow of air across the surface. Figures 2A to 2GFIG. illustrates an exemplary cooling system 200 for reducing the temperature of the outward-facing surface 202 of the display 204 of a product dispenser 206. As Figure 2B shown, the cooling system 200 is integrated into the top of the housing 208 of the product dispenser 206, above the product dispenser display 204, and between the opposing towers 212a, 212b of the product dispenser housing 208.

[0046] Figure 2B is a perspective view of the front panels 212c, 212d of the cooling system 200 and the opposing towers 212a, 212b of the product dispenser housing 208, illustrating the air flow into and out of the cooling system 200. As shown, the cooling system 200 includes an intake cover 201a that is disposed between two fan housings 201b, 201c, which are positioned on opposite sides of the cooling system 200 and are configured to accommodate fans for the purpose of forcing air through the cooling system, as described in further detail below. Air can be drawn in and enter the air inlets 210c, 210d in the directions indicated by arrows 210a and 210b, where the air inlets 210c, 210d are defined by the lateral outer sides and the front panels 212c, 212d of the intake cover 201a. As shown in Figure 2C illustrating the cooling system 200 and the front panel 212c (and for clarity, where the front panel 212d is hidden), the lateral outer side 201d is characterized by a path that allows air to flow into the area below the intake cover 201a along the direction of arrow 210e. Although not shown in Figure 2C the opposing lateral sides of the intake cover 201a are characterized by corresponding paths that allow air to flow into the area below the intake cover 201a along the direction of arrow 210f.

[0047] Figure 2D shows the cooling system 200 (where the intake cover 201a has been removed for clarity) and the air flow into the fan housings 201b, 201c. As shown by a series of arrows 210g, 210h, once the air enters the area of the system 200 below the intake cover 201a, the air flows into the air inlets formed on the inward-facing surfaces of each of the fan housings 201b and 201c. As Figure 2D shown, the fan housing 201b is characterized by an air inlet 201e that faces the area below the intake cover 201a and is configured to allow an air flow to enter the fan housing 201b from that area. Although not shown in Figure 2D the fan housing 201c is also characterized by a corresponding air inlet that faces the area below the intake cover 201a and is configured to allow an air flow to enter the fan housing 201c from that area.

[0048] Figure 2E FIG. shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a fan housing (such as fan housing 201b or fan housing 201c) of the cooling system 200. For purposes of illustration and explanation, Figure 2E discussion is made with respect to fan housing 201b. However, this description is equally applicable to fan housing 201c, since fan housing 201c may be characterized by a construction that is the same as or substantially similar (e.g., mirror image, etc.) to the construction of fan housing 201b. As Figure 2E shown, fan housing 201b houses a fan 201f that is configured to draw air into an air inlet 201e of fan housing 201b in the directions of arrows 210g and 210h. As shown, fan 201f may be a vane-type cylindrical fan that is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis and thereby draw air into air inlet 201e. However, depending on the construction of the fan housing, other types of fan configurations may also be used. Fan 201f is also positioned next to an air outlet 214a and is configured such that rotation of fan 201f causes the air drawn into air inlet 201e to be forced out of air outlet 214a, as will be further explained in detail below.

[0049] Figure 2F FIG. shows the underside of the cooling system 200, and Figure 2G FIG. shows the underside of the edge of the cooling system 200 when integrated into the top of the housing 208 of the product dispenser 206. As shown, this part of the system 200 is characterized by air outlets 214a (see Figure 2E ) and 214b formed on the underside of fan housings 201b, 201c, respectively. Air outlets 214a, 214b are configured to direct air forced out of fan housings 201b, 201c by a fan (such as Figure 2E fan 201f) located within the fan housing and to flow across the outward-facing surface of the product dispenser display, as shown in the direction of arrow 220. As a result, the system can blow cooling air onto the outward-facing surface 202 and thereby cause convective heat transfer from the outward-facing surface 202 of the display 204 and to the air flowing across surface 202. This results in a reduction in the temperature of the outward-facing surface 202. Similar to the cooling benefits described above with respect to the ventilated display 100, by reducing the temperature of the product dispenser display 204, the cooling system can reduce the likelihood of overheating failure of one or more components of the display assembly. Additionally, when the product dispenser display is configured as a touchscreen, dissipation of heat in the product dispenser display 204 caused by air flowing across the outward-facing surface 202 of the display 204 can reduce the likelihood of the product dispenser user burning themselves when touching the outward-facing surface during interaction with the product dispenser.

[0050] In some embodiments, the operation of one or more of the fans located within the fan housings 201b, 201c of the system 200 may be controlled based on data received or generated by one or more devices (such as temperature sensors, solar load sensors, timers, infrared temperature sensors, cameras, etc.) that are operatively communicable with the forced convection device 128. Accordingly, one or more of the fans may be activated in response to a condition in which one of these devices senses or determines that the temperature of the surface 202 has or may have exceeded a temperature threshold. For example, in some embodiments, one or more of the fans may be activated in response to a temperature sensor measuring the temperature of the surface 202 and determining that the measured temperature has exceeded the temperature threshold and thus that it may be unsafe to touch the surface 202.

[0051] In some embodiments, to reduce the likelihood that a product dispenser user will burn their finger when touching the outward-facing surface of the product dispenser display, the outward-facing surface may include a thermal insulation material that minimizes the transfer of heat between the outward-facing surface and the product dispenser user's finger. Figures 3A to 3C An exemplary embodiment of a product dispenser touchscreen display 300 is illustrated that incorporates an insulating cover film to reduce the transfer of heat from the product dispenser display to the product dispenser user's finger. As shown, the product dispenser touchscreen display 300 includes a display module 302 that is configured to generate and project an image for presentation to the product dispenser user. The product dispenser touchscreen display module 302 may include one or more components of the ventilated display 100 described above and illustrated in Figures 1A to 1D such as a touch sensor layer 106, an LCD 108, an infrared film 110, and / or a backlight assembly 114. As Figures 3A to 3C illustrated, the product dispenser touchscreen display 300 also includes a transparent cover 304 that is substantially the same as the transparent cover 104 described above and is disposed on the outward-facing surface of the display module 302. Additionally, the product dispenser touchscreen display includes an insulating cover film 306 disposed on the outward-facing surface of the transparent cover 304. In some embodiments, the insulating cover film 306 may include a single layer of thermal insulation material. And, in some embodiments, the insulating cover film 306 may include multiple layers of thermal insulation material, such as a multilayer polyester sheet having an acrylic adhesive.

[0052] The insulating cover film 306 includes the outermost surface of the product dispenser touchscreen display and is the portion of the display 300 that a product dispenser user contacts when interacting with the display 300. As cited above, the insulating cover film 306 is characterized by a relatively low thermal conductivity and, as such, can minimize the transfer of heat from the display 300 to the product dispenser user's finger, thereby reducing the likelihood that the product dispenser user will burn their finger when contacting the display 300. As such, the product dispenser user can safely interact with a hot display 300 for a longer duration than would otherwise be possible in the absence of incorporating the insulating cover film 306 into the display 300.

[0053] Although the devices and systems described above have been described in the context of the operation of a product dispenser, those skilled in the art will recognize that the devices and systems can be incorporated into a variety of components (such as automated teller machines (ATMs), charging kiosks, vending machines, payment kiosks, etc.) installed in outdoor environments and exposed to high temperature environments.

[0054] Based on the above embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize additional features and advantages of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems, devices, and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims. Features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment can be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A display, comprising: A display component, the display component including a liquid crystal display and a transparent cover, the liquid crystal display being configured to generate and project an image, the transparent cover being coupled to the liquid crystal display and configured to allow viewing of the projected image; A backlight component, the backlight component including a backlight source and a backlight cover layer, the backlight source being configured to generate light for illuminating the liquid crystal display, the backlight cover layer being configured to diffuse the light emitted by the backlight source; And An air gap, the air gap separating the display component from the backlight component, the air gap being configured to allow air to flow therethrough and thereby facilitate heat transfer from the display component to the air.

2. The display according to claim 1, wherein, The transparent cover includes a glass material or a plastic material.

3. The display according to claim 1, wherein, The display component includes an infrared film layer adhered to the liquid crystal display opposite to the transparent cover.

4. The display according to claim 1, wherein, The display component includes a touch sensing layer coupled to the transparent cover.

5. The display according to claim 1, wherein, The backlight cover layer includes a transparent cover glass.

6. The display according to claim 1, wherein, The air gap is defined by the distance between the display component and the backlight component, the distance being between 1 mm and 15 mm.

7. A product dispenser, comprising: A housing having one or more components mounted therein and configured to dispense fuel; A display incorporated into the housing; And A cooling system incorporated into the housing, the cooling system including a fan housing having at least one air inlet formed in its first outer surface, a fan disposed within the fan housing and in fluid communication with the air inlet, and an air outlet formed in a second outer surface of the fan housing and in fluid communication with the fan, the air outlet being disposed adjacent to an outward-facing surface of the display, wherein the fan is configured to draw air through the air inlet and direct the air out of the air outlet such that the air flows across the outward-facing surface of the display.

8. The product dispenser according to claim 7, wherein, Operation of the fan is controlled based on data received from at least one of a temperature sensor, a timer, an infrared temperature sensor, or a camera.

9. The product dispenser according to claim 7, wherein, The air inlet and the air outlet are fluidly connected to an internal cavity within the housing, and the fan is configured to circulate air within the internal cavity.

10. The product dispenser according to claim 7, wherein, The cooling system is integrated into an upper portion of the housing at a position above the display and between opposing towers of the housing.

11. The product dispenser according to claim 10, wherein, The cooling system includes an air intake cover adjacent to the fan housing, and the air inlet is positioned at a lateral side of the air intake cover.

12. The product dispenser according to claim 11, wherein, The first outer surface of the fan housing and the second outer surface of the fan housing are perpendicular to each other.

13. The product dispenser according to claim 12, wherein The air inlet includes overlapping rows of orifices extending along the first outer surface of the fan housing.

14. The product dispenser according to claim 13, wherein, The fan is disposed opposite to the overlapping rows of orifices.

15. The product dispenser according to claim 7, wherein, The fan is a cylindrical fan having a longitudinal axis extending along the length of the fan and a plurality of fan blades radially arranged about the longitudinal axis.

16. The product dispenser according to claim 7, wherein, The air outlet is configured to be higher than the outward-facing surface of the display such that the air flows out of the air outlet in a downward direction above the outward-facing surface of the display that is configured below the air outlet.

17. A touch screen display, comprising: a display module configured to generate and project an image; a transparent cover configured to allow viewing of the projected image, wherein the display module is positioned adjacent to a first surface of the transparent cover; and a thermal insulation film layer formed on a second surface of the transparent cover, the second surface being opposite to the first surface.

18. The touch screen display according to claim 17, wherein, The thermal insulation film layer comprises a single layer of thermal insulation material or multiple layers of thermal insulation material.

19. The touch screen display according to claim 18, wherein, The multiple layers comprise a multi-layer polyester sheet having an acrylic adhesive.

20. The touch screen display according to claim 17, wherein, The touch screen display is included in at least one of a product dispenser, an automated teller machine, a charging kiosk, a vending machine, or a payment kiosk.

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