Heat-Conductive Backlight Cover for Vehicle Display Thermal Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

The performance and lifetime of liquid crystal display devices are compromised by heat generated from the backlight source, and there are challenges in achieving accurate positioning and electromagnetic compatibility in vehicle applications.

Innovation Solution

A liquid crystal display device with a heat-conducting backlight cover that dissipates heat efficiently, serves as a shielding, and includes mounting protrusions for precise positioning, using light-emitting diodes arranged along the sides of the display for effective backlighting and thermal management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If light-emitting elements (LEDs) are used as backlight source, then energy efficiency and lifetime are improved, but heat generation increases which reduces display quality and device lifetime

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the heat dissipation function from the general housing structure and creates a dedicated heat-conductive backlight cover that specifically targets heat removal from the LED backlight source. This separate heat management component efficiently transfers heat away from the display area without interfering with the optical path or display quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat-conductive backlight cover acts as an intermediary thermal management component between the heat-generating LEDs and the display unit. It mediates heat transfer by conducting heat away from sensitive areas while allowing the backlight to function properly, thus protecting the display from thermal damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple mechanical elements are used in display device, then device functionality is improved, but positioning accuracy decreases due to accumulation of tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The backlight cover is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electromagnetic shielding, serves as a heat-conductive path for thermal management, and acts as a mechanical positioning structure with integrated mounting protrusions. By combining these functions into a single component, the patent reduces the number of separate mechanical elements and minimizes tolerance accumulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the shielding function, heat dissipation function, and positioning function into a single integrated backlight cover structure. This consolidation reduces the number of separate mechanical components that would otherwise need to be assembled, thereby reducing the accumulation of manufacturing tolerances and improving positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separated backlight system is used, then backlighting flexibility is improved, but device complexity and heat accumulation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebacklighting flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the backlight system with the heat-conductive backlight cover into an integrated assembly. The light-emitting elements are mounted directly on the heat-conductive backlight cover, merging the lighting function with the thermal management function. This integration simplifies the overall system structure while maintaining backlighting flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution enhances the performance and extends the lifetime of the display device by efficient heat dissipation, improves accuracy in positioning, and ensures electromagnetic compatibility, making it suitable for vehicle applications.

Implementation Method 1

the light-emitting elements but also the area for placing the liquid crystal display are covered by a heat-conducting cover so as to better dissipate heat generated by the light-emitting elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

using light-emitting diodes arranged along the sides of the display for effective backlighting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode effect: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP2354836B1Display unit with an integrated backlight
Publication Date: 2018.08.08 HARMAN BECKER AUTOMOTIVE SYST GMBH
  • EP2354836B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2354836B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2354836B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a display device with an integrated liquid crystal display and backlight unit. A liquid crystal display is provided with a backlight system comprising a plurality of light-emitting elements positioned along a side or a plurality of sides of the liquid crystal display. In order to efficiently distribute and dissipate the heat produced by the light-emitting elements, a backlight cover covers the light-emitting elements and the area over the liquid crystal display and separates them from a printed board circuitry. The backlight cover is made of a heat-conductive material such as aluminum. Such a display is particularly suitable for deployment on a board of a vehicle, for instance, as a part of a vehicle navigation and/or entertainment system.