Hermetic Sealing of Discrete Flexible Pixel Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional collective enclosures for outdoor electronic display devices are costly, complex to fabricate, and prone to single-point failures, especially when mounted on irregular surfaces, as they fail to adequately protect delicate electronic components from environmental factors like weather and mechanical shock.
Innovation Solution
A method for hermetic sealing of discrete flexible pixel elements using a potting shell and external encasement, along with connection means for power and signal cables, to create a unitary, self-contained module that encapsulates pixel element electronics and protects them from environmental damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional collective enclosures are used to protect outdoor electronic display devices, then protection from environmental factors is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the display device into discrete, independently sealed pixel elements rather than using a single collective enclosure. Each pixel element is hermetically sealed individually, allowing modular construction that reduces overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining environmental protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive, simple sealing structures for individual pixel elements that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, rather than investing in complex, expensive collective enclosures that are difficult to fabricate and repair.
2Reliability
If conventional collective enclosures are used for outdoor displays, then environmental protection is improved, but the structure becomes prone to single-point failures
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the display into discrete, independently sealed pixel elements, the invention eliminates single-point failure modes. If one pixel element fails, it does not compromise the integrity of other elements, as each has its own hermetic seal and protective structure.
3Reliability
If conventional collective enclosures are used, then protection is improved, but adaptability to irregular surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The discrete pixel element design allows individual elements to be independently positioned and oriented to conform to irregular surfaces, providing flexibility and adaptability that collective enclosures cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular pixel elements can be dynamically arranged and configured to match various surface geometries, enabling the display to adapt to different mounting surfaces including irregular ones.
Data Source
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AI summary
Discrete flexible pixel elements are hermetically sealed from the environment and comprise unitary, self-contained replaceable modules which enable efficient, economical production of large scale, free-form electronic displays, signs and lighting effects for outdoor use. The method and means for producing hermetically sealed discrete flexible pixel elements include encapsulation means, exterior casement means, and cable connector means.