Display Assembly Airflow Layout for Turbulent Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display assemblies generate heat due to solar loading and internal component operation, necessitating efficient thermal management, particularly in outdoor applications, while also requiring efficient manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
The display assemblies feature multiple electronic display subassemblies mounted on a structural framework with opposing orientations, utilizing closed loop fan units to induce turbulent flow in a common rear passageway and laminar flow in front and illumination device passageways, enhancing heat exchange efficiency and manufacturing simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If multiple electronic display subassemblies are mounted on opposing sides of a structural framework with a common rear passageway, then thermal management efficiency is improved through heat exchange between subassemblies, but device complexity increases due to the shared passageway configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple display subassemblies into a shared housing with a common rear passageway that serves all subassemblies. This merging approach allows hot air from one subassembly to be exchanged with cooler air from another, improving thermal management efficiency while reducing the need for separate cooling systems for each display unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The common rear passageway serves multiple functions: it acts as a thermal management system for all subassemblies, provides structural support, and enables air circulation pathways that cool multiple displays simultaneously. This multi-functional design reduces overall system complexity despite the shared configuration.
2Loss of energy
If closed loop fan units are used to induce turbulent flow in the rear passageway, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional fan components
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fan units are combined into a single integrated assembly located in the rear passageway. This merged fan configuration drives turbulent airflow that serves all display subassemblies simultaneously, improving heat exchange efficiency while reducing the number of separate fan components compared to individual cooling systems for each display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic principles by employing fan units to create controlled turbulent flow patterns in the rear passageway. This pneumatic approach enhances convective heat transfer between the display subassemblies and circulating air, significantly improving heat exchange efficiency through fluid dynamics rather than passive cooling.
3Productivity
If identical subassemblies are used on opposing sides of the framework, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but adaptability decreases when different display configurations are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into modular subassemblies that can be independently manufactured and then assembled in different configurations. Each subassembly is designed as a standardized unit that can be mounted on opposing sides of the framework, enabling efficient manufacturing through repetition while still allowing flexible arrangement and future reconfiguration if needed.
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 improves thermal management by promoting efficient heat transfer and maintains flat electronic display layers for optimal optics, while allowing for identical subassemblies to simplify manufacturing and service processes.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the multiple electronic display subassemblies may be configured to provide a relatively turbulent flow within a rear passageway common to at least two, or all, of the multiple subassemblies
Implementation Method 2
Each of the multiple electronic display subassemblies may be configured to provide a relatively laminar flow through one or both of a front passageway and an illumination device passageway
Implementation Method 3
Display assemblies often generate heat, such as from solar loading, ingestion of relatively warm ambient air, and/or powering of internal components such as a backlight
Data Source
AI summary
Display assemblies are provided which include subassemblies, including a passageway and at least one of which also includes an electronic display. A closed loop airflow pathway for circulating gas includes a rear airflow passageway between the subassemblies and the airflow passageway thereof. Fan units are located within the rear airflow passageway adjacent to an entrance to the airflow passageway of an associated one of the subassemblies. Each fan unit including fan(s) and a ducted passageway extending about an exit of fan(s) to the airflow passageway of the associated subassembly such that, when the fan is activated, the ducted passageway captures airflow exiting the fan(s) and conveys it to the entrance to the airflow passageway of the associated subassembly for flow therein in a respective direction.