Display Module Centering Joint for Flush Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional silicone gaskets used in motor vehicle display devices for sealing and achieving a 'flush' surface alignment are unattractive, prone to bulging, and fail to maintain the desired flush effect due to manufacturing tolerances and centering issues.

Innovation Solution

A display module with a centering joint made of polyester thermoplastic elastomer, which provides flexibility, resistance, and precise dimensional stability, filling the gap between the filling plate and the facade opening, ensuring a flush surface and precise centering, along with a touch screen glued to the filling plate for enhanced control and alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a silicone gasket is used for sealing the display device to the facade, then sealing is achieved, but the gasket bulges and destroys the flush effect

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesealingVSAvoidflush effect
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameters by replacing silicone rubber with polyester thermoplastic elastomer, which has different mechanical properties including lower elasticity and better dimensional stability. This parameter change prevents the gasket from bulging while maintaining sealing effectiveness, thus preserving the flush effect between the display device and facade.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite material approach by selecting polyester thermoplastic elastomer that combines the flexibility needed for sealing with the dimensional stability required to prevent bulging. This composite material property combination resolves the contradiction between achieving reliable sealing and maintaining the aesthetic flush appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If a silicone gasket is deposited in liquid form, then sealing is achieved, but the visible thickness varies due to centering issues

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesealingVSAvoidcentering precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the gasket in a molded state with precise dimensions before installation, rather than depositing it in liquid form during assembly. This pre-formed gasket includes integrated centering features that ensure accurate positioning, eliminating variations in visible thickness caused by centering issues during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the liquid deposition mechanical process with a molded pre-formed gasket system. This substitution provides inherent dimensional precision and centering capabilities through the molding process itself, eliminating the need for manual centering adjustments and ensuring consistent sealing thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If the display device is placed in an opening in the facade, then mounting is achieved, but maintaining both sealing and flush alignment is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemountingVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary element - the pre-formed polyester gasket with integrated centering features - that mediates between the display device and the facade opening. This intermediary provides both sealing functionality and precise alignment guidance, making it easy to mount the display device while maintaining high alignment precision and flush appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution achieves a precise, aesthetically pleasing flush surface with improved sealing and centering, reducing manufacturing play and refraction effects, while being easier to install than traditional silicone seals.

Implementation Method 1

a centering joint made of a polyester thermoplastic elastomer material to fill the gap between the filling plate and the edge of the opening of the facade

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the sub-module being fixed by gluing against a peripheral edge of the support frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 3

a touch control panel, for example capacitive or resistive. In the latter case, the touchpad makes it possible to determine the coordinates of the pressure of a user's finger

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive sensing: Capacitance

Implementation Method 4

a touch control panel, for example capacitive or resistive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResistive sensing: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP2956835B1Display module and display device comprising such a module
Publication Date: 2020.01.15 VALEO SYST THERMIQUES SAS
  • EP2956835B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2956835B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2956835B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a display module (5) including a flat screen (7) and a frame (9) for supporting said flat screen (7), characterized in that it further comprises a submodule (43) having a filler plate (45) made of a transparent material substantially having the size of a front opening (15) for receiving the display module (5) while leaving a gap between the filler plate (45) and the edge of the front opening (15), and in that it includes a centering gasket (51), made of a polyester thermoplastic elastomer material, for filling the gap between the filler plate (45) and the edge of the front opening (15).