Display Enclosure with Heat Pipe Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flat-panel display devices are vulnerable to environmental contaminants and thermal extremes when exposed to outdoor or harsh indoor conditions, leading to potential damage and performance degradation, as existing enclosures often fail to provide adequate protection and thermal management.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile, weatherproof enclosure system with a rigid bezel, transparent front cover, and rear heat sink, incorporating a heat pipe assembly and thermal control unit to maintain optimal internal temperatures and prevent liquid ingress, while minimizing the bezel's thickness to maintain a clean aesthetic and enhance display visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealed weatherproof enclosure is used to protect the display device from liquid ingress, then protection from environmental contaminants is improved, but thermal management becomes more difficult due to heat accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a sealed enclosure design with gaskets and sealing mechanisms to prevent liquid ingress while maintaining structural integrity. The sealing system allows the enclosure to remain weatherproof while accommodating thermal expansion and contraction, thus resolving the contradiction between sealed protection and thermal management.
2Length of stationary object
If the enclosure thickness is minimized for aesthetic purposes, then the low profile appearance is improved, but protection from environmental hazards is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves a low profile appearance by optimizing the enclosure geometry in multiple dimensions. The design incorporates a thin bezel front while maintaining adequate depth in the rear section to accommodate thermal management components and provide sufficient protection, thus resolving the contradiction between minimal thickness and adequate protection.
3Temperature
If active thermal control devices are added to manage internal temperature, then thermal management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex active thermal control systems with passive thermal management solutions, including heat sinks, thermal vias, and conductive pathways integrated into the enclosure structure. This substitution eliminates the need for moving parts, power consumption, and complex control electronics, thus resolving the contradiction between effective thermal management and system simplicity.
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 enclosure effectively protects flat-panel displays from environmental hazards, maintains optimal operating temperatures, and ensures minimal bezel thickness for a sleek appearance, allowing for safe outdoor use and reduced risk of damage from liquids and temperature fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
A heat pipe assembly includes a first attachment portion coupled to the display device and a second attachment portion coupled to the rear cover assembly
Implementation Method 2
At least one thermal control device is disposed at least partially within the enclosure and electrically coupled to the thermal control unit, the at least one thermal control device is controllable by the thermal control unit to modulate an internal temperature within the enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
A low profile display enclosure system for enclosing a display device for viewing that protects the display device from environmental effects and is configured to dissipate heat generated within the display enclosure. The substantially sealed display enclosure comprises a rigid bezel, a substantially transparent front cover coupled to the bezel, and a rear cover assembly that includes a heat sink portion. The thickness of the bezel is minimized to provide the enclosure with a low profile about the periphery of the display device enclosed therein. Thermal control devices may be mounted within the enclosure to modulate a temperature within the enclosure.