Display Apparatus Groove-Protrusion Optical Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing display apparatuses face difficulties in easy assembly and fault detection due to the need for visual checks through openings, leading to potential yield issues and challenges in securing optical elements to the case body with screws.

Innovation Solution

The display apparatus features a case body with orthogonal openings and groove sections that house optical elements with protrusions, allowing for easy assembly and alignment, and includes elastic sections for secure positioning and vibration proofing, enabling efficient assembly and fault detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If optical elements are secured to the case body with screws, then the assembly is firmly fixed, but the assembling process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefirm fixation of optical elementsVSAvoidassembling process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The case body is segmented with multiple groove sections that receive protrusion sections of optical elements, dividing the fixation function into distributed engagement points rather than requiring centralized screw fastening

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The screw-based mechanical fastening system is replaced with a groove-protrusion engagement system that provides firm fixation through geometric interlocking and elastic positioning, eliminating the need for threaded fasteners

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

2Device complexity

If visual check through opening is used for post-assembly inspection, then the structure remains simple, but fault detection becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection structure simplicityVSAvoidfault detection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic section changes its visual state (compression/expansion) based on the positioning status of optical elements, providing visual feedback that indicates whether assembly is correct without requiring complex inspection equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic section acts as an intermediary indicator between the optical elements and the inspector, translating the mechanical state of assembly into visible form through its deformation state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If multiple optical elements are stacked in sequential order, then the optical path is properly formed, but the assembly precision requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical path correctnessVSAvoidassembly alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Groove sections are pre-formed in the case body at precise locations and orientations, and protrusion sections are pre-formed on optical elements, so that when assembled, the optical elements automatically achieve correct alignment without requiring high-precision manual adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The groove-protrusion engagement system enables optical elements to self-align and self-position during assembly, with the elastic sections providing automatic adjustment and feedback to ensure proper optical path formation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3062141B1Display apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.04.03 NIPPON SEIKI CO LTD
  • EP3062141B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3062141B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3062141B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a display apparatus capable of having excellent yield. This display apparatus is provided with: a light source that outputs light for lighting a liquid crystal display element; an optical element (a first light collecting lens (51) or the like) that is disposed on an optical axis of the light source, said optical element being disposed between the light source and the liquid crystal display element; and a case body (80) that houses the optical element. The case body (80) has: an upper opening (81) opened toward the Z axis direction; a bottom section (83) that is positioned on the opposite side to the upper opening (81) in the Z axis direction; and a groove section (a groove section (841) or the like), which is positioned between the upper opening (81) and the bottom section (83), extends in the Z axis direction, and is recessed in the X axis direction. The optical element has a protruding section (a flange section (51b) or the like) that protrudes in the X axis direction, and is housed in the case body (80) in a state wherein the optical element is standing in the Z axis direction by having the protruding section caught in the groove section.