Backlit Display Inverter Fault Detection via Emitter Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inverter failures in backlit display devices are difficult to diagnose, often leading to incorrect component replacements and unnecessary device repairs due to the electrical isolation of the high current output side from control circuitry.
Innovation Solution
A display diagnostic system utilizing sensors to monitor parameters of light emitters, such as temperature, optical output, or electric current, to determine inverter functionality and generate control signals for fault detection and remedial actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the high current output side of the inverter is electrically isolated from control circuitry, then the inverter can deliver high current to light emitters, but the control system cannot detect inverter failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sensors (temperature sensors, optical sensors, current sensors) as intermediary devices that indirectly monitor inverter status. These sensors detect parameters such as temperature, light output, or current consumption of the light emitter array, which reflect the inverter's operational state. This allows the control system to infer inverter functionality without direct electrical connection to the high current output side, resolving the contradiction between high current delivery capability and failure detection ability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensor data about light emitter performance (temperature, optical output, current draw) is continuously monitored and fed back to the control system. By analyzing deviations from expected performance parameters, the control system can detect inverter failures. This feedback loop enables indirect monitoring of the electrically isolated inverter output, allowing failure detection without compromising the high current output capability.
2Power
If the inverter is electrically isolated from control circuitry, then high current can be delivered to light emitters, but component replacement becomes difficult and incorrect replacements may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor-based feedback system provides diagnostic information that identifies the specific component failing (inverter vs. light emitter array). By monitoring parameters like temperature, optical output, and current consumption, the system can determine whether the inverter is malfunctioning or if individual light emitters are failed. This accurate diagnosis enables correct component replacement, avoiding unnecessary replacement of entire display devices or incorrect component substitution, thereby improving ease of repair while maintaining high current output capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical/electrical connection-based diagnosis with sensor-based indirect monitoring. Instead of relying on electrical connectivity for both power delivery and diagnostics, the system uses optical and thermal sensors to monitor light emitter performance, which serves as a proxy for inverter health. This substitution enables accurate diagnosis and targeted repair without requiring electrical access to the isolated inverter output side.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If sensors are added to monitor light emitter parameters, then inverter failure detection is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensors that passively monitor light emitter parameters without requiring active control or complex integration circuitry. Temperature sensors monitor thermal output, optical sensors detect light emission, and current sensors measure electrical consumption - all of which are inherent byproducts of light emitter operation. The sensors leverage the existing operational parameters of the light emitter array, adding minimal complexity while enabling comprehensive inverter failure detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system serves multiple diagnostic functions simultaneously. A single sensor can monitor different parameters (temperature, optical output, current) that collectively provide comprehensive information about inverter health and light emitter performance. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to detect various failure modes through a unified sensing architecture, reducing overall device complexity compared to separate dedicated diagnostic circuits for each parameter.
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
Accurately identifies inverter failures without disassembling the device, allowing targeted component replacement and extending the display device's operational life.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is a temperature sensor configured to monitor thermal output of the light emitter as the parameter
Implementation Method 2
the sensor is an optical sensor configured to monitor a light output of the light emitter as the parameter
Implementation Method 3
the sensor is a current sensor configured to monitor electric current received by the light emitter from the inverter as the parameter
Implementation Method 4
The inverter may increase or step up the voltage and current of the electrical power that is received from a power source before supplying the stepped-up electrical power to the light emitter array
Data Source
AI summary
A display diagnostic system and method include a sensor configured to monitor a parameter of a light emitter of a display device. The light emitter is configured to emit light to illuminate a display screen of the display device. The light emitter is powered by an inverter of the display device. The system and method include one or more processors that receive a sensor signal generated by the sensor. The sensor signal is indicative of the parameter of the light emitter monitored by the sensor at a first time. The one or more processors are configured to determine that the light emitter is inactive at the first time based on the sensor signal, and, responsive to determining that the light emitter is expected to be active at the first time, generate a control signal indicating a fault state of the inverter.