Low Profile Display Enclosure with Sealant Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flat-panel display devices are vulnerable to damage from environmental factors such as rain, snow, and debris, especially when placed in outdoor or inhospitable indoor settings, requiring effective protection without compromising aesthetics or increasing bulkiness.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile, weatherproof enclosure system for flat-panel display devices, utilizing a rigid bezel with a sealant and transparent front cover, combined with thermal control features to maintain optimal operating temperatures, and designed to minimize the bezel's thickness around the display area for a sleek appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bulky environmental enclosure is used to protect the display device from rain, snow, and debris, then the display device is protected from environmental damage, but the enclosure increases in size and bulkiness
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is divided into multiple components including a front cover, rear cover, and bezel assembly that can be separately manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for optimized protection in critical areas while minimizing overall enclosure volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin gasket seals and flexible sealing elements between enclosure components to provide effective environmental protection without requiring thick protective walls, thereby reducing overall enclosure volume while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a sealed weatherproof enclosure is used to prevent liquid ingress, then the display device is protected from liquids, but the enclosure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Gasket seals made from flexible materials are used at the interfaces between enclosure components to provide effective liquid ingress prevention. These thin film seals achieve weatherproofing without requiring complex multi-layer structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket seals act as intermediary elements between the front cover, rear cover, and bezel assembly, providing the sealing function without requiring direct complex bonding or joining mechanisms between the main structural components.
3Reliability
If adhesives and coatings are applied to seal the enclosure, then weatherproofing is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Adhesives and sealants are applied in advance during the assembly process to create permanent bonds and seals between components. This preliminary application of sealing materials ensures weatherproofing is built into the structure during manufacturing rather than requiring post-assembly treatments.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure utilizes composite sealing systems combining gasket materials, adhesives, and liquid coatings that work together to provide comprehensive weatherproofing. These composite materials achieve superior sealing performance while streamlining the manufacturing process through integrated application.
4Reliability
If thermal control devices are added to maintain optimal temperature, then the display device operates reliably in various climates, but the enclosure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal control system is designed to operate autonomously, with temperature sensors and control mechanisms that automatically adjust heating or cooling without requiring external intervention or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal control devices serve multiple functions including heating during cold conditions, cooling during hot conditions, and condensation prevention, thereby achieving comprehensive climate adaptation with a single integrated system rather than separate devices for each function.
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 prevents liquid ingress and maintains optimal temperature conditions for the display device, ensuring its performance and longevity while maintaining a slim, aesthetically pleasing design suitable for outdoor and challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
A sealant coats at least a portion of the rigid bezel and provides a surface over the rigid bezel substantially impervious to liquid ingress
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. The substantially sealed display enclosure comprises a rigid bezel, a substantially transparent front cover coupled to the bezel, and a rear cover assembly that may include a heat sink portion. A liquid organic coating is applied to portions of the display enclosure and cured in place in order to provide a protective surface.