Display Support Structures to Prevent Large-Layer Bowing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic display layers, particularly large ones, are susceptible to distortion due to external forces like air pressure, leading to optical and mechanical issues, which existing solutions fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A display assembly with closed loop airflow pathways and fan units that generate pressure differentials to apply compressive forces on both sides of the electronic display layer, using closed loop fan units to create a high-pressure area on one side and a low-pressure area on the other, thereby reducing or eliminating bowing and preventing mechanical separation of optical layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If electronic display layers are made large in area, then display coverage is improved, but susceptibility to distortion from external forces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple discrete support elements (such as support beams or struts) distributed across the display assembly. These segmented supports are positioned at strategic locations to provide localized reinforcement without requiring a continuous heavy framework, thus maintaining large display area while improving structural stability against external forces.
Solution Approach 2:
Support structures are strategically positioned at specific locations where stress and distortion are most likely to occur, such as around the perimeter and at critical internal points. This localized reinforcement approach provides targeted structural stability without uniformly increasing the complexity or reducing the display area across the entire surface.
2Illumination intensity
If electronic display layers are made thin, then optical performance is improved, but resistance to external forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure acts as a counterbalancing framework that provides mechanical reinforcement to the thin electronic display layer. By positioning supports at strategic locations, the structure creates counter-forces that offset external pressures and distortions, allowing the display layer to remain thin for optimal optical performance while gaining the necessary mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing the thickness of the electronic display layer to improve strength, the solution introduces a third dimension by adding external support structures. This dimensional transition allows the display layer itself to remain thin for optical performance while the added structural dimension provides the necessary mechanical reinforcement against external forces.
3Shape
If air pressure is applied to reduce bowing, then display flatness is improved, but complexity of the pressure control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed to passively maintain display flatness through its inherent mechanical configuration. Rather than requiring active pressure control systems to counteract bowing, the structural supports inherently resist distortion forces, allowing the display to maintain flatness through its own integrated structure without external intervention or complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution replaces complex active pressure control systems with a simpler passive mechanical support structure. Instead of using pressurized air systems with sensors and actuators to maintain flatness, the mechanical supports provide continuous structural reinforcement that inherently prevents bowing, thus achieving the same shape control goal with significantly reduced system complexity.
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 effectively reduces or eliminates bowing and mechanical separation of electronic display layers, enhancing optical performance and structural integrity by maintaining desired pressure differentials and compressive forces.
Implementation Method 1
The closed loop fan unit may be configured to generate a relatively high-pressure area at a first side of the closed loop fan unit facing the entrance to the front passageway and illumination device passageway such that such a relatively high-pressure flow is created within at least a portion of the front passageway and illumination device passageway when activated. The closed loop fan unit may be configured to generate a relatively low-pressure area at an opposing side of the closed loop fan unit facing the rear passageway
Implementation Method 2
This may result in inward directed net forces at the electronic display layer which forces the electronic display layer rearward towards the illumination device, thereby reducing or eliminating bowing of the electronic display layer
Data Source
AI summary
Display assemblies are disclosed which include a cover layer, an electronic display layer located behind the cover layer, an illumination device located rearward of, and spaced apart from, the electronic display layer, and support structures extending from a forward surface of the illumination device towards a rear surface of the electronic display layer. These support structures may be optically transmissible and support the electronic display layer, such as against rearward movement towards the illumination device.