HVAC Controller Display Frame for Secure Light Guide Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic devices, such as HVAC control panels, face challenges in ease of use, assembly, construction, and reliability, particularly in terms of securing components like displays and light guides, and managing power sources effectively.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an HVAC controller sub-assembly with a printed circuit board (PCB) and a display sub-assembly, where the display and light guide are secured within a frame with reflective features to distribute light evenly, and a method of connecting components using interference connections to ensure secure and efficient assembly, along with a battery compartment that collects leakage to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional securing methods are used for displays and light guides, then assembly is simpler, but component security and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple sections with individual securing features (recesses and protrusions) for different components. The display and light guide are secured through separate interference connections at different locations, allowing independent positioning and securing of each component while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide is positioned within a recess of the frame, and the display is positioned within another recess. These nested structures allow multiple components to be secured within the frame in a space-efficient manner, with each component having its own securing features that engage with corresponding features in the frame.
2Illumination intensity
If light sources are placed close to the display, then illumination intensity is higher, but light distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide acts as an intermediary between the light sources and the display. It receives light from LEDs positioned at corners or edges and distributes it uniformly across the display area through its optical properties and geometric shape, eliminating direct line-of-sight lighting issues and achieving uniform illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing light sources directly in front of the display (one-dimensional approach), the light guide extends light distribution into three-dimensional space, allowing light to travel through the guide's volume and emerge uniformly across the display surface, transforming point sources into distributed illumination.
3Reliability
If battery compartment is not designed with leakage collection, then construction is simpler, but reliability and damage prevention are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The battery compartment is designed with a recess or channel that captures harmful battery leakage and directs it into a collection area. This converts the harmful leakage into a contained substance that can be safely collected and disposed of, preventing damage to surrounding components while adding minimal structural complexity.
4Reliability
If multiple components are secured within the frame, then component security is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple sections with individual securing features (recesses and protrusions) for different components. The display and light guide are secured through separate interference connections at different locations, allowing independent positioning and securing of each component while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide is positioned within a recess of the frame, and the display is positioned within another recess. These nested structures allow multiple components to be secured within the frame in a space-efficient manner, with each component having its own securing features that engage with corresponding features in the frame.
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
This configuration enhances the ease of use and assembly of HVAC controller devices, improves their reliability by securing components effectively and managing power sources efficiently, and provides a visually appealing and durable design.
Implementation Method 1
The frame may include one or more spaced reflective features that may be configured to receive light from the one or more light sources of the PCB or PWB and to distribute the received light across at least part of the light guide and/or across at least part of the display
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC Controller including a printed circuit board (PCB) and a display sub-assembly. The display sub-assembly may include a frame, a display, and a light guide. The frame may be secured relative to the PCB and may have a front side facing away from the PCB and a back side facing toward the PCB. The frame may include one or more side walls that may extend between the front side and the back side, where the side walls may define a space. The display and the light guide may be positioned at least partially within the space and the light guide may be positioned between the display and the PCB. The frame may have one or more back stop features and one or more front stop features that stop the light guide and the display from sliding out of the back side and front side of the frame, respectively.