Electronic Information Board Thermal Management via Segmented Casings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic information boards face challenges with temperature control, particularly in varying environmental conditions, leading to reduced operational life and increased risk of damage due to inadequate warming and cooling solutions, which limits their suitability for outdoor use.
Innovation Solution
The electronic information board features a modular design with separate display and electronics casings, facilitating effective temperature control through closed air circulation and a cross-flow cooling system, using low-cost standard elements for heating and cooling, and incorporating circulating fans to manage heat effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If transparent warming resistor is fastened to the transparent window to warm the display in cold conditions, then the display temperature is improved, but the component price increases and power losses increase due to SELV connection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The warming function is extracted from the display assembly and integrated into the housing structure. The warming resistor is positioned in the housing rather than being attached to the display window, eliminating the need for special transparent warming elements and SELV connection devices, thereby reducing component costs and simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as an intermediary structure that houses both the display element and the warming resistor. This intermediary design allows the warming function to be integrated without directly modifying the display window, avoiding the need for special transparent components and complex electrical connections.
2Device complexity
If warming resistor is used to heat the display from behind, then the display structure is simplified, but the TFT LCD matrix operates in too cold conditions causing increased response time
Solution Approach 1:
The warming resistor is strategically positioned to heat specific cold spots within the housing where the TFT LCD matrix is located. This localized heating approach ensures that the matrix temperature is raised above the ambient cold conditions, improving response time while keeping the overall warming structure simple.
3Device complexity
If display is cooled by forced convection from behind only, then the cooling structure is simplified, but temperature control is insufficient causing heat accumulation in upper parts of the display
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple independent cooling channels: one for the display element and another for the housing. This segmentation allows each component to be cooled independently, preventing heat accumulation in the upper parts of the display while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling approach is extended from single-direction (back-only) to multi-directional cooling. Cooling air is introduced from the back of the housing and distributed through multiple channels that reach the display element and other heat-generating components, creating a three-dimensional cooling network that effectively manages heat distribution.
4Device complexity
If electronics and display are integrated in the same casing, then the device structure is simplified, but temperature control becomes difficult causing heat accumulation and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into two separate casings: one for the display element and another for the electronics. This segmentation allows independent temperature control for each component, preventing heat accumulation and improving reliability. The display casing can be optimized for cooling the display, while the electronics casing can be optimized for cooling the control units and power supplies.
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 solution allows for efficient temperature management, extending the operational life of the board, making it suitable for outdoor use and reducing costs, while maintaining the physical size compatibility with traditional poster boards.
Implementation Method 1
circulating fans for forming an air flow through the display casing and the device casing in order to transfer heat from the casings to the outside of them
Implementation Method 2
heating element for heating the air flowing through the display casing and the device casing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Then invention relates to an electronic information board comprising a frame (40), a flat display element (30), such as a TFT LCD display or a plasma display, for presenting information, and electronic equipment (62) for controlling the display element. The information board comprises a display casing (50) for the display element and a device casing (60) for the electronic equipment, such as a control unit and power supplys. The display element is supported preferably with flexible support elements to the display casing so that there is a gap between the front and back surfaces of the display element and the walls of the display casing enabling the circulation of air. Also a cooling system has been arranged to the information board for transferring heat from the display casing and the device casing to the outside of the casings. The cooling system comprises circulating fan (72) placed in the fan casing (70) with which airflow is generated through the display casing and the device casing. The air flowing through the casings is cooled with a cross-flow cell (80), which is placed between the device casing and the fan casing. Flow holes (64a, 64b, 64c, 64d) have been arranged to the walls of the display casing, device casing and fan casings with the help of which a closed air flow passage running through the fan casing, the cross-flow cell, the device casing and the display casing is formed. The information board can be equipped with a heating device placed in the fan casing with which the air flowing through the display casing and the device casing is heated. The heating device enables the placing of the information board according to the invention also to cold outdoor locations.