Time-Division Multiplexed Heating Circuit for Large LCD Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

As liquid crystal display panels increase in size, the number of heating lines and heating circuits also increases, leading to design difficulties and higher costs due to the need for more complex heating systems.

Innovation Solution

A display module with a control circuit, a heating circuit, and a gating circuit that uses time-sharing heating signals to efficiently distribute heat across multiple heating lines, reducing the number of required heating circuits and simplifying design while maintaining effective heating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the number of heating lines is increased to heat larger liquid crystal display panels, then the heating coverage is improved, but the number of heating circuits and design difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay panel sizeVSAvoidnumber of heating circuits
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by using time-division multiplexing to sequentially activate different heating lines. The control circuit controls the switching of heating lines in different time periods, allowing a single heating circuit to serve multiple heating lines through periodic activation. This resolves the contradiction by enabling larger display panels to be heated without proportionally increasing the number of heating circuits, as the same circuit resources are reused across different time intervals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The heating circuit is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple heating lines. Instead of dedicating one heating circuit per heating line, the heating circuit can be dynamically allocated to different heating lines based on temporal requirements. This universal approach allows the heating system to scale to larger display panels while maintaining a limited number of heating circuits, as each circuit can perform multiple heating tasks at different times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If the number of heating lines is increased to heat larger liquid crystal display panels, then the heating coverage is improved, but the design difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay panel sizeVSAvoiddesign difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit implements periodic control by switching between different heating lines in predetermined time intervals. This periodic action simplifies the design process because the same control logic and circuit architecture can be reused across different heating lines, rather than requiring unique control designs for each line. The time-division multiplexing approach provides a systematic framework that reduces design complexity while accommodating larger display panels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the activation timing and duration of different heating lines. Instead of maintaining static connections between heating circuits and heating lines, the system varies the temporal parameters of circuit activation. This parameter-based control approach simplifies design by providing a flexible, programmable method to manage multiple heating lines without requiring complex hardwired control logic for each line.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the number of heating circuits is increased to maintain heating effectiveness, then the heating performance is preserved, but the cost of the display module increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating effectivenessVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The time-division multiplexing approach allows a single heating circuit to provide effective heating to multiple heating lines by sequentially activating them. This periodic activation ensures that each heating line receives adequate power when needed, maintaining heating effectiveness without requiring multiple simultaneous heating circuits. The result is a cost reduction because fewer heating circuit components are needed while still achieving the required heating performance across the entire display panel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the function of multiple heating circuits into a single heating circuit through time-division multiplexing. Instead of having separate heating circuits operating in parallel, the system combines their functions by allowing one circuit to serve multiple heating lines at different times. This merging approach reduces the total number of heating circuit components required, thereby lowering the cost of the display module while maintaining the necessary heating capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 heating of larger liquid crystal display panels without increasing the number of heating circuits, thereby reducing costs and design complexity while maintaining effective temperature control.

Implementation Method 1

The heating device often includes a plurality of heating lines and a heating circuit that provides heating power for the heating lines

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11867994B2Display module and heating method thereof
Publication Date: 2024.01.09 SHANGHAI AVIC OPTO ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US11867994B2 patent drawing
  • US11867994B2 patent drawing
  • US11867994B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A display module includes: a heating circuit, a gating circuit and a plurality of heating lines. The heating circuit includes a first type of heating signal output terminal and a second type of heating signal output terminal, and the gating circuit includes a gating unit. The first type of heating signal output terminal is electrically connected to a first type of signal input terminal of the gating unit, and a first type of signal output terminal of the gating unit is electrically connected to a first terminal of a heating line; and/or the second type of heating signal output terminal is electrically connected to a second type of signal input terminal of the gating unit, and a second type of signal output terminal of the gating unit is electrically connected to a second terminal of the heating line.