Multi-display Mirror Backlighting with Conductive Elastomer Grounding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current LED backlighting systems in automotive rearview mirrors face challenges in managing heat and ensuring uniform light distribution, which affects the image quality and longevity of the display, and there is a need for efficient RF grounding to prevent electromagnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
The use of a conductive elastomer pad for low impedance grounding at both DC and RF frequencies, combined with a reflector design that maximizes light projection and a matrix of LEDs for uniform backlighting, addresses the heat management and light distribution issues while preventing RF energy propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If LED backlighting is used to illuminate the LCD display, then energy efficiency and longevity are improved, but heat generation affects display quality and requires management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful heat generated by LED backlighting by implementing a thermal management system that separates the heat dissipation function from the light generation function. The housing design includes dedicated thermal pathways that conduct heat away from the LCD display assembly, allowing the LED backlight to operate at full efficiency without compromising display quality or longevity.
2Illumination intensity
If a matrix of LEDs is used for backlighting, then uniform light distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backlighting system into multiple independent LED modules arranged in a matrix pattern behind the LCD display. Each LED module can be individually controlled and replaced, simplifying the overall system architecture while achieving uniform light distribution across the display surface. This modular segmentation reduces complexity by breaking down the monolithic backlighting function into manageable, standardized units.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conductive elastomer pad is used for grounding, then RF interference prevention is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical grounding function with the mechanical mounting function by integrating conductive elastomer pads into the existing structural components of the housing assembly. The elastomer pads serve dual purposes: providing low-impedance DC and RF grounding paths while simultaneously acting as vibration-dampening mounting elements. This consolidation eliminates separate grounding wires and connectors, reducing manufacturing complexity despite the advanced electromagnetic shielding performance.
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 effectively manages heat, ensures uniform backlighting, and prevents RF interference, enhancing the display's image quality and longevity, and reduces the need for wire harnesses and connectors, leading to cost savings and improved durability.
Implementation Method 1
The use of a conductive elastomer pad for low impedance grounding at both DC and RF frequencies
Implementation Method 2
prevents RF interference, enhancing the display's image quality and longevity
Implementation Method 3
a reflector design that maximizes light projection and a matrix of LEDs for uniform backlighting
Implementation Method 4
a matrix of LEDs for uniform backlighting
Implementation Method 5
light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are becoming the predominant backlighting technology of choice
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-display vehicular rearview mirror system (2600) and method includes an electrochromic (EC) glass element (2603) and a plurality of liquid crystal displays (LCDs) (2605a, 2605b, 2605c) positioned behind EC element (2603). A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) (2610a, 2610b, 2610c) are used for providing backlighting for each respective LCD of the plurality of LCDs such that the LCDs utilize a plurality of imaging devices (2717, 2719, 2721) for forming substantially a single image across the plurality of LCDs (2605a, 2605b, 2605c).