Modular Fixture Aligning Display Modules With Vendor-Specific Adapters
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Solution Overview
Problem
The variability in physical characteristics of display modules sourced from different vendors necessitates the use of different assembly fixtures, leading to high tooling expenses and time-consuming fixture changeovers during the assembly of display devices.
Innovation Solution
A modular fixture with alignment features that compensate for supplier variability, allowing the open cell and backlight to be aligned and assembled with a common cover shield, regardless of the supplier, using protruding pins and receptacles that match the specific design of each display module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If different assembly fixtures are used for each vendor's display module, then assembly precision is maintained, but device complexity and tooling expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal fixture system where a single base fixture can accommodate multiple vendor-specific display modules through interchangeable adapter components. The adapter includes vendor-specific alignment features that mate with the unique characteristics of each module type, while the base fixture remains standardized. This allows one fixture to perform multiple functions across different module suppliers.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture is divided into two independent segments: a standardized base fixture and vendor-specific adapter components. The adapter segment can be swapped out depending on which vendor's module is being assembled, while the base fixture remains constant. This segmentation allows precision to be maintained for each vendor while reducing overall system complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If vendor-specific assembly fixtures are used, then assembly accuracy is maintained, but productivity decreases due to fixture changeovers
Solution Approach 1:
Vendor-specific adapter components are pre-configured with the appropriate alignment features for each module type before assembly begins. These adapters can be quickly swapped into the base fixture without requiring complex reconfiguration or recalibration, enabling rapid changeovers while maintaining assembly accuracy.
3Reliability
If multiple fixtures are maintained for different vendors, then reliability of assembly is ensured, but loss of time occurs during fixture changeovers
Solution Approach 1:
The universal base fixture with interchangeable adapters eliminates the need to physically change entire fixtures between vendors. Only the lightweight adapter component needs to be swapped, which takes minimal time compared to changing complete fixtures, while assembly reliability is maintained through precise alignment features.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device has alignment features that compensate for variability in open cells sourced from different vendors. A backlight is arranged behind or beneath an open cell to illuminate picture elements. The open cell and the backlight rest or reside within a cover shield. Because the open cell may have supplier variability, the cover shield has receptacles such as holes or apertures that align with features protruding from a module fixture. The modular fixture thus allows the open cell and the backlight to be arranged, aligned, and/or assembled to the covert shield, despite the supplier variability in the open cell.