Transparent LCD Cooling Assembly With Edge LEDs and Thermal Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retail display cases face challenges in maximizing point-of-sale advertising space while maintaining product visibility, especially in environments where additional clutter is undesirable, such as in refrigerated and non-refrigerated display cases.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system for transparent LCDs is designed with LEDs arranged along the edges of a two-way light guide, allowing light to exit both surfaces, and thermal plates that dissipate heat through convection, integrated into the display case to maintain product visibility and facilitate heat removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If transparent LCDs are added to display cases for additional advertising, then point-of-sale advertising capability is improved, but heat generation from LEDs and electronics increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the advertising function with the cooling function by integrating LED lighting and thermal management components into the display case structure. The LEDs are mounted on the rear surface of the LCD, and the same structural elements that provide mechanical support also serve as heat dissipation pathways to the cooling system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transparent thermally conductive adhesive layer as an intermediary between the LCD rear surface and the cooling system. This adhesive serves dual purposes: optically it remains transparent to allow light transmission, while thermally it conducts heat away from the LCD and LEDs to the cooling plates positioned at the rear of the display case.
2Temperature
If cooling system components are added to manage heat, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs cooling plates that serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the rear of the display case, act as heat sinks for thermal management, and serve as mounting surfaces for LED arrays. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cooling system with the structural framework of the display case. The cooling plates are integrated into the rear assembly, and the same structural elements that provide mechanical support also serve as heat dissipation pathways, reducing the number of separate components needed.
3Loss of energy
If LEDs are placed in thermal communication with thermal plates, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the design complexity of thermal management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a transparent thermally conductive adhesive as an intermediary material between the LCD rear surface and the cooling system components. This adhesive layer enables effective thermal coupling while maintaining optical transparency, and it simplifies the assembly process by providing a ready-made thermal interface material that eliminates the need for complex thermal management designs.
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 enables effective heat management and additional advertising through transparent LCDs within display cases, enhancing product awareness and sales without cluttering the retail space.
Implementation Method 1
The top LEDs are preferably placed in thermal communication with a top thermal plate which is placed in conductive thermal communication with the rear glass. Similarly, the bottom LEDs are preferably placed in thermal communication with a bottom thermal plate which is also placed in conductive thermal communication with the rear glass.
Implementation Method 2
The top and bottom thermal plates permit the heat to spread out and transfer to the rear glass where it can be removed by forced or natural convection.
Data Source
AI summary
The exemplary embodiments herein provide a transparent liquid crystal display (LCD) assembly having a glass panel with an LCD panel placed in front of the glass panel. A light guide may be positioned between the LCD panel and the glass panel and the light guide may have an edge. A substrate containing a plurality of LEDs is preferably positioned adjacent to the edge of the light guide and a thermal plate is preferably attached to both the substrate and the glass panel. The thermal plate may contain two portions which are substantially perpendicular to each other, where one of the portions is substantially parallel to the glass panel. In some embodiments, the LCD may be sandwiched in between a pair of glass panels, held opposite one another by a spacer.