Vapor Chamber Coupler for OLED Panel Thermal Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices face challenges in efficiently cooling ultra-slim OLED panels, leading to potential temperature increases and reduced service life, while also requiring a balance between cooling efficiency and maintaining device rigidity.

Innovation Solution

A display device configuration featuring a vapor chamber positioned behind the OLED panel, coupled with a board and adhesive members, where the vapor chamber includes a first and second plate with a fluid-filled space between them, allowing for efficient heat transfer and evaporation-condensation cooling, and a coupler for adhesive attachment, minimizing the distance between the panel and vapor chamber for effective heat dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a vapor chamber is positioned close to the OLED panel for efficient heat dissipation, then cooling efficiency is improved, but device rigidity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveOLED panel temperatureVSAvoiddisplay device rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The vapor chamber is constructed using a composite structure consisting of a first plate (heat receiving surface), a second plate, and a sealing member that creates a fluid-filled space between them. This composite design provides both effective thermal management through the vaporization-condensation cycle and sufficient structural rigidity to maintain display device stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Temperature

If the distance between the vapor chamber and display panel is minimized for effective heat transfer, then cooling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation efficiencyVSAvoidvapor chamber positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The vapor chamber is divided into distinct functional components: a first plate defining the heat receiving surface, a second plate, and a sealing member. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and positioned independently, reducing the cumulative precision requirements while maintaining effective thermal contact with the display panel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing member acts as an intermediary element that not only contains the fluid but also facilitates the connection between the first and second plates. This intermediary structure provides a tolerance buffer that accommodates manufacturing variations while ensuring consistent thermal performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Temperature

If a traditional cooling system is used, then cooling function is provided, but device thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling functionVSAvoiddisplay device thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling system utilizes phase transitions of fluid contained within the vapor chamber. The fluid vaporizes when absorbing heat from the display panel and condenses when releasing heat, providing efficient cooling through latent heat exchange. This phase-change mechanism enables compact cooling without requiring thick heat sinks or complex active cooling systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The vapor chamber operates as a passive self-service cooling system. The fluid automatically circulates through vaporization at the heat source (display panel) and condensation at cooler regions, creating a self-sustaining thermal management cycle without requiring external power or active control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 configuration effectively prevents excessive temperature increases, ensures the desired rigidity of the display device, and allows for quick fluid flow to the heat radiation portion, enhancing cooling efficiency and reducing the risk of image retention and panel degradation.

Implementation Method 1

heat generated from the display panel to be easily transmitted to the vapor chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the fluid evaporated from the region of the vapor chamber, into which a relatively large amount of heat is absorbed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

heat radiation portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3905358B1Display device
Publication Date: 2023.04.05 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3905358B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3905358B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3905358B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device is disclosed. The display device includes a display panel, a vapor chamber positioned behind the display panel, a board, which is positioned behind the vapor chamber and is coupled to the vapor chamber, and an adhesive member disposed between the display panel and the vapor chamber so as to be coupled thereto, wherein the vapor chamber includes a first plate, which defines a front surface thereof and faces the display panel, a second plate, which defines a rear surface thereof and is coupled to the first plate, and fluid flowing in a space defined between the first plate and the second plate, and wherein the first plate includes a coupler, which is depressed rearwards from the first plate and to which the adhesive member is coupled.