Patent Publication Number: US-2023164964-A1

Title: Display assembly with divided interior space

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application makes no priority claim. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Exemplary embodiments relate generally to display assemblies with divided interior space, such as for increased cooling, and systems and methods for operating such display assemblies. 
     BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Display assemblies often generate heat, such as from solar loading, ingestion of relatively warm ambient air, and/or powering of internal components such as a backlight. This results in a need to thermally manage such display assemblies, particularly when used in outdoor applications. It is known to provide back-to-back electronic displays with a common plenum, such as is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 8,373,841 issued Feb. 12, 2013, or a common heat exchanger, such as is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 8,351,014 issued Jan. 8, 2013. As energy and/or manufacturing efficiency demands increase, what is needed are display assemblies which provide efficient thermal management and/or which are capable of being manufactured in an efficient manner. 
     Display assemblies which are capable of being manufactured in an efficient manner and/or which provide efficient thermal management are provided. These display assemblies may include multiple electronic display subassemblies (hereinafter also “subassemblies”). Each of the multiple electronic display subassemblies may be mountable to a structural framework, such as so they face in substantially opposing directions. The subassemblies may be completely or substantially identical to reduce manufacturing complexity and/or the need to store or provide different types of subassemblies, such as for servicing or replacement, in exemplary embodiments. 
     Each of the subassemblies, in exemplary embodiments, may comprise a front passageway located between a rear surface of a cover and a front surface of an electronic display layer, an illumination device cavity located between a rear surface of the electronic display layer and a front surface of an illumination device, an open loop channel located between the rear surface of the illumination device and a front surface of a rear cover, a corrugated layer located within the open loop channel, one or more electronic components mounted to a rear surface of the rear cover, and/or one or more fans mounted to the rear surface of the rear cover, to name some non-limiting examples. 
     A common passageway may be provided between the subassemblies. The common passageway may be defined, at least in part, by rear surfaces of the subassemblies and inner surfaces of the structural framework in exemplary embodiments. A central septum may extend between rear surfaces of the subassemblies and within the common passageway. The central septum may extend at, or proximate to, a midline of the common passageway so as to divide the common passageway into approximately first and second halves though the central septum may be placed elsewhere. In this manner, crossover between circulating gas in the closed loop exiting a first one of the subassemblies and exiting a second one of the subassemblies may be at least substantially prevented within the common passageway. The central septum may serve to divide the common passageway into multiple portions. At least part of the central septum may extend at an angle relative to the rear surfaces of the subassemblies and/or inner surfaces of the structural framework to improve aerodynamics. 
     A side septum may extend within each portion of the common passageway, such as between an exit of a respective one of the subassemblies and an entrance to an opposing one of the subassemblies. The side septa may act as baffles. The side septa may force circulating gas to take a sinuous path between the subassemblies, increasing surface area and time for cooling. However, the central septum may substantially prevent such circulating gas from prematurely crossing over to another portion of the common passageway. 
     Heat exchangers may be provided within a space between a respective one of the side assemblies and the respective one of the side septa. In this manner, circulating gas exiting the respective one of the side assemblies, which may be relatively hot such as from solar loading for example, may be cooled by ambient air passing through the respective one of the heat exchangers. 
     Closed loop fans may each be provided at rear surfaces of the subassemblies, such as adjacent to an entrance to the front passageways of the side assemblies. The closed loop fans may be configured to force circulating gas through the various airflow passageways, such as part of a closed loop, when activated. 
     The side septa, central septum, closed loop fans, and/or heat exchangers may be mounted to the rear surfaces of the rear covers in exemplary embodiments. In other exemplary embodiments, one or more of the side septa, central septum, and/or heat exchangers may be mounted to the structural framework. 
     In the case of units having multiple subassemblies, such as two subassemblies positioned to face in substantially opposing directions, one of the two subassemblies may face the sun more directly at certain times, and thus pick up more heat. The second one of the subassemblies may not be as directly exposed to the sun at such times because it faces in substantially the opposite direction. Thus, passing circulating gas through the second one of the subassemblies may help to cool circulating gas heated when passed the first one of the subassemblies. In this manner, the second one of the subassemblies may act as a heat exchanger for the first one of the subassemblies. 
     Gas springs, or other movement facilitating and/or assisting devices may be located within the common passageway for moving the subassemblies between an opened position whereby the subassemblies extend away from the structural framework and at least a portion of the common passageway may be accessed, and a closed position, whereby the subassemblies are positioned adjacent to the structural framework and the common passageway is fully or partially sealed. 
     Further features and advantages of the systems and methods disclosed herein, as well as the structure and operation of various aspects of the present disclosure, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In addition to the features mentioned above, other aspects of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following descriptions of the drawings and exemplary embodiments, wherein like reference numerals across the several views refer to identical or equivalent features, and wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an exemplary display assembly in accordance with the present invention also indicating section lines A-A and B-B; 
         FIG.  2    is a top section view take along section line A-A of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a rear perspective view of one subassembly of  FIG.  1    shown in isolation; 
         FIG.  4 A  is the top sectional view of  FIG.  2    further illustrating exemplary airflow velocities; 
         FIG.  4 B  is the top sectional view of  FIG.  2    further illustrating exemplary airflow temperatures; 
         FIG.  5    is a detailed rear view of the display assembly of  FIG.  1    with one of the subassemblies removed; 
         FIG.  6    is a rear view of the subassembly of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  7    is the detailed rear view of  FIG.  5    further illustrating exemplary airflow velocities; 
         FIG.  8 A  is the rear view of the subassembly of  FIG.  6    further illustrating exemplary airflow velocities; 
         FIG.  8 B  is the rear view of the subassembly of  FIG.  6    further illustrating exemplary airflow temperatures; and 
         FIG.  9    is a side sectional view taken along section line B-B of  FIG.  1    further illustrating exemplary airflow velocities. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) 
     Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, specific details such as detailed configuration and components are merely provided to assist the overall understanding of these embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness. 
     Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments of the invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. 
       FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an exemplary electronic display assembly (hereinafter also a “unit”)  10  in accordance with the present invention. The unit  10  may include a structural framework  12 . The structural framework  12  may be configured for mounting to a ground surface, such as a sidewalk or street, mounting to a wall or other surface, incorporation into street furniture (e.g., phone booths, bus shelters, benches, railings, combinations thereof, or the like), combinations thereof, or the like. The structural framework  12  may comprise one or more members, panels, cladding, housings, combinations thereof, or the like. The structural framework  12  may comprise multiple components joined together. 
     The units  10  may comprise one or more electronic display subassemblies  14 . Some or all of the electronic display subassemblies  14  may be attached to the structural framework  12  in a moveable manner, though such is not required. For example, the electronic display subassemblies  14  may be attached to the structural framework  12  in a hinged or otherwise moveable manner to permit selective movement between a closed position whereby certain parts of the units  10  are fully or partially sealed, and an open position whereby certain parts of the interior of the unit  10  are exposed for access. In exemplary embodiments, the units  10  may comprise a first and second electronic display subassemblies  14   a ,  14   b  placed on either side of the structural framework  12  such that the electronic display subassemblies  14   a ,  14   b  face in substantially opposing directions, for example. 
     One or more external openings  16  may be provided at the units  10  for ingesting and/or exhausting ambient air. In exemplary embodiments, a series of such openings  16   a  may be provided along an upper portion of the structural assembly  12 , such as between the subassemblies  14 , and may serve as intakes. In exemplary embodiments, another series of such openings  16   b  may be provided along a lower portion of the structural assembly  12  and may serve as exhausts. In exemplary embodiments, a set of one or more opening for exhausting air  16   b  may be provided below each of the subassemblies  14 , and/or a single set of openings for ingesting air  16   a  may be common to some or all of the subassemblies  14 . The openings  16  may be fully or partially covered with a screen, mesh, dust filter, vent, combination thereof, or the like. 
       FIG.  2    through  FIG.  9    illustrate exemplary internal structures of the units  10  and the various subassemblies  14  as well as airflows through the same. While two electronic display subassemblies  14   a ,  14   b  placed in a back-to-back arrangement are shown, any number of electronic display subassemblies  14  may be utilized in any arrangement at the structural framework  12 . Similar, or the same, components used in conjunction with units  10  having multiple electronic display subassemblies  14  may use the same numbering with the addition of an “a”, “b” and/or “1”, “2”, etc. (e.g.,  14  to  14   a ,  14   b ,  31   a   1  to  31   a   2 ). The use of a base number may refer to all such components (e.g.,  14  to  14   a ,  14   b ). 
     Each electronic display subassembly  14  may comprise an illumination device  15 . In exemplary embodiments, the illumination device  15  may comprise a number of lighting elements, such as LEDs, provided at a substrate, such as a printed circuit board and/or panel. Each electronic display subassembly  14  may comprise an electronic display layer  13 . The electronic display layer  13  may comprise a layer of liquid crystals, such as for a liquid crystal type display, though any type or kind of electronic display may be utilized, including but not limited to, OLED, LCD, LED, plasma, cathode ray tube, rear projection, or the like. In exemplary embodiments, the illumination device  15  may be provided rearward of, and spaced apart from, the electronic display layer  13 , such as to serve as a direct backlight. In other exemplary embodiments, the illumination device  15  may comprise one or more diffusive and/or transmissive layers and the substrate and/or lighting elements may be positioned about the edge of the electronic display layer  13  to provide edge lighting to the same. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more of the electronic display subassemblies  14  may comprise a cavity for a static poster instead of, or in addition to, to the electronic display layer  13  and/or a blank panel. 
     The illumination device  15  need not necessarily be located immediately behind the electronic display layer  13 . For example, without limitation, one or more optical enhancement layers or films, diffusive elements, combinations thereof, or the like, may be interposed between the illumination device  15  and the electronic display layer  13 , though such is not required. Furthermore, while the illumination device  15  may be spaced apart from the electronic display layer  13 , such is not necessarily required. 
     The electronic display layer  13  and/or illumination device  15  of each subassembly  14  may be positioned rearward of a cover  11 . The cover  11  may comprise one or more layers of a transparent or translucent material(s). In exemplary embodiments, each cover  11  may comprise two layers bonded with an optically clear adhesive, which may provide increased impact protection. One or more polarizers, anti-reflective materials, optical enhancement layers or films, combinations thereof, or the like may be disposed on some or all of various surfaces of the cover  11 , such as but not limited to, in the form of various coatings, films, layers, combinations thereof, or the like. The cover  11  may form part of the electronic display subassembly  14  or may be separate therefrom. The cover  11  and the structural framework  12  may together substantially enclose the units  10 , such as with external openings  16  exempted, when the subassemblies  14  are placed in a closed position. The cover  11  may be configured to move with the electronic display subassembly  14 , may be configured for independent movement, and/or may be fixed to the structural framework  12 . Each of the electronic display subassemblies  14  may be connected to the structural framework  12  in a hinged or otherwise movable manner, though such is not required. 
     The electronic display layer  13  need not necessarily be located immediately behind the cover  11 . For example, without limitation, one or more optical layers may be interposed between the electronic display layer  13  and the cover  11 , though such is not required. Furthermore, while the electronic display layer  13  may be spaced apart from the cover  11 , though such is not necessarily required. 
     Multiple such electronic display subassemblies  14  may be provided at a given structural framework  12  for a given unit  10 . For example, without limitation, two such subassemblies  14  may be mountable to opposing sides of the structural framework  12  so that the electronic display layers  13  face in substantially opposing directions, such as in a back-to-back arrangement. The electronic display subassemblies  14  may be of the same or different type and may comprise the same or different components. The electronic display subassemblies  14  and/or electronic display layers  13  may be provided in any arrangement such as portrait or landscape. 
     The external openings  16  may be fluidly connected to one or more subassembly airflow pathways  23 . The subassembly airflow pathways  23  may extend through at least a portion of the units  10 . A respective one of the subassembly airflow pathways  23   a ,  23   b  may extend through a respective one of the electronic display subassemblies  14   a ,  14   b . The subassembly airflow pathways  23  may form part of an open loop airflow pathway, such that a flow of ambient air is provided through each one of the electronic display subassemblies  14 . In exemplary embodiments, each of the subassembly airflow pathways  23  may share one or more common external openings for ingesting ambient air  16   a . The ingested ambient air may be separated into flows through each of the subassembly airflow pathways  23  and may remain separated until exiting the unit  10 , such as by way of separate external openings  16   b  in exemplary embodiments. For example, without limitation, the subassembly airflow pathways  23  may extend behind, and along at least a portion of, the illumination devices  15  for the electronic display layers  13 . In this manner, cooling may be provided proximate to the illumination devices  15 , which may be a significant heat generating component of the units  10 . 
     Each of subassembly airflow pathways  23  may comprise one or more corrugated layers  25  in exemplary embodiments. The corrugated layers  25  may improve heat transfer from the illumination device  15  to ambient air in the subassembly airflow pathways  23  by increasing available surface area. 
     One or more closed loop airflow pathways may be provided within the units  10 . In exemplary embodiments, such closed loop airflow pathways may include at least a front passageway  26   a ,  26   b  of each of the subassemblies  14   a ,  14   b . The front passageway  26  may extend between the covers  11  and the electronic display layers  13  of the respective subassemblies  14 . Such closed loop airflow pathways may alternatively, or additionally, comprise at least an illumination device passageway  27   a ,  27   b  of each of the subassemblies  14   a ,  14   b . The illumination device passageways  27  may extend between each of the electronic display layers  13  and the illumination devices  15  of the respective electronic display subassemblies  14 . 
     Various electronic components  35   a ,  35   b  for operating the subassemblies  14   a ,  14   b , respectively, may be provided at rear panels  61   a ,  61   b  of the subassemblies  14   a ,  14   b . In exemplary embodiments, the components  35  provided at a specific subassembly  14  may be utilized for operating that particular subassembly  14 , though such is not necessarily required. 
     The rear panels  61   a ,  61   b  may be provided rearward of the illumination devices  15   a ,  15   b  and spaced apart therefrom to at least partially define the subassembly airflow pathways  23   a ,  23   b  and/or accommodate the corrugated layers  25   a ,  25   b . Various components may be interposed between the rear panels  61  and the illumination devices  15 , including but not necessarily limited to the corrugated layers  25 , though such is not necessarily required. 
     The electronic components  35   a ,  35   b  may be located within a common passageway  21 . The common passageway  21  may comprise a space or chamber located between the subassemblies  14  and/or the structural framework  12 , and may be in fluid communication with the various subassemblies  14 . The common passageway  21  may extend behind, and wholly or partially between, the electronic display subassemblies  14   a ,  14   b . In exemplary embodiments, the common passageway  21  is in fluid communication with one or both of the front passageways  26  and the illumination device passageways  27  of the subassemblies  14 . The common passageway  21  may be defined, at least in part, by said structural framework  12  and/or the subassemblies  14 , such as by the rear panels  61 . 
     The electronic components  35  may include, for example, without limitation, video players, power supplies, processors, electronic storage devices, controllers, sensors, combinations thereof, or the like. Any number, type, and/or kind of electronic components  35  may be utilized. The electronic components  35  may be configured to control other components of the unit  10 . The electronic components  35   a ,  35   b  of a respective one of the subassemblies  14   a ,  14   b  may be configured to control components of the respective one of the subassemblies  14   a ,  14   b , though such is not necessarily required. 
     The one or more closed loop airflow pathways may extend entirely within the units  10 , such as within outer boundaries of the structural framework  12  and/or the electronic display subassemblies  14 . The closed loop airflow pathway may comprise one or more of the common passageways  21 , the front passageways  26 , and/or the illumination device passageways  27 . 
     In exemplary embodiments, a central septum  37  may extend within the common passageway  21  and between the subassemblies  14  to divide the common passageway  21  into multiple portions  21   a ,  21   b . For example, without limitation, a single central septum  37  may extend between first and second subassemblies  14   a ,  14   b  of a unit  10  to divide the common passage  21  into substantially two equal halves. In other exemplary embodiment, multiple central septa  37  may be utilized, such as where additional subassemblies  14  are utilized. The central septum  37  may extend along substantially the midline of the common passageway  21  and substantially perpendicular to the display layers  13   a ,  13   b  of the subassemblies  14   a ,  14   b . The central septum  37  may comprise one or more angled surfaces as it extends between the subassemblies  14 . This arrangement may improve aerodynamics for airflow and/or make room for equipment or other components further described herein. The central septum  37  in exemplary embodiments may be fixed to portions of the structural framework  12 , but not the subassemblies  14 . This may, for example without limitation, make each subassembly  14  substantially or fully identical to improve ease of manufacture and/or servicing. In other exemplary embodiments, the central septum  37  is attached to one of the subassemblies  14   a ,  14   b.    
     The central septum  37  need not necessarily provide a 100% division between the portions of the common passageway  21   a ,  21   b , though such may be the case in certain exemplary embodiments. Instead, it may be sufficient that that the central septum  37  provide a substantial separation between the portions  21 . For example, such that at least 90% of airflow is prevented from crossover between the portions  21  and/or such that particulate above a predetermined size is prevented from crossover between the portions  21 . 
     One or more side septa  39  may be provided within the common passageway  21 . In exemplary embodiments, one of the side septa  39   a ,  39   b  may be provided within each of the common passageway portions  21   a ,  21   b . The side septa  39  may be fixed to the structural assembly  12  in exemplary embodiments. Each of the side septa  39  may extend substantially parallel to the electronic display layers  13  of the subassemblies  14 . Each side septa  39   a ,  39   b  may extend part of the way into the respective common passageway portions  21   a ,  21   b . In this fashion, circulating gas within the units  10  may be forced to navigate about the side septa  39 , which may increase dwell time within the common passageway portions  21  and/or increase surface area available for heat transfer. 
     One or more heat exchangers  41  may be provided between the subassemblies  14 . In exemplary embodiments, one of the heat exchangers  41   a ,  41   b  may be provided within each of the common passageway portions  21   a ,  21   b . The heat exchangers  41  may be affixed to the side septa  39  in exemplary embodiments. Each of the heat exchangers  41   a ,  41   b  may extend between a respective one of the rear panels  61   a ,  61   b  and a respective one of the side septa  39   a ,  39   b  and be located entirely within one of the common passageway portions  21   a ,  21   b . In this manner, the circulating gas may be forced through portions of the heat exchangers  41  for added cooling. The heat exchangers  41  may accommodate ambient air and may be in fluid communication with the external openings  16 . In other exemplary embodiments, the heat exchangers  41  may not be utilized. In exemplary embodiments, the heat exchanger(s)  41  may comprise multiple layers or portions which are fully or substantially separated such that the heat exchanger(s)  41  may simultaneously accommodate ambient air and circulating gas. The heat exchanger(s)  41  may be cross flow, counter flow, parallel flow, combinations thereof, or the like. 
     The units  10  may each comprise one or more movement imparting devices  31 . In exemplary embodiments, the movement imparting devices  31  comprise gas springs. A first and second movement imparting device  31   a   1 ,  31   a   2 ,  31   b   1 ,  31   b   2  may be associated with each of the subassemblies  14   a ,  14   b  for moving the subassemblies  14   a ,  14   b  between open and closed positions. 
     One or more open loop fans  18  may be provided. In exemplary embodiments, a series of four open loop fans  18  are aligned about a lower portion of the unit  10 . However, any number of open loop fans  18  may be provided in any arrangement. The open loop fans  18  may be of a same or different type. The open loop fans  18  may be configured to move ambient air through one or more open loop airflow pathways of the units  10  when activated. The open loop fans  18  may comprise axial fans, centrifugal fans, combinations thereof, or the like. Any number or type of fans  18  may be used at any location in the units  10 , and may be provided in banks or sets. Each of the fans  18  may be operated and/or controlled together or separately. 
     Each of the subassemblies  14  may comprise subassembly intakes  65  in fluid communication with the external openings  16  for ingesting flows of ambient air into the respective subassembly airflow pathways  23   a ,  23   b . Each of the subassemblies  14  may comprise a subassembly exhaust  69  in fluid communication with the external openings  16  for exhausting the ambient air from the units  10 . In exemplary embodiments, the open loop fans  18  may be fluidly interposed between the subassembly exhausts  69  and the exhausts  16  for the unit  10 . The open loop fans  18  may be configured to ingest ambient air into the units  10 , exhaust ambient air from the units  10 , and/or move ingested ambient air through the one or more subassembly airflow pathways  23  and/or heat exchangers  41  when activated. The same of different open loop fans  18  may be associated with each of the subassembly airflow pathways  23  and/or the heat exchangers  41 . Separate open loop fans  18  may be used for each of the multiple electronic display subassemblies  14   a ,  14   b  and/or heat exchangers  41 , or the open loop fans  18  may be common to some or all of the various electronic display subassemblies  14  and/or heat exchangers  41  of such units  10 . 
     Each of the electronic display subassemblies  14   a ,  14   b  may comprise one or more closed loop fans  20 , which may be of a same or different type. The closed loop fans  20  may be configured to move circulating gas through one or more closed loop airflow pathways of the units  10  when activated. The closed loop fans  20  may comprise axial fans, centrifugal fans, combinations thereof, or the like. Any number or type of fans  20  may be used at any location in the units  10 , and may be provided in banks or sets. Each of the fans  20  may be operated and/or controlled together or separately. 
     The open loop airflow pathways may be partitioned and/or separated from the closed loop airflow pathways, though a complete (e.g., gas impermeable) separation or seal is not necessarily required. In exemplary embodiments, the separation may be sufficient to prevent solid and/or liquid particulate from passing therethrough and/or solid and/or liquid particulate above a given size from passing therethrough. For example, without limitation, such separation may be sufficient to meet certain ingress protection code (IPC) standards, such as, but not limited to, IP65, IP67, or the like. Each of the electronic display subassemblies  14   a ,  14   b  may comprise one or more partitions, gaskets, walls, panels, combinations thereof, or the like, which may provide separation between the ambient air in the open loop airflow pathways and the circulation gas in the closed loop airflow pathway(s). Alternatively, or additionally, one or more filters may be utilized between ambient air and/or circulating gas to separate between open and/or closed loop airflows. 
     Each subassembly  14   a ,  14   b  may comprise a number of the closed loop fans  20   a ,  20   b , respectively. A housing  59   a ,  59   b  may be provided about some of all of the closed loop fans  20   a ,  20   b , respectively, of a given one of the subassemblies  14   a ,  14   b . The housings or fan tray  59  of a given one of the subassemblies  14  may be configured to accommodate all of the closed loop fans  20  the given one of the subassemblies  14 . However, in other exemplary embodiments, each individual fans  20  or groups of the individual fans  20  may comprise separate housings  59 . The housing  59  may be configured to permit ingestion of the circulating gas from the common passageway portions  21   a ,  21   b  and direct the ingested circulating gas in an appropriate direction, such through entrances  43  into the front passageways  26  and/or the illumination device passageway  27  of the electronic display subassembly  14 , and/or out exits  45  for the same. The housings  59  may be configured to provide a relatively laminar flow within the front passageway  26  and/or the illumination device passageway  27 . The fans  20  may be positioned within the housings  59  to accomplish the same. For example, without limitation, an intake for the fans  20  may be fluidly adjacent to the common passageway portions  21  and an exhaust for the fans  20  may be fluidly adjacent to the front passageway  26  and/or the illumination device passageway  27 . 
     Each of the closed loop fans  20  may be provided proximate to the entrances  43  into one or both of the front passageway  26  and the illumination device passageway  27  for generating the flows through the front passageway  26  and the illumination device passageway  27 , respectively, such as by pushing the circulating gas through the front passageway  26  and the illumination device passageway  27  when the fan(s)  20  are activated. An exhaust, relatively high-pressure side of the closed loop fans  20  may be positioned fluidly adjacent to the front passageway  26  and/or the illumination device passageway  27 , so that a relatively high, positive pressure (e.g., greater than pressure of ambient air outside of the units  10 ) is generated for circulating gas within the front passageway  26  and the illumination device passageway  27 , though such is not necessarily required. This may reduce or eliminate bowing of the electronic display layer  13  to improve optics. Alternatively, or additionally, this may reduce or eliminate tensile mechanical stresses on the electronic display layer  13  to reduce or eliminate cell breach. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the front passageway  26  and/or the illumination device passageway  27  may be configured to create and maintain a pressure differential between the flows of the circulating gas in the front passageway  26  and/or the illumination device passageway  27  sufficient to generate net forces at the electronic display layers  13  which reduce or eliminate bowing of the electronic display layers  13 . In exemplary embodiments, the pressure of the flow in the front passageway  26  may be maintained at a higher level than the flow in the illumination device passageway  27 , resulting in rearward forces against the electronic display layer  13  to reduce or eliminate outward bowing. Such pressure differentials may be generated using features including, but not limited to, those shown and/or described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,398,066 issued Aug. 27, 2019, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully restated herein. 
     The housing  59  for the closed loop fans  20  may comprise a generally curved shaped. A rear wall of the housing  59  may define one or more peaks to accommodate respective ones of the fans  20  and a valley between adjacent ones of the fans  20 . Each housing  59  may be configured to accommodate any number of fans  20 . A single or multiple closed loop fan  20  and/or housings  59  may be used with each side assembly  14 . Because the closed loop fans  20 , particularly when provided as centrifugal fans, may be configured to exhaust fluid in a generally pinwheel pattern (e.g., outward from a center), the curved shape of the rear wall may encourage relatively laminar flow into the front passageway  26  and/or illumination device passageway  27 . The fans  20  may be spaced from the entrance  43  to the front passageway  26  and/or illumination device passageway  27  and a leading edge of the housings  59  may extend at an angle, though such is not required, to encourage flow into the front passageway  26  and/or illumination device passageway  27 . The rear wall may define a generally sinusoidal shape curve by way of non-limiting example. Alternatively, or additionally, the rear wall may define a generally wave or boomerang shape. The shape of the rear wall need not be perfectly curved or smooth and may include one or more portions of which are planar. 
     When positioned on opposing sides of the structural framework  12 , the closed loop fans  20   a ,  20   b  may be located on opposing sides of the unit  10  from one another. This may be particularly true where the electronic display subassemblies  14   a ,  14   b  are the same, or substantially the same. This arrangement may cause circulating gas exiting the subassemblies  14 , such as at exits  45   a ,  45   b  for the front passageways  26  and/or illumination device passageways  27 , to take a sinuous route through the units  10 . In exemplary embodiments, circulating gas exiting the front passageways  26   a  and/or illumination device passageways  27   a  of a first one of the subassemblies  14   a  at an exit area  45   a  may be forced to travel through the first heat exchanger  41   a  in the second portion of the common passageway  21   b , at least in part due to the first side septum  39   a , and about the various electronic components  35   b  of the second subassembly  14   b  before reaching the entrance  43   b  of the second subassembly  14   b . The circulating gas may then flow through either or both of the front passageway  26   b  and/or illumination device passageway  27   b  of the second side assembly  14   b  before exiting at the exit  45   b  and into the second heat exchanger  21   b  within the first common passageway portion  21   a  and about the various electronic components  35   a  of the first subassembly  14   a  before reaching the entrance  43   a  of the first subassembly  14   a . The circulating gas may then flow through either or both of the front passageway  26   a  and/or illumination device passageway  27   a  of the first side assembly  14   a  and continue recirculating through the unit  10 . The center septum  37  may prevent some or any cross over of the circulating gas between the common passageway portions  21   a ,  21   b . This may force circulating gas to take a sinuous path between the first and second subassemblies  14   a ,  14   b , increasing surface area and time for heat transfer. 
     A method for thermally managing the units  10  may include moving circulating gas through a closed loop airflow pathway. The closed loop airflow pathway may include one or more of: the front passageways  26 , the illumination device passageways  27 , the common passageway(s)  21 , and the heat exchanger(s)  41 . More specifically, a flow of circulating gas may begin in the front passageway  26  of a first one of the subassemblies  14   a , be joined with another flow of the circulating gas traveling through the illumination device passageways  27   a  of the first one of the subassemblies  14   a  when passing through the exit  45   a  of the first one of the subassemblies  14   a  and into a second portion  21   b  of the common passageway  21 . The combined flow may be forced through the first heat exchanger  41   a  by the first side septum  39   a . The combined flow may be forced through the entrance  43   b  of the second one of the subassemblies  14   b  by the central septum  37 , the housing  59   b , and/or the closed loop fan  20   b . A portion of this combined flow may first be forced about or proximate to the electronic components  35   b . The combined flow may split and a portion may travel through the front passageway  26   b  of the second one of the subassemblies  14   b  and the illumination device passageway  27   b  of the second one of the subassemblies  14   b . The flow may be recombined when traveling through the exit  45   b  of the second one of the subassemblies  14   b . The combined flow may be forced to travel through the second heat exchanger  41   b  by the second side septum  39   b . The combined flow may be forced through the entrance  43   a  of the first one of the subassemblies  14   a  by the central septum  37 , the housing  59   a , and/or the closed loop fan  20   a . A portion of this combined flow may first be forced about or proximate to the electronic components  35   a . The circulating gas may be repeatedly recirculated in this fashion. While separation and joinder of flows is discussed, this does not mean that the flows necessarily have the same velocity, pressure, mass flow rate, combinations thereof, or the like. For example, the same portion of the flow may not always or necessarily be rejoined, separated, or the like. Movement of the circulating gas within the closed loop airflow pathway(s) may be accomplished by activation of the closed loop fans  20 . 
     The method may alternatively or additionally include moving ambient air through one or more open loop airflow pathways within the units  10 . The open loop airflow pathways may comprise one or more of: the external openings  16 , the subassembly airflow pathways  23 , and the heat exchangers  41 . In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, ambient air may be ingested by way of external openings  16  at an upper portion of the unit  10  and separated into flows through the subassembly airflow pathways  23   a  of the first subassembly  14   a , the first heat exchanger  41   a , the second heat exchanger  41   b , and the second subassembly airflow pathways  23   b . Movement of the ambient air within the open loop airflow pathway(s) may be accomplished by activation of some or all of the open loop fans  18 . 
     In other exemplary embodiments, the central septum  37  may be omitted. The side septa  39  may provide partitions or baffles for the circulating gas in the rear passageway  21 . Such embodiments may include or omit the heat exchangers  41 . 
     The closed loop fans  20  and the open loop fans  18  may be operated at the same or different times. The ambient air may be moved through the open loop airflow pathway at the same or different time as the circulating gas is moved through the closed loop airflow pathway. Some or all of the closed loop fans  20  and the open loop fans  18  may be operated at a given time. 
     While the flow of circulating gas shown and/or described herein is primarily referenced with regard to a generally clockwise travel, a generally counter-clockwise travel may alternatively be utilized. This may be accomplished using the same structure, such as but not limited to, location of the entrances  43 , exits  45 , closed loop fans  20 , and/or heat exchangers  41 , and the closed loop fans  20  may be instead operated in reverse or installed in an opposing orientation. Alternatively, a generally counter-clockwise directional flow may be accomplished with a different structure, such as by reversing the location of the entrances  43 , exits  45 , closed loop fans  20 , and/or heat exchangers  41 . 
     While the flow of ambient air shown and/or described herein is primarily referenced with regard to a top-to-bottom flow arrangement, a generally bottom-to-top flow may alternatively be utilized. This may be accomplished using the same structure, such as but not limited to, location of the open loop fans  18  may be instead operated in reverse or installed in an opposing orientation. Alternatively, a generally bottom-to-top flow may be accomplished with a different structure, such as by placing the open loop fans  18  proximate to an upper portion of the units  10 . 
     Any embodiment of the present invention may include any of the features of the other embodiments of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments herein disclosed are not intended to be exhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the invention. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the present invention so that others skilled in the art may practice the invention. Having shown and described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will realize that many variations and modifications may be made to the described invention. Many of those variations and modifications will provide the same result and fall within the spirit of the claimed invention. It is the intention, therefore, to limit the invention only as indicated by the scope of the claims. 
     Certain operations described herein may be performed by one or more electronic devices. Each electronic device may comprise one or more processors, electronic storage devices, executable software instructions, combinations thereof, and the like configured to perform the operations described herein. The electronic devices may be general purpose computers or specialized computing devices. The electronic devices may comprise personal computers, smartphones, tablets, databases, servers, or the like. The electronic connections and transmissions described herein may be accomplished by wired or wireless means. The computerized hardware, software, components, systems, steps, methods, and/or processes described herein may serve to improve the speed of the computerized hardware, software, systems, steps, methods, and/or processes described herein.