Ball-Guided Retractable Assembly for Hidden Display Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image display devices, such as LCD monitors, face visual interference issues due to external web cameras and electrical connectors on their surfaces, which are not only inconvenient but also detract from their aesthetic appearance, especially with the increased demand for video calls and online courses.
Innovation Solution
A retractable assembly using a fixed frame, a movable frame, and a plurality of balls to minimize friction, allowing functional components like web cameras and connectors to be easily hidden or exposed, enhancing both operational performance and appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If web cameras and electrical connectors are installed on the front surface of the image display device, then the functionality and ease of operation are improved, but the aesthetic appearance and visual clarity are deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the functional components (web camera and electrical connectors) movable rather than fixed. The components can be retracted into the display device body when not in use, transforming the static appearance into a dynamic system that adapts between functional and aesthetic states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the functional components from the main display body by providing them with independent movable structures. Each component (web camera, Type-C connector, HDMI connector) has its own retractable mechanism, allowing them to be separated in function while integrated in form when retracted.
2Adaptability or versatility
If web cameras and electrical connectors are installed on the top or front surface of the image display device, then the functionality is improved, but visual interference is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The components are designed with movable structures that allow them to change position between protruding (functional) and retracted (aesthetic) states. This dynamic capability enables the device to adapt between functionality and visual clarity based on usage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful visual interference effect is extracted by removing the functional components from the visible surface when not in use. The components are taken out from the aesthetic field while remaining available in the functional field, separating the two conflicting requirements.
3Ease of operation
If traditional connection methods are used for web cameras and electrical connectors, then the ease of operation is improved, but the lifespan and operation performance are reduced due to friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces balls as intermediary elements between the movable functional components and the fixed frame. These balls serve as mediators that enable smooth movement while minimizing direct contact and friction between the component structures, thereby extending lifespan and improving operation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sliding or hinged connection systems with a ball-based movement mechanism. This substitution reduces friction and wear by converting sliding friction into rolling contact, significantly improving the reliability and lifespan of the movable components.
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
The retractable assembly increases the lifespan and operation performance of the display device by reducing friction and providing an aesthetically pleasing design by allowing components to be hidden when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
the movable frame is connected to the fixed frame only via balls, the friction between the movable frame and the fixed frame is small
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable assembly includes a fixed frame, a movable frame and a plurality of first balls. The fixed frame has an accommodation portion and a plurality of guiding portions. The guiding portions are connected to the accommodation portion. The movable frame is at least partially located in the accommodation portion. The first balls are movably located in the guiding portions, and the movable frame is connected to the fixed frame via the first balls.