Connector Biscuit for Modular Display Tile Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular electronic display systems face challenges in secure and efficient connection of display tiles to support structures and electrical connectivity, often requiring mechanical fastening and separate wiring harnesses, which can be cumbersome and limit flexibility in orientation and arrangement.

Innovation Solution

The use of connector biscuits with recessed receptacles on display tiles allows for secure abutment and electrical connection between tiles, enabling easy formation of display mosaics with flexible alignment and power/signal transmission, using magnetic attraction and various interface points for communication and power transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical fastening and separate wiring harnesses are used to connect display tiles, then secure connection and electrical connectivity are achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome installation and limited flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidconnection structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines mechanical fastening and electrical connection functions into a single integrated connector biscuit. The connector biscuit includes both mechanical engagement features (protrusions fitting into recesses) and electrical contacts (spring-loaded contacts that make electrical connection when engaged), eliminating the need for separate wiring harnesses and mechanical fasteners.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector biscuit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support and positioning, electrical power delivery, data communication, and alignment guidance. This multi-functional design replaces multiple separate components (mechanical fasteners, wiring harnesses, alignment fixtures) with a single universal connector that handles all connection requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate wiring harnesses and electrical connectors are used, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but ease of operation worsens due to requirements for specific rotational orientation and cumbersome wiring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector biscuit employs asymmetric design elements including keyed slots, shaped protrusions, and orientation-specific features that guide proper alignment during installation. These asymmetric features ensure that tiles can only be connected in the correct rotational orientation, preventing misconnection while simplifying the installation process through intuitive alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical wiring harnesses with a streamlined connector biscuit system that uses spring-loaded electrical contacts and magnetic attachment mechanisms. This substitution eliminates the need for manual wire routing and connection, reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If display tiles are secured with mechanical fastening, then structural stability is achieved, but ease of repair worsens due to difficulty in tile removal and replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay mosaic stabilityVSAvoidtile replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The connector biscuit incorporates dynamic elements including spring-loaded electrical contacts that maintain constant electrical pressure, and magnetic attachment mechanisms that provide secure holding force during operation but allow for easy release. This dynamic design ensures stable tile connections during display operation while enabling simple tile removal and replacement for maintenance or reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connector biscuit is designed as a discrete, modular component that can be independently attached to and detached from display tiles. This segmentation allows individual tiles to be removed and replaced without affecting the structural integrity of the entire display mosaic, facilitating easy repair and reconfiguration while maintaining overall system stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 facilitates the creation of seamless and flexible display mosaics with easy installation and removal of tiles, improved alignment, and efficient power and signal distribution, enhancing the visual quality and operational efficiency of modular electronic displays.

Implementation Method 1

using magnetic attraction and various interface points for communication and power transfer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3147770B1Devices for creating mosaicked display systems, and display mosaic systems comprising same
Publication Date: 2022.03.30 H2VR HOLDCO INC
  • EP3147770B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3147770B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3147770B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The invention relates to a display tile designed and configured to abut to a like display tile and to be operatively connected to the like display tile via a connector biscuit so as to form a display mosaic, the display tile comprising: a body having a front side, a backside, and a periphery, wherein, the front side includes a display element; the backside is designed and configured to confront a support structure; the periphery is designed and configured to conformally abut a periphery of the like display tile; and a plurality of recessed receptacles each formed in a recess in the backside along the periphery and designed and configured to conformally receive a portion of the connector biscuit.