Counterbalance Linkage for Stable Rotatable Display Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rotatable display devices often experience gravitational bias towards specific orientations due to offset centers of mass and rotation, leading to instability and uneven torque requirements during rotation.

Innovation Solution

A counterbalance mechanism comprising crank arms, springs, and connecting links is employed to offset the gravitational bias, providing a consistent counterbalance force that stabilizes the display's rotation and allows for smooth transitions between orientations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the display device is mounted with offset center of mass from center of rotation, then the display can be mounted on various surfaces (wall, desk, floor-stand), but the display experiences gravitational bias towards specific orientations causing instability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting flexibilityVSAvoidrotational stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a counterbalance mechanism comprising springs and linkages that generate counterbalancing torque to offset the gravitational torque caused by the offset center of mass. The springs are positioned and configured to provide upward counterbalancing force that compensates for the gravitational bias, enabling the display to maintain stable equilibrium at various orientations without being pulled towards specific positions by gravity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the center of mass is offset from center of rotation, then mounting versatility is achieved, but uneven torque requirements are created during rotation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting versatilityVSAvoidrotation smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The counterbalance mechanism uses springs configured to provide counterbalancing torque that varies with the display's angular position. As the display rotates, the spring compression and extension automatically adjust the counterbalancing force to match the changing gravitational torque, creating a more uniform torque profile that facilitates smooth rotation without requiring the user to overcome large variations in resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the change in spring compression/extension parameters as the display rotates through different angles. The spring force parameter dynamically changes with angular position, allowing the counterbalancing torque to adapt to the gravitational torque at each orientation, thereby equalizing the total torque requirement throughout the rotation range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If counterbalance mechanism is added to stabilize rotation, then rotational stability and smooth transitions are achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational stabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The counterbalance mechanism employs a relatively simple arrangement of springs and linkages that passively generate counterbalancing torque through mechanical means. This passive mechanical approach avoids the need for complex active control systems, motors, or sensors, achieving rotational stability through straightforward mechanical components that are easy to integrate into the existing display mounting structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 counterbalance mechanism effectively stabilizes the display's rotation, reduces the need for counterweights, and allows for a customizable torque profile, enhancing user experience by ensuring consistent resistance during rotation.

Implementation Method 1

a counterbalance mechanism including at least one spring configured to exert a counterbalance moment on the rotatable display

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

gravitational bias towards specific orientations due to offset centers of mass and rotation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

A counterbalance mechanism comprising crank arms, springs, and connecting links is employed to offset the gravitational bias

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP4031794B1Display with counterbalance mechanism

Publication Date: 2025.06.18 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

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AI summary

Examples are disclosed that relate to display assemblies (100) and counterbalance mechanisms for rotatable displays (102). In one example, a counterbalance mechanism for a rotatable display comprises at least one crank arm rotatably connected to a ground. The counterbalance mechanism also comprises at least one spring comprising a first end connected to a spring end of the at least one crank arm, and a second end connected to the ground. At least one connecting link has a first portion connected to the at least one crank arm and a second portion connected to the rotatable display.