Retractable Desk Screen Tilt Mechanism for Leg-Space Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing retractable screen devices for desks either invade leg-space when in the concealed position or lack desired tilt when in use, and their lids can cause scratches and visibility issues.

Innovation Solution

A retractable screen device that uses a combination of vertical translation and rotation to achieve a tilted working position while minimizing space usage, with a lid mechanism that retracts smoothly and remains hidden, avoiding contact with the screen frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the screen is housed in a vertical position below the desk surface, then the screen is protected and space is optimized, but the leg-space under the table is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidleg-space
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The screen housing is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The housing can tilt forward to a horizontal position when the screen is in use, and return to a vertical position when retracted, optimizing leg-space during retracted state while providing proper viewing angle during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The solution moves the housing from a fixed vertical orientation to a multi-oriented structure that can pivot between vertical and horizontal positions, utilizing the third dimension (rotation/pivoting) to resolve the space conflict.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the screen is tilted at an angle for comfortable viewing, then the viewing angle is optimized, but the housing occupies more space under the table

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing angleVSAvoidspace under table
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The housing dynamically changes orientation based on screen position. When the screen is retracted, the housing returns to vertical position minimizing space occupation. When the screen is deployed, the housing tilts forward to provide the optimal viewing angle, thus resolving the contradiction between viewing comfort and space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the lid is hinged to the desk and opens when the screen emerges, then the opening is closed when screen is hidden, but the lid contacts the screen frame causing scratches and friction noises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection when hiddenVSAvoidscratches and friction noises
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is extracted from the traditional hinged configuration and repositioned to pivot on an axle located on the screen frame itself rather than on the desk. This extraction changes the reference point of rotation, allowing the lid to clear the screen frame during opening and closing operations, eliminating contact-related damage and noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of operation

If the lid is visible when the screen is in working position, then the mechanism is functional, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanism functionalityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is designed to dynamically change its position based on screen operation. When the screen is retracted, the lid closes over the opening providing a clean aesthetic appearance. When the screen is deployed, the lid automatically opens to allow screen emergence, thus maintaining both aesthetics and functionality through dynamic adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2289367B1Tilting, retractable screen device for tables
Publication Date: 2014.10.29 ALBIRAL DISPLAY SOLUTIONS
  • EP2289367B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1e
  • EP2289367B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2289367B1 patent drawingFigure 2c~2d

AI summary

A retractable tilted screen (2) device (1) for desks (3), comprising means for guiding the screen between a substantially vertical concealed position (A) wherein the screen (2) is located below the surface of the desk (3) and a working position (B) wherein the screen (2) protrudes beyond the surface, wherein the guide means are configured to guide the desk in a movement that takes the screen from the concealed position (A) to a working position (B) that is tilted with respect to the surface of the desk (3), said movement being formed by a vertical translation (4) until the screen (2) protrudes noticeably above the surface followed by a rotation (5) that takes the screen to the working position so it can be used in a tilted position but remains in a vertical position when stored.