Display Arm Electromagnetic Braking for Touch-Release Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting systems for flat panel displays face challenges in providing a user-controlled locking mechanism that is fast-acting, simple, and inexpensive, with existing solutions often requiring complex mechanics, excessive user effort, or impractical control mechanisms that are difficult to implement and operate.
Innovation Solution
A flat panel display mounting system utilizing an electromagnetic braking system controlled by touch-sensitive zones on or near the display, where electromagnets are directly attracted to a magnetic braking surface, allowing for easy and intuitive user control of friction at pivot points, enabling quick locking and unlocking of the display arms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If friction is added to arm pivot points to hold the display in position, then the display can be kept in desired position, but it becomes more difficult to change the positioning of the screen
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the friction characteristics of the pivot points through electromagnetic actuators. When the display needs to be moved, the electromagnetic force is reduced or removed, temporarily reducing friction to allow easy movement. When positioning is complete, the electromagnetic force is restored to increase friction and hold the display in place. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between stability and ease of repositioning.
2Ease of operation
If a user-controlled locking mechanism is implemented to control friction at pivot points, then the user can control when friction is applied, but the system requires complicated mechanics reducing reliability and increasing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms (such as screws, levers, or linkages) with electromagnetic actuators that directly control the friction elements. The electromagnetic actuators use magnetic fields to apply or release friction forces at the pivot points, eliminating the need for mechanical linkages, cables, or manual adjustment components. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining user control over friction application.
3Extent of automation
If an electromagnetic actuator is used to control the locking mechanism, then the locking can be controlled electrically, but the actuator is slow to respond requiring tactile feedback switches that add complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic actuators are positioned and sized to provide sufficient electromagnetic force directly at the pivot points, eliminating the need for intermediate mechanical transmission components. The actuators are designed with adequate power capacity to quickly overcome static friction and move the display arms, providing fast response times without requiring feedback switches or multi-stage control systems. The direct electromagnetic-to-friction control enables rapid response while maintaining full electrical automation.
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 system provides a fast, simple, and cost-effective means to control the positioning of flat panel displays, reducing unintended movement and enhancing user convenience by allowing easy access to locking controls without complex mechanisms or excessive effort.
Implementation Method 1
The electromagnetic braking system uses one or more electromagnets directly attracted to a pivoting magnetic brake surface
Implementation Method 2
The brake construction is simple, inexpensive and fast acting... create friction thus adding torsional resistance to display arm pivot point
Data Source
AI summary
At least one touch sensitive zone detects user touch on or near a display. The touch sensitive zone triggers one or more electrical brake components that control friction of axial rotation about one or more display arm pivot points. At least one display arm pivot point is non-pivotally attached to at least one arm brake component, and at least one axial brake component is held such that it will not rotate about the axial movement of the display arm. At least one of the brake components will require electrical power to activate. At least one electric circuit is used to control power to the brake component. When the brake component is de-energized the display arm can pivot with reduced torsional resistance. When the brake component is energized it creates friction, thus adding torsional resistance to the display arm pivot point.