Rotatable Display Arm Assembly for Near-Zero Torque Motion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices with adjustable arms lack a mechanism to provide a seamless and effortless rotation experience, often resulting in a noticeable torque and weight during adjustments, which can be cumbersome for users.

Innovation Solution

The device incorporates a base assembly with a processor, an arm assembly, and a display assembly that utilize biasing elements such as springs and crankshafts to counterbalance the weight of the display, allowing for nearly net-zero torque throughout the range of travel, enabling effortless rotation and maintaining orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If biasing elements such as springs and crankshafts are used to counterbalance the display weight, then the user experiences effortless rotation with nearly net-zero torque, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay rotation effortVSAvoidmechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies counterbalance springs and crankshaft mechanisms to generate opposing torque that neutralizes the display's weight torque throughout its rotation range. The springs are positioned and tensioned to provide compensating force as the display moves through different angles, creating a near-net-zero torque experience for the user while adjusting the display position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Ease of operation

If the device provides nearly net-zero torque throughout the range of travel, then the user experiences a weightless feeling during adjustments, but the biasing elements require precise calibration to maintain balance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweightless experienceVSAvoidbiasing element calibration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs adjustable calibration mechanisms for the biasing elements, allowing the torque characteristics of the springs to be fine-tuned. By modifying parameters such as spring tension, pre-load, and engagement points, the system can be calibrated to achieve optimal counterbalancing across the display's rotation range, ensuring consistent weightless experience while accommodating manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If the arm assembly is designed to handle high touch forces and user leaning, then the device becomes more robust, but the torque requirements increase making adjustment more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch force handlingVSAvoiddisplay adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The biasing elements are specifically designed to counterbalance not only the display's weight but also the additional forces generated during user interaction. The crankshaft and spring system generates compensating torque that offsets both the gravitational torque from the display weight and the operational torque from user touch forces and leaning, maintaining ease of adjustment even under load.

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

This solution provides a weightless experience to the user during adjustments, allowing for effortless rotation and maintaining the display's orientation, while also ensuring robustness to handle high touch forces and user leaning without damage.

Implementation Method 1

The device incorporates a base assembly with a processor, an arm assembly, and a display assembly that utilize biasing elements such as springs and crankshafts to counterbalance the weight of the display

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

biasing elements such as springs and crankshafts to counterbalance the weight of the display

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3443433B1Device with a rotatable display
Publication Date: 2022.04.27 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3443433B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3443433B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3443433B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

The description relates to devices, such as computing devices having displays that can be rotated through a range of travel. The device can counter-balance the display to create a near weightless feel for the user when repositioning the display.