Rotatable Display Hinge Counterbalance for Effortless Repositioning

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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 weightiness during adjustment, which can be cumbersome for users.

Innovation Solution

The device incorporates a base assembly with a processor and an arm assembly that includes a hinge system with biasing elements, such as springs and crankshafts, to counterbalance the weight of the display, allowing for nearly effortless rotation by distributing torque evenly throughout the range of motion, providing a nearly weightless experience to the user.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a display device uses a traditional adjustable arm mechanism, then the display can be positioned at different angles and locations, but the user experiences noticeable torque and weightiness during adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of display adjustmentVSAvoidtorque during adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a counterbalance mechanism using springs and crankshafts that generate an opposing force to the display weight. The spring force increases as the arm extends, creating a counterbalancing torque that offsets the display's weight, resulting in near-zero net torque throughout the adjustment range and a weightless user experience.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent varies the spring constant and spring pre-load parameters to precisely control the counterbalancing force. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves optimal torque distribution across different arm positions, maintaining effortless adjustability while supporting the display weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the display arm is designed to support the full weight of the display, then structural strength is sufficient, but the adjustment process becomes cumbersome and heavy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strength of arm assemblyVSAvoiduser effort during rotation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The counterbalance mechanism redistributes the weight support function. Instead of the arm alone bearing the full display weight, the spring-based counterbalance system shares the load by generating an opposing torque, reducing the effective weight the user must overcome during adjustment while maintaining structural integrity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static weight-bearing structure to a dynamic counterbalancing system. The spring force dynamically adjusts based on arm position, providing maximum counterbalancing effect when needed and adapting to maintain equilibrium throughout the range of motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the display maintains a fixed orientation during use, then stability is achieved, but the display cannot be easily repositioned

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay orientation stabilityVSAvoidrepositioning capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge mechanism provides dynamic characteristics with low friction and controlled resistance. This allows the display to be easily moved when force is applied while maintaining stable positioning when at rest, achieving both repositioning ease and orientation stability through controlled mechanical dynamics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The friction and resistance parameters of the hinge mechanism are optimized to provide different operational characteristics. The hinge allows smooth movement during repositioning but provides sufficient resistance to maintain stable orientation once positioned, achieving both ease of repositioning and operational stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enables smooth and effortless adjustment of the display, maintaining an orientation unless intentionally moved, with minimal torque felt by the user, even when applying high touch forces, thus enhancing user experience and durability.

Implementation Method 1

a spring configured to exert a spring force on the crankpin to counterbalance the display

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The base sub-assembly includes a crank mechanism with a crankpin that rotates about a crank axis, wherein the crankpin is positioned at an offset distance from the crank axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP3443435B1Device with a rotatable display
Publication Date: 2022.06.08 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3443435B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3443435B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3443435B1 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.