Display Device Screwless Latch Assembly Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing display device assembly process is lengthy and prone to fastener damage due to the use of multiple screws, which complicates the attachment and detachment of the back cover to the module cover, leading to potential breakage and foreign matter issues.

Innovation Solution

A display device design that fastens the back cover to the module cover via a PCB plate without screws, utilizing latches and a supporting column for enhanced rigidity and heat dissipation through a heat dissipation matrix and air gap between the PCB plate and module cover.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If screws are used to fasten the back cover to the module cover, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly process becomes lengthy and fasteners are prone to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly process time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the screw fasteners from the assembly system entirely, extracting the problematic element that caused both time loss and damage risks. The back cover is instead attached directly to the module cover through friction fit and structural interlocking, eliminating the need for separate fastening components and significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The PCB plate serves as an intermediary structural element that provides mounting positions for the back cover. By utilizing the PCB plate's existing structure and mounting holes, the design creates natural attachment points that eliminate the need for additional screws, streamlining the assembly process while ensuring secure connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple fastening parts including screws are used, then the connection reliability is improved, but the risk of fastener breakage and foreign matter contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidfastener damage and foreign matter
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By completely removing screws and separate fastening parts from the system, the patent eliminates the source of fastener breakage and foreign matter contamination. The screwless design ensures that no fastening components can be lost or left as foreign matters in the module cover during assembly or disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the structural support function and the fastening function into a single integrated design. The PCB plate and module cover work together as a unified structure where the back cover attaches directly, combining multiple functions into fewer components and eliminating the need for separate fastening parts that could cause reliability issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If a screwless latch system is used to simplify assembly, then the assembly process is simplified and fastener damage is prevented, but the rigidity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidstructural rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the structural support function and the fastening function into a single integrated design. The PCB plate and module cover work together as a unified structure where the back cover attaches directly, combining multiple functions into fewer components and eliminating the need for separate fastening parts that could cause reliability issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs curved or angled surface designs on the latch components to enhance the mechanical interlocking effect. By optimizing the geometry of the latch surfaces, the design achieves both easy operation and sufficient rigidity through improved contact area and force distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP3488604B1Display device
Publication Date: 2022.06.15 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3488604B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3488604B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3488604B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device is disclosed. The display device may comprise a display panel; a module cover positioned at a rear of the display panel; a plate fastened to a rear of the module cover; and a back cover coupled with the plate, wherein the plate includes: a body facing the rear of the module cover; and a protrusion projecting from the body, the protrusion which is space apart from the module cover, wherein the back cover includes: a side wall formed on an side of the back cover; and a latch projecting from an inner side of the side wall, the latch which is inserted into between the protrusion and the module cover.