Display Rotation Mechanism With Shifting Pivot and Torque Balance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional display supports for large format computing devices face challenges in smoothly transitioning between landscape and portrait orientations due to cumbersome adjustments, potential hazards, and interference with pass-through cables, resulting in an inconsistent user experience.

Innovation Solution

A connection mechanism that enables a display to rotate and translate relative to a support surface, utilizing a dynamic center of rotation and counterbalancing springs to match gravitational torque with spring torque, reducing net torque and minimizing cable interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a conventional display support with fixed center of rotation is used, then the structure is simple, but the cable interference increases and the rotation smoothness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidcable interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic center of rotation mechanism where the center of rotation shifts position during the rotation process. The connection mechanism includes a moving component that allows the display to rotate around different pivot points at different stages of rotation, rather than a fixed pivot point. This dynamic adjustment reduces cable interference and improves rotation smoothness by adapting the rotation path to the cable layout and gravitational forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a connection mechanism with shifting center of rotation is implemented, then the cable interference is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable interferenceVSAvoidconnection mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates counterbalancing springs that provide a counterbalancing force to offset the gravitational torque on the display during rotation. The springs are configured to apply force at strategic points to create a counterbalancing moment that compensates for the weight of the display, making the rotation smoother and reducing the effort required to change orientations. This counterbalancing mechanism works in conjunction with the shifting center of rotation to achieve smooth rotation while managing the increased structural complexity.

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

3Ease of operation

If counterbalancing springs are added to match gravitational torque, then the rotation smoothness is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation smoothnessVSAvoidconnection mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent carefully optimizes the spring parameters including spring constant, pre-load, and attachment point positions to achieve the desired counterbalancing effect. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves smooth rotation with minimal user effort. The spring configuration is designed to provide the necessary counterbalancing force throughout the rotation range, with the spring force and leverage arm length being tuned to match the gravitational torque profile of the specific display model.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If the center of rotation is shifted during rotation, then the gravitational torque is better balanced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque balancingVSAvoidcenter of rotation positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism employs a dynamic center of rotation design where the pivot point shifts position during rotation through a carefully designed mechanical path. The mechanism includes guide rails, cam surfaces, or linkage geometry that automatically shifts the rotation center as the display moves through different angles. This dynamic approach allows the system to achieve better torque balancing without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on fixed pivot points, as the shifting mechanism itself accommodates normal manufacturing variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 provides a balanced and weightless feel during rotation, ensuring a consistent user experience by closely matching gravitational and spring torques, thus enhancing usability and reducing mechanical interference.

Implementation Method 1

a set of springs to provide a spring torque that counterbalances a gravitational torque exerted by the display

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring torque: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a set of springs to provide a spring torque that counterbalances a gravitational torque exerted by the display

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitational torque: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3994385B1Multi-position display with an unfixed center of rotation
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3994385B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3994385B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3994385B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device for supporting an electronic display includes a support surface, a display mount configured to be coupled to a display, and a connection mechanism to connect the display mount to the support surface. The connection mechanism is configured to enable a rotation of the display mount between a first position and a second position. The device also includes a set of springs to provide a spring torque that counterbalances a gravitational torque exerted by the display. The connection mechanism causes a translation of the center point of the display relative to the support surface in concert with the rotation. The connection mechanism also causes the center of rotation of the display to shift during the rotation.