Display Rotation Locking Mechanism for Stable Orientation Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Some display devices are unable to rotate their content to match the device's orientation, leading to a negative user experience, especially when trying to switch between landscape and portrait modes, and existing solutions like using fasteners are cumbersome and difficult to access.

Innovation Solution

A locking mechanism with a lock block and lever that can be rotated to allow or prevent display rotation, using a removeable cartridge with protrusions to engage or disengage the latch bolt, enabling or disabling rotation, and incorporating a biasing mechanism to facilitate easy switching between locked and unlocked positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to prevent display rotation, then the display remains secure in desired positions, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay position stabilityVSAvoidmounting assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a lock block that rotates with the display, a lever with lock tab that engages with the lock block, and a removable cartridge with protrusions. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while keeping the overall structure manageable and maintainable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking and unlocking functionality is extracted into a removable cartridge that can be independently handled. The cartridge contains protrusions that engage with the lever, allowing the locking mechanism to be activated or deactivated by simply inserting or removing the cartridge, rather than manipulating complex internal components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If fasteners are used to prevent display rotation, then the display remains secure, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome and difficult access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay position stabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lever acts as an intermediary between the cartridge protrusions and the lock block. The lever's lock tab engages with the lock block to prevent rotation, while the cartridge protrusions engage with the lever to move it between locked and unlocked positions. This intermediary mechanism allows easy activation through simple cartridge insertion or removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking functionality is extracted into a removable cartridge that can be easily inserted or removed from the mounting assembly. This eliminates the need to access and manipulate traditional fasteners, as the cartridge itself serves as the locking agent when inserted, and its removal automatically unlocks the display.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the display is locked in fixed positions, then the display remains secure, but the adaptability deteriorates when content rotation is needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay position stabilityVSAvoiddisplay orientation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism transitions from a static fastening system to a dynamic system where the lock block rotates with the display and the lever can be easily moved between engaged and disengaged states. The removable cartridge allows the system to dynamically switch between locked and unlocked states based on whether content rotation is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking engagement is applied locally at specific positions through the lock tab and lock block interaction, rather than constraining the entire display assembly. This localized locking allows the display to be secured at desired positions while maintaining the ability to rotate when unlocked, providing flexibility where needed while ensuring stability when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11086369B2Display rotation locking mechanism
Publication Date: 2021.08.10 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • US11086369B2 patent drawing
  • US11086369B2 patent drawing
  • US11086369B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Examples are disclosed that relate to locking mechanisms, display assemblies, and methods for modifying a mounting assembly of a display assembly to enable rotation of a display. In one example, a locking mechanism comprises a lock block mounted for rotation with the display. The locking mechanism also comprises a lever rotatably coupled to a plate of the mounting assembly. The lever comprises a lock tab that blocks movement of the lock block when the lever is in a locked position and allows movement of the lock block when the lever is in an unlocked position.