Multi-Axis Display Support Structure for Orientation Reconfiguration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support structures for flat panel display devices lack the ability to adjust multiple displays in various orientations and configurations without disassembly, limiting user flexibility in aligning and positioning them for optimal viewing.

Innovation Solution

A support structure that allows for adjustable positioning of flat panel display devices along multiple axes, enabling configurations such as horizontal and vertical alignments, landscape and portrait orientations, and tilting, without requiring disassembly of the devices or the structure, using a combination of arms, brackets, and axis couplings with friction, spring, and detent devices for precise control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing support structures are used for flat panel display devices, then the devices can be supported in fixed positions, but the ability to adjust multiple displays in various orientations and configurations without disassembly is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of display orientations and configurationsVSAvoidcomplexity of support structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple independent adjustable components: individual display mounts, separate positioning mechanisms for each display, and modular connection elements. This segmentation allows each display to be adjusted independently while maintaining overall structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms including rotatable joints, telescopic arms, and movable mounting positions that allow the displays to be reconfigured between horizontal and vertical alignments without disassembly. These dynamic elements enable continuous adjustment while maintaining structural coherence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If fixed support structures are used, then the structure is simple and stable, but reconfiguration between horizontal and vertical alignments requires disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of reconfigurationVSAvoidtime required for reconfiguration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure employs dynamic joints and movable connections that enable reconfiguration between horizontal and vertical alignments through simple mechanical movements rather than disassembly. Rotatable connection points and adjustable mounting positions allow rapid reconfiguration, eliminating time loss while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The structure allows continuous change of geometric parameters including angles, positions, and orientations of the displays. By adjusting these parameters through mechanical means rather than disassembly, the system achieves easy reconfiguration without time penalty, transforming fixed-geometry support into variable-geometry support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adjustment mechanisms are added to achieve various orientations, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of adjustable orientationsVSAvoidnumber of adjustment mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure uses universal joint designs and multi-functional connection elements that can accommodate multiple orientations and configurations. Each adjustment mechanism serves multiple purposes: positioning, orienting, and securing displays in various alignments. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of mechanisms needed while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple adjustment functions are merged into integrated components. For example, a single mounting mechanism combines rotation, telescoping, and locking functions. The connection elements between supports and displays integrate multiple degrees of freedom into unified structures, reducing overall complexity while achieving comprehensive adjustability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7995332B2Support structure for two or more flat panel devices

Publication Date: 2011.08.09 BLOOMBERG FINANCE LP

AI summary

A support structure for at least two flat panel display devices that permits adjustment of the at least two display devices in or about one or more axes, and a display system including such support structure and display devices while maintaining a constant space between the display devices in various configurations, alignments and orientations of the display devices. Such support structure, as provided in accordance with embodiments of the invention, provides for configuration of the at least two display devices, in a plurality of alignments in which fronts of the two display devices are generally aligned in a plane, for viewing together. Embodiments of the support structure provide for the two display devices to be positioned in a landscape and/or portrait configuration. Embodiments of the support structure provide for repositioning the display devices between horizontally and vertically-aligned configurations without disassembling the support structure itself and without disassembling either or both of the two display devices from the support structure.