Illuminated Display Suspension Clamps for Variable Width Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing luminous display assemblies that connect all panels to two parallel cables restrict the use of panels with different widths, making them unsuitable for diverse applications.

Innovation Solution

Each display panel includes electrically conductive clamps that can lock cables, allowing for independent connection to an electrical energy source through a transmission device, enabling panels of varying widths to be connected and suspended securely.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If all panels are connected to two parallel cables, then electrical energy distribution is simplified, but panels of different widths cannot be used

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical energy distributionVSAvoidpanel width compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the electrical connection system into multiple independent pathways by introducing clamps at opposite edges of each panel. Each clamp independently locks a cable and transmits electrical energy through the panel via conductive tracks, allowing panels of different widths to be accommodated while maintaining simplified energy distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamps serve multiple functions: they mechanically lock cables to panels, provide electrical connection points, and enable both suspension and power transmission. This multi-functionality allows the same component to adapt to panels of varying widths while maintaining the simplified two-cable architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If panels are suspended from upstream panels using cables, then assembly flexibility is improved, but suspension stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoidsuspension stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the suspension function and electrical connection function into a single integrated system. The cables that provide flexible suspension also serve as electrical conductors, and the clamps that lock the cables simultaneously provide both mechanical support and electrical contact points, achieving both flexibility and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses electrically conductive cables and conductive tracks on panel surfaces to create a composite electrical-mechanical connection system. This allows the suspension structure to simultaneously bear mechanical loads and transmit electrical energy, improving both stability and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

This solution allows for the use of panels with different widths in luminous display assemblies, improving flexibility and stability while maintaining efficient energy transmission and suspension.

Implementation Method 1

each display panel comprises at least two electrically conductive clamps respectively able to lock a cable to said display panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

the transmission device of each display panel comprises an electrically conductive track extending between the two clamps via which the electrical energy passes from one of said clamps to the other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

The cables then serve to distribute the electrical energy to each of the panels and evacuate the electrical energy from the assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP2856461B1Illuminated display unit having suspension clamps
Publication Date: 2017.01.04 VITRINEMEDIA
  • EP2856461B1 patent drawing
  • EP2856461B1 patent drawing
  • EP2856461B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to an illuminated display assembly including at least one electrically conductive cable (14), at least two display panels (12) connected to one another via said at least one cable (14), each display panel (12) including light elements (18), and an electrical power source (16) which supplies electrical power to the light elements (18) of said at least two display panels (12) and which is located upstream from the display panels (12). Two consecutive display panels (12) define an upstream display panel (14) and a downstream display panel (14) relative to the electrical power source (16). Each display panel (12) includes a transmission device (28) for transmitting electrical power through said panel (12) such that a given panel (12) is electrically connected to the electrical power source via the transmission device (28) of the upstream display panel (12).