Modular Display Tile Connector Units for Normal Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular electronic display systems face challenges in securely attaching and electrically connecting discrete display tiles to form large composite displays, often requiring mechanical fastening and separate wiring harnesses, which can be cumbersome and limit flexibility in orientation and installation.

Innovation Solution

The system employs display tiles with onboard electronics and connector units that allow tiles to abut conformally, providing redundant electrical connectivity and enabling easy installation and removal by moving tiles normal to the display face, using biscuit-type or hub-type connector units that align and connect tiles without the need for specific rotational orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical fastening and separate wiring harnesses are used to connect display tiles, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome installation and orientation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines mechanical attachment and electrical connection functions into a single integrated connector interface. The connector includes both mechanical fastening elements and electrical contacts that engage simultaneously when display tiles are joined, eliminating the need for separate wiring harnesses and mechanical fasteners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical attachment, electrical connectivity, and alignment guidance. The universal interface allows the same connector design to be used across different tile positions and orientations, simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If specific rotational orientation is required for electrical connectors, then electrical connectivity is ensured, but ease of operation and adaptability worsen due to limited installation flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidinstallation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connector incorporates asymmetric alignment features such as tapered guides or keyed interfaces that automatically orient the connector during installation. This asymmetric design ensures proper electrical contact while eliminating the need for precise manual alignment, allowing installation from multiple directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring the installer to align connectors in a specific orientation, the connector design inverts the approach by having the connector itself guide the alignment through its asymmetric geometry. The installation process becomes orientation-agnostic as the connector automatically finds its correct position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Stability of the object's composition

If display tiles are securely attached to support structures, then structural stability is improved, but ease of repair and adaptability worsen due to difficulty in removal and reconfiguration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidtile removal ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical connector employs dynamic fastening mechanisms such as snap-fit elements, cam locks, or bayonet connectors that provide secure attachment during operation but allow for tool-free or simple manual release. This dynamic design enables tiles to be firmly held during display operation yet easily removed for maintenance or reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If separate wiring harnesses are used for electrical connection, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but device complexity and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates electrical contacts directly into the mechanical connector structure. When the connector engages to attach display tiles, the electrical contacts simultaneously establish electrical connectivity, eliminating the need for separate wiring harnesses and reducing installation steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9864561B2Devices for creating mosaicked display systems, and display mosaic systems comprising same

Publication Date: 2018.01.09 H2VR HOLDCO INC

AI summary

Discrete electronic modules, such as display tiles, designed and configured to be mosaicked and operatively connected with one another and/or to one or more differing types of discrete electronic modules. In some embodiments, the electronic modules are electrically connected together using electrical connector units that are separate and distinct from the electronic modules. In some embodiments, the connector units are connector biscuits. In some embodiments, the connector units are hub connectors. Connector units of the present disclosure can be designed and configured to allow an electronic module connected thereby and part of a panel of display tiles to be installed and removed by moving the module only in a direction normal to a viewing face of the panel at that module.