Four-Bar TV Wall Mount for Eye-Level Fireplace Viewing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Tilting wall mounts and full motion wall mounts often result in televisions being installed at heights that are not conducive to comfortable viewing, especially when placed above fireplaces, as they are typically higher than a sitting viewer's eye level, limiting the viewing experience.
Innovation Solution
A wall mount system featuring a linkage assembly with a low-profile stowed configuration that allows for manual or automatic adjustment of a television's position, including tilting and swiveling, to bring the screen closer to the viewer's eye level, utilizing a four-bar linkage mechanism and counterbalance system for controlled movement and locking mechanisms for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a tilting wall mount or full motion wall mount is installed above a fireplace, then the television can be positioned at a high location to keep it out of the way when stowed, but the television becomes much higher than a sitting viewer's eyes, resulting in uncomfortable viewing
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system employs a linkage assembly with multiple degrees of freedom that allows the television to be dynamically positioned between a high stowed location and a low viewing location. The mechanism transforms the static high-mounted position into a dynamically adjustable position, enabling the TV to move from above the fireplace to eye-level while maintaining viewing comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
A counterbalance mechanism is integrated into the mounting system to offset the weight of the television during movement. This counterbalance system enables smooth, controlled lowering of the TV from the high stowed position to the viewing position without requiring excessive manual force, thereby maintaining ease of operation throughout the range of motion.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a tilting wall mount or full motion wall mount is installed above a fireplace, then the television can be held at a raised position, but the center of the screen cannot be level with a viewer's eyes, limiting ideal viewing
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system integrates multiple functions within a single mechanism: it provides secure mounting stability when the TV is in the high stowed position, enables smooth lowering to viewing height, offers tilt adjustment for optimal viewing angles, and includes locking mechanisms to maintain position. This multi-functional design simultaneously achieves stability and adaptability for different viewing scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage assembly provides dynamic adaptability by allowing the television to be positioned at various heights and angles. The mechanism transitions from a fixed stable mounting to a dynamically adjustable system that can accommodate different viewing positions and angles, including lowering to eye level and tilting for optimal viewing geometry.
3Ease of operation
If a linkage assembly is used to lower the television to eye level, then viewing comfort is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system combines multiple functions into an integrated linkage assembly: the lowering mechanism, tilt adjustment, and locking features are merged into a single coordinated system. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and operations needed, thereby managing complexity while achieving improved viewing comfort through eye-level positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The counterbalance mechanism provides self-service by automatically compensating for the television's weight during lowering and positioning. This reduces the manual effort required by the user and simplifies operation, offsetting the increased mechanical complexity with automated weight compensation that makes the system easier to operate.
4Adaptability or versatility
If pivots and swivels are used to provide panning, tilting, and swiveling motion, then adaptability to different viewing positions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage assembly is designed as a multi-functional mechanism that simultaneously provides panning, tilting, and positioning capabilities through coordinated motion of its components. Rather than using separate mechanisms for each degree of freedom, the universal linkage system achieves all viewing position adjustments through an integrated structure, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining full adaptability.
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
Enables comfortable viewing by allowing the television to be positioned closer to the viewer's eye level, maintaining a perpendicular screen orientation regardless of height, and providing adjustable tilt and swivel capabilities to accommodate different viewing positions while maintaining a low-profile aesthetic.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing mechanism can facilitate movement of the object and, in some embodiments, can be in the form of a counterbalance mechanism
Implementation Method 2
The four bar linkage can include a fixed linkage that connects to a main load bearing linkage through a pivot, which connects to an object mounting linkage through a pivot, which connects to an adjustable length linkage through a pivot, which connects back to the fixed linkage through a pivot
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system capable of mounting objects to support structures. The mounting system includes a wall mount including a display bracket configured to hold the object, a fixed support bracket coupleable to a vertical support structure, and a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly has a low-profile stowed configuration in which the object is held in a raised position close to the support structure. The linkage assembly moves to another configuration to move the object. The object can be held in a lowered position. A biasing mechanism can facilitate convenient movement of the object.