Self-Balancing Flat Panel Mounting With Center-of-Gravity Pivot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flat panel display mounting systems are limited by their inability to provide easy, low-cost, and maintenance-free adjustability, often requiring two people to adjust the angle and are not economically viable for high degrees of positioning flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A self-balancing mounting system that positions a flat panel display about a horizontal axis near its center of gravity, using a curved guide structure and follower mechanism to allow virtually infinite adjustability with minimal effort, enabling single-person operation and reduced frictional resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If friction based devices or mechanical latches are used to hold flat panel displays, then the display can be positioned at various angles, but one person cannot easily adjust the display due to the substantial weight and resistance of the positioning device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principles by positioning the pivot axis through the center of gravity of the display assembly. This creates a balanced system where the display's weight is counteracted by its own gravitational force around the pivot point, enabling easy one-person adjustment without requiring additional motorized or friction-based resistance mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple joints are added to increase display position adjustability, then the degree of freedom increases, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the adjustment functionality into two independent single-axis rotation capabilities: vertical tilt adjustment and horizontal swivel adjustment. Each axis is implemented with a simple pivot joint, avoiding the need for complex multi-degree-of-freedom joints while achieving comprehensive display positioning flexibility
3Ease of operation
If mechanical linkages with springs are used for positioning, then the display can be balanced and positioned easily, but the manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-balancing mechanism where the display interface is designed with a pivot axis passing through the center of gravity of the display assembly. This allows the display's own weight to automatically balance it at any angular position without requiring external springs, motors, or active control systems, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
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
The system allows for easy, single-person adjustment of flat panel displays in a virtually infinite number of positions with minimal effort, maintaining balance and reducing the need for locking mechanisms, making it suitable for heavy displays.
Implementation Method 1
a display interface adapted to receive the flat panel display so that the flat panel display and the display interface together define a center of gravity
Implementation Method 2
The display interface has a first curved guide structure defined therein. The first curved guide structure has a substantially constant radius of curvature with a center disposed proximate the center of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A self-balanced adjustable mounting system for a flat panel display. When a flat panel display is attached to the mounting system, the display is adapted to revolve about a substantially horizontal axis extending proximate a center of gravity of the display. The system may be self-balancing at a plurality of locations about the axis.