Flat panel display retainers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display screen mounts fail to prevent tipping over under significant forces, such as during an earthquake, and require tool-based installation that can damage the screen or furniture.
Innovation Solution
A mount or anchor system using a retainer and fastener that secures the feet of a display screen to a horizontal surface, preventing tipping by conforming to the shape of the foot and using flexible materials to blend in with the screen's appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing strapping systems are used to prevent display screens from tipping forward, then the display screen is secured against forward tipping, but the system requires tool-based installation that may damage the display screen and furniture, and cannot prevent backward tipping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical screw-and-strap system with an adhesive-based mounting system. The retainer is attached to the furniture surface using adhesive material, eliminating the need for screws, bolts, or other mechanical fasteners that could damage the furniture or display screen. This substitution maintains the anti-tipping function while removing the harmful installation effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces adhesive material as an intermediary between the retainer base and the furniture surface. This adhesive layer provides a secure bonding mechanism without requiring penetration or mechanical attachment that could cause damage. The adhesive serves as a gentle yet effective mediator that achieves reliable attachment while protecting both the furniture and display screen from damage.
2Ease of operation
If existing feet of display screen are used, then the display screen can be placed upon horizontal surfaces, but the feet are too small to prevent the display screen from tipping over under significant forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the anti-tipping function into separate components: the existing feet remain for support and placement, while the retainer system is added as a separate functional element. This segmentation allows the display screen to maintain its original placement capability through the feet while gaining enhanced security against tipping through the retainer attached to the furniture surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the anti-tipping solution by attaching the retainer to the furniture surface rather than relying solely on the vertical support provided by the feet. This creates a two-dimensional anchoring system (horizontal attachment to furniture + vertical support from feet) that provides superior stability against significant forces while preserving the original ease of placement.
3Reliability
If straps are used to prevent display screen from tipping forward, then forward tipping is prevented, but the display screen can still tip backward
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal anti-tipping solution where the retainer, when attached to the furniture surface, provides protection against tipping in multiple directions (forward, backward, and sideways). The retainer acts as a multi-directional anchor point that secures the display screen regardless of the tipping direction, making the system versatile and adaptable to various tipping scenarios rather than being limited to forward tipping only.
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
Effectively secures display screens and other objects to surfaces, preventing tipping without damaging the screen or furniture, and allowing easy installation and removal.
Implementation Method 1
The base may be secured to the surface with an adhesive material
Implementation Method 2
At least the top of the retainer may be flexible. At least the top of the retainer may stretch. In some embodiments, at least the top of retainer may conform to a shape of at least part of an end portion of a foot that has been introduced into the elongated receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
A mount has a configuration that holds the feet of a display screen, such as a television or another flat panel display, in place on a substantially horizontally oriented surface that supports the display screen. Such a mount may include a retainer and a fastener. The retainer receives an end portion of the foot of the display screen, while the fastener secures the retainer in place on the surface that supports the display screen. The retainer may include a base and a top, where the top can define an adjustable receptacle. The receptacle may receive and optionally engage the end portion of the foot of the display screen. Methods for preventing display screens that rest upon substantially horizontally oriented surfaces are also disclosed.