Modular Flexible Display System for Non-Planar Surfaces

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing large-scale visual display systems face challenges in mounting on non-planar structural features without compromising structural integrity, and in creating seamless, uniform viewing planes on irregular surfaces like building columns and beams, due to thickness and uneven mounting surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A modular flexible convex display system comprising display modules with light emitting elements on a flexible substrate, assembled onto support frames that allow for uniform spacing and alignment, enabling installation and servicing from the viewing side, and using magnetic or mechanical retention means for secure attachment without penetrating load-bearing structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If display systems are mounted on non-planar structural features like building columns and beams, then the display can be installed on existing structures, but the structural integrity may be compromised due to penetration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting capability on existing structuresVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical penetration mounting with magnetic mounting systems. The display modules use magnetic retention mechanisms that attach to the surface of load-bearing structures without penetrating them, thereby maintaining structural integrity while achieving mounting on existing buildings and structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The display system uses flexible display modules with thin construction that can conform to non-planar surfaces. These flexible, thin-film displays can be mounted on curved columns and irregular surfaces using non-penetrating methods, adapting to the existing structure without compromising it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If display modules are assembled on irregular surfaces, then the display can accommodate building features, but achieving uniform spacing and seamless appearance becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of irregular surfacesVSAvoiduniform spacing of light emitting elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The display system is divided into modular display units that can be independently positioned and adjusted. Each module contains its own light emitting elements arranged in precise patterns, and the modular nature allows for adjustment to maintain uniform spacing across irregular surfaces while achieving a seamless overall appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system incorporates adjustable and dynamic positioning mechanisms that allow display modules to be fine-tuned during installation. This enables precise alignment and uniform spacing of light emitting elements even when mounted on irregular building surfaces, ensuring a seamless visual appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If traditional mounting methods are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation and servicing become difficult from the viewing side

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidinstallation and servicing accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional mounting approach by enabling installation and servicing from the front viewing side rather than requiring access from the rear. The magnetic and mechanical retention systems are designed to be operated from the visible face, allowing technicians to install, adjust, and maintain displays without needing to access the building structure from behind the display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 creates a seamless, uniform visual effect by maintaining consistent spacing between light emitting elements across multiple modules, allowing for easy installation and servicing while avoiding structural compromise, and accommodating irregular surfaces without visible gaps or overlaps.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of magnetic couplers attached to the display module and disposed to engage at least a portion of the support frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12193171B2Seamless curved display system and methods

Publication Date: 2025.01.07 NANOLUMENS ACQUISITION INC

AI summary

Display modules have a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in a predetermined pattern and providing a highly uniform visual effect. Methods are provided to support a plurality of flexible display modules in an adjustable curved arrangement. Alignment and complementary alignment features enable the alignment of adjacent display modules and the creation of large displays from a plurality of aligned display modules. Features to couple to and retain a support frame are provided. Flexible and durable weather resistance features are provided. A system of modular support frames works cooperatively with the display modules, adapting to different mounting environments, and thereby providing large modular displays with desirable properties.