Magnetic Mounting Structures for Display Surface Area

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display assemblies face challenges in minimizing the use of external attachment apparatuses for attaching and adjusting display boards to carriers, which wastes display surface area and complicates access for maintenance.

Innovation Solution

The use of internal magnetic mounting structures and biasing elements that can be operated through the display surface, allowing for secure attachment and adjustable z-directional spacing without external components, thereby maximizing the display surface for content.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If external attachment apparatuses are used to attach display boards to carriers, then secure attachment is achieved, but display surface area is wasted and access for maintenance is complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoiddisplay surface area
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic mounting structures are nested within cavities formed in the display board, with front portions extending through the display surface. This nesting approach allows the attachment apparatus to be integrated within the display board structure rather than being external, thereby securing attachment strength while minimizing waste of display surface area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic mounting structures utilize the z-direction (depth dimension) by extending magnetic structures through the display board thickness. This dimensional approach allows attachment functionality to be embedded within the board's depth rather than occupying external surface area, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and display surface utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If external attachment apparatuses are used to attach display boards to carriers, then secure attachment is achieved, but access for maintenance becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic mounting structures are segmented into multiple components: rear portions within cavities, middle portions as bearings, and front portions extending through the display surface. This segmentation allows individual components to be accessed and maintained independently, with front portions providing easy access for tool-based adjustment while rear portions remain secured within the board structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The front portions of the magnetic mounting structures act as intermediaries that extend through the display surface, allowing maintenance tools to access and adjust the magnetic structures without requiring disassembly of the entire display board or carrier attachment. This intermediary structure maintains secure attachment while facilitating easy maintenance access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If magnetic mounting structures are used instead of external attachment apparatuses, then display surface is maximized, but adjustment mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay surface areaVSAvoidmounting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic mounting structures perform multiple functions: providing secure attachment through magnetic force, enabling adjustment through tool interaction with front portions, and serving as structural support elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate external attachment apparatuses and adjustment mechanisms, thereby maximizing display surface area while managing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Shape

If biasing elements are positioned internally within display modules, then seamless display surface is maintained, but access to biasing elements becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay surface continuityVSAvoidbiasing element accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The biasing elements are segmented such that rear portions are positioned internally within display modules to maintain seamless display surface, while front portions extend through the display surface to provide access points. This segmentation allows the display surface to remain visually continuous while enabling maintenance access to the biasing elements through the extended front portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution enables easy access and adjustment of display modules while maintaining a seamless display surface, ensuring efficient use of space and enhancing maintenance accessibility.

Implementation Method 1

The one or more magnetic mounting structures magnetically couple the display module to the support chassis and support a weight of the display module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The first biasing magnet is movable within the cavity between a first position and a second position relative to the display module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic actuation: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3669348B1Display assembly
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 DAKTRONICS INC
  • EP3669348B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3669348B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3669348B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A display assembly includes a display module and a support chassis (14). The display module includes a front major face (28), a plurality of light-emitting elements mounted to the front major face, and a rear major face generally opposing the front major face. The rear major face is mounted to the support chassis (14). The display assembly further includes a first biasing subassembly positioned generally at or proximate to a first biasing location along the front major face, the biasing subassembly. The first biasing subassembly includes a first biasing magnet (80) located within a first cavity in the display module. The first biasing magnet is movable within the cavity between a first position and a second position relative to the display module. The first biasing subassembly further includes a first biasing member (70) extending generally between the front major face and the rear major face.