Magnetic Interconnected Display Panels for Gapless Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable exhibit displays face challenges in seamlessly interconnecting multiple thin display panels without gaps or overlap, particularly with foam core boards, which restrict efficient image size and message mixing due to their thinness and limited interchangeability of printed sides.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves foam core display panels with strategically placed pockets for permanent magnets, allowing magnetic coupling along lengthwise edges with adjustable polarity for gapless and overlap-free interconnection, enabling flexible orientation and combination of panels for a seamless display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If thin foam core boards are used for display panels, then the display is easily printed upon and cost-effective, but the thinness restricts the ability to efficiently interconnect multiple panels without gaps or overlap

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost-effectiveness and printabilityVSAvoidinterconnection precision without gaps or overlap

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The display system is divided into multiple thin foam core board panels, each independently manufacturable and printable. The segmentation allows flexible arrangement while maintaining cost-effectiveness, and when combined with magnetic coupling, achieves gapless interconnection despite the thinness of individual panels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Magnetic coupling mechanisms serve as an intermediary between thin foam core boards, enabling precise alignment and gapless interconnection. The magnetic force provides the necessary holding strength to maintain precise positioning without requiring thick structural support, thus resolving the contradiction between thin panel design and interconnection precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If multiple poster boards are positioned adjacent to each other, then the display can be assembled, but the boards are easily disturbed to reveal seams or gaps between adjacent boards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly capabilityVSAvoidstability against disturbance and seam visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical connection system (adhesives, clips, or mechanical fasteners) is replaced with a magnetic coupling system. The magnetic field provides continuous attractive force that maintains panel alignment and prevents disturbance, eliminating visible seams while preserving ease of assembly and reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism transitions from passive mechanical contact to active magnetic attraction. This parameter change in the interaction force between panels provides continuous stabilization, preventing disturbance and maintaining seamless appearance while keeping assembly simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If the polarity of magnets is strategically chosen for magnetic coupling, then panels can be aligned precisely without gaps, but the device complexity increases due to magnet placement and orientation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precision without gapsVSAvoidmagnet placement and polarity configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic coupling system employs asymmetric polarity arrangement where adjacent magnets have alternating North-South orientations. This asymmetric configuration creates directional magnetic attraction that naturally guides panel alignment, achieving precise gapless positioning while the systematic pattern keeps the complexity manageable through repetition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the panel edges have locally optimized magnet configurations with specific polarities tailored to achieve precise alignment in different directions. This local quality approach allows precise control over panel positioning while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular repetition of the local pattern.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 approach allows for seamless and cost-effective interconnection of multiple display panels, enabling larger images, mixed message display, and precise alignment without gaps or overlaps, enhancing the visual impact and versatility of portable exhibit displays.

Implementation Method 1

The permanent magnets are held in place in the pocket with an adhesive. The polarity of the magnets used and orientation of the poles may be strategically chosen dependent upon the display requirements.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

the matching north and south edges of multiple boards may easily align and couple the board together without a gap or overlap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11037474B2Magnetic interconnected display panels

Publication Date: 2021.06.15 VOMELA SPECIALTY CO

AI summary

A panel board display system is described that includes a plurality of thin interconnected display panels. The interconnected display panels are capable of interconnecting at a lengthwise edge of each panel without overlap. The interconnected display panels are easily coupled together magnetically and may be coupled in multiple varied orientations utilizing various combinations of the front and back of each panel.