Magnetic Display Removal Tool for Bezel-Less Tiled Arrays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for removing displays from tiled display arrangements, such as suction cups and magnetic tools, are either ineffective due to the nature of direct view LEDs or risk damaging the displays, and are not suitable for small-bezel or bezel-less units.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a body, handle, and interface material that provides a high tensile and shear strength bond for secure removal and a low peel strength for easy de-bonding, using micro- or nano-suction materials that leave no residue, and can be configured for specific adhesion and peeling paths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If suction cups are used to remove displays, then the display can be securely held, but the method is ineffective because direct view LEDs have gaps between LED packages that prevent an airtight seal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure holding capabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with direct view LED structures

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical suction-based sealing system with a magnetic attachment system. The magnetic tool uses magnetic fields to hold the display securely without requiring physical contact or sealing against the LED package gaps, thus resolving the contradiction between secure holding and compatibility with direct view LED structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary force between the tool and the display. This magnetic intermediary enables secure attachment without direct mechanical contact, allowing the tool to work effectively with the gap-filled LED package structure that prevents traditional suction sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If magnetic tools are used to remove displays, then the display can be held securely, but the apparatus becomes expensive and heavy due to the number of magnets required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure holding capabilityVSAvoidapparatus weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the magnetic attachment system into multiple independent magnetic elements distributed across the tool surface. This segmentation allows the magnetic force to be distributed over multiple small magnets rather than requiring one large heavy magnet, reducing overall weight while maintaining secure holding capability through cumulative magnetic attraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If physical tools are used to pry or pull displays, then the display can be removed, but there is a high risk of causing damage to the display units

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval capabilityVSAvoiddamage risk to display

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces aggressive mechanical prying and pulling tools with a magnetic attachment system. The magnetic force provides controlled, distributed attraction that holds the display securely during removal without concentrating force at single points that could cause damage, thus enabling easy removal while minimizing harm to the display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If physical tools are used to engage the sides or edges of displays, then the display can be removed, but there is no effective space at the edges for small-bezel or bezel-less display units

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval capabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with small-bezel displays

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from edge-based mechanical engagement to surface-based magnetic attachment. By moving the attachment mechanism from the lateral edges (where small-bezel displays have no space) to the front surface (where magnetic tools can engage), the solution enables removal of small-bezel and bezel-less displays that would be inaccessible to traditional edge-engaging physical tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables secure removal of displays from tiled arrangements without damage, with the ability to selectively de-bond, and is suitable for various display sizes and types, including small-bezel or bezel-less units.

Implementation Method 1

the interface material comprises a micro- or nano-suction material which leaves no residue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicro- or nano-suction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3451318B1Apparatus and method for tiled display removal

Publication Date: 2021.07.14 CHRISTIE DIGITAL SYSTEMS USA INC

Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2

AI summary

An apparatus (100; 200; 300; 350; 4000; 500; 600) for removing a display (10) from a tiled display arrangement (15)is provided. The apparatus includes a body (110), a handle (120) coupled to a first side of the body, and an interface material (130) coupled to the second side of the body. The interface material (130) is configured to temporarily bond to a front surface of the display for removing the display from the tiled display arrangement. The interface material (130) is further configured to selectively de-bond from the front surface of the display. In some implementations, the interface material (130) may be selected to result in a bond with high tensile strength and shear strength, as well as low peel strength. (Fig. 1B)