Modular Display Couplers for Flexible Desktop Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional flat panel LCD computer monitors have a fixed geometry and real estate, limiting user flexibility and application, as they cannot expand beyond their initial size or display non-rectangular geometries, forcing users to reposition or resize applications to fit within the visible desktop area, making program management cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A modular display system comprising a display monitor and modules with male and female couplers for secure physical and electrical connections, allowing various configurations and indirect connections, merging desktops to create a larger, flexible workspace with non-rectangular geometries, enabling more real estate and customizable screen configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional flat panel LCD monitors are used, then the display has a fixed geometry and size, but the user flexibility and available desktop real estate are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is divided into a main display monitor and multiple independent display modules that can be connected through couplers. Each module has its own desktop real estate, and when connected, the desktops merge to create a larger combined workspace. This segmentation allows users to expand display area by adding modules rather than being constrained to a single fixed-size monitor.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extends the display area beyond the traditional single-monitor boundary by adding spatial dimensions through modular extensions. Display modules can be connected to expand the desktop in multiple directions (left, right, top, bottom), effectively adding dimensional space to the display environment and creating non-rectangular display geometries.
2Area of stationary object
If applications are placed outside the visible desktop area, then more screen real estate can be utilized, but the applications become clipped at the boundaries and require repositioning or resizing
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the display system into multiple modules with individual desktop areas that merge into a unified virtual desktop, applications can be positioned across module boundaries without being clipped. The system manages multiple desktop segments seamlessly, allowing free placement of applications across the extended display area without requiring users to reposition or resize windows to fit within single monitor boundaries.
3Adaptability or versatility
If display modules are connected through couplers, then various configurations and indirect connections are enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The couplers are designed with universal functionality to handle multiple tasks: physical mechanical connection, electrical power transmission, and data signal communication. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components into a single integrated connector, reducing overall system complexity while enabling flexible modular configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of mechanical attachment, electrical power delivery, and data communication into a single integrated coupler interface. By combining these functions rather than using separate connectors for each, the system reduces the number of components and simplifies the connection process while maintaining adaptability for various display configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved computer display device is disclosed. The improved computer display device comprises a display monitor and at least one display module each containing their own desktop real estate and each lined with a series of male and female couplers containing electrical connections is disclosed. When the couplers are connected, they are capable of supporting the weight of the display module when attached to the display monitor. The couplers allow information to be transmitted back and forth between the display module and the display monitor, and allow the modules to be connected in various configurations. The display monitor and display module communication allows the icons, programs, applications and cursor on the desktop to be positioned anywhere on the improved display device.