Modular Split Flap Wheel Display With Motor-Driven Rotation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital and traditional signage systems are limited in the type and nature of content they can display, and face challenges in transferring power and information over distances, restricting their flexibility and versatility.

Innovation Solution

A modular split flap display system where a wheel with inward-facing gear teeth and hinged flaps rotates to display alphanumeric characters and graphics, with a motor-driven mechanism that changes the visible flaps to show different characters, allowing for dynamic content display and modular connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing digital signage or traditional signage is used, then power and information can be transferred over distances, but the type and nature of content that can be displayed is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetype and nature of content displayVSAvoidcontent flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The display system is divided into multiple independent flap modules, each capable of displaying individual characters or symbols. These modular units can be arranged in sequences to form complete messages, allowing flexible content configuration without limiting the type of information that can be displayed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flaps are designed to be dynamically rotatable, allowing the display to transition between different characters and content types. The mechanical rotation mechanism enables the same physical structure to present varied information, enhancing content versatility while maintaining a compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing displays are designed as entire static units, then structural stability is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay configuration flexibilityVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The display system is divided into multiple independent flap modules, each capable of displaying individual characters or symbols. These modular units can be arranged in sequences to form complete messages, allowing flexible content configuration without limiting the type of information that can be displayed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each flap module is designed as a universal unit that can display any character or symbol by rotating to the appropriate position. This multi-functional design allows the same module to serve multiple display purposes, enhancing flexibility while maintaining structural consistency through standardized module design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If power and information transfer over distances is limited, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to create modular interconnected displays is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodular connectivityVSAvoidpower and information transfer system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display system is divided into multiple independent flap modules, each capable of displaying individual characters or symbols. These modular units can be arranged in sequences to form complete messages, allowing flexible content configuration without limiting the type of information that can be displayed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary components such as power transfer mechanisms and communication interfaces that enable modular units to connect and exchange information over distances. These intermediaries facilitate modular connectivity while managing the complexity of power and data transmission between distributed display elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enables flexible and dynamic display of various content types, including text and graphics, with modular units that can be uniquely designed and connected to digital sources, enhancing the range of display options and versatility.

Implementation Method 1

driving a motor located within a wheel of a housing of the split flap wheel module, resulting in a drive output; and, in response to the drive output of the motor, rotating the wheel about an axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11620925B2Modular split and/or flap displays and associated interfaces and communications

Publication Date: 2023.04.04 VESTABOARD INC

AI summary

Methods, devices, and split flap wheel apparatuses that can display alphanumeric characters, messages, and graphics are provided. For example, one or more embodiments described herein can comprise a split flap wheel apparatus, comprising: a housing adapted to rotate about a center axis; flaps hingeably coupled, via hinges, to the housing that rotate externally to the housing with rotation of the housing; and a motor disposed within the housing that drives the rotation of the housing. One or more embodiments described herein can comprise a device comprising: a housing with at least one opening; a wheel within the housing; a group of hinged flaps affixed to an outside surface of the wheel along a circumference of the wheel; and a motor disposed within the wheel that operates to spin the wheel by the fixed amount of angular rotation.