Modular TV Architecture for Selective Screen Upgrades

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-end audio/video entertainment systems become outdated quickly due to rapid advancements in screen and video processing technology, while sound technology advances at a slower pace, making it difficult to justify the expense of upgrading the entire system.

Innovation Solution

A modular audio/video entertainment system comprising a screen unit, loudspeaker unit, and control unit, connected via bracket assemblies that allow for easy assembly and disassembly, enabling the integration of different screen sizes and technologies, with an integrated loudspeaker and control unit for stable sound and picture reproduction, and optional features like Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity for streaming and remote control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the entire audio/video entertainment system is replaced to keep up with rapid screen and video processing technology advancements, then the viewing experience and system quality are improved, but the expense and cost of ownership increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing experience qualityVSAvoidsystem expense
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate functional modules: a screen unit with mounting brackets and a distinct audio unit with loudspeaker transducers and control circuitry. This segmentation allows the screen to be upgraded independently while retaining the audio unit, thereby improving viewing experience without requiring full system replacement and reducing overall expense.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If high-end systems are designed with integrated components for optimal quality, then sound and picture reproduction quality are improved, but the system becomes difficult to upgrade selectively when technology advances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound and picture reproduction qualityVSAvoidupgrade flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the screen unit and audio unit into distinct modules with standardized mounting interfaces. This allows the components to be assembled as an integrated high-end system for optimal quality, while simultaneously enabling selective upgrading of individual modules (such as replacing just the screen or just the audio unit) when technology advances, thus maintaining both quality and upgrade flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If screen and video processing technology is updated frequently to match rapid technological development, then the viewing experience remains current, but the frequency of upgrades increases system cost and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetechnology currencyVSAvoidupgrade frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the system into independent screen and audio modules with standardized mounting brackets, the patent enables selective upgrading of only the screen component when video processing technology advances. This reduces upgrade frequency and system complexity compared to replacing the entire integrated system, while still maintaining current technology currency in the screen portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If the audio system is designed as a separate modular unit with standardized mounting interfaces, then the system becomes easier to assemble and upgrade, but the integration and coherence of the overall design may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoiddesign coherence
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting brackets are designed to be integrated into both the screen unit and audio unit, creating a nested structure where the brackets are contained within each module yet work together to join them. This nesting approach maintains design coherence and visual integration while preserving the modular ease of assembly and upgrade capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3466100B1Modular TV architecture
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 BANG & OLUFSEN AS
  • EP3466100B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3466100B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3466100B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Modular audio/video entertainment system, said system comprising three modules: a screen unit, a loudspeaker unit and a control unit, where means are provided for assembling and disassembling the modules, where said means comprises one or more bracket assemblies, where one end of the one or more bracket assemblies is fastened in the loudspeaker unit, and another end of the one or more bracket assemblies engages means provided on the rear or bottom side of the screen, normally used for the screen's standard table or floor stand or wall mount.