Motorized Display Pivot for Franking Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing franking machines have displays that can only be pivoted in large steps, leading to an initial inclination angle that may not be user-friendly, and are prone to damage from excessive force during manual adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A smart franking machine with a pivotable display whose inclination angle is controlled by a motor and can be manually adjusted, featuring a self-locking gearbox and overload protection to prevent damage, allowing for precise angle adjustment and user-dependent settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the display is manually adjustable with large pivot steps, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and viewing comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical manual adjustment system with an electromechanical system that includes a motor (230) and gearbox (220) for precise angular positioning, while retaining mechanical elements (pivot axis 202, stops 214, 216) for structural support and range limitation. This substitution enables fine gradation of display inclination without excessive device complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the display housing is firmly arrested, then the stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates when adjustment is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the display housing transitions between fixed and movable states. The arresting device (208, 212) with stops (214, 216) provides firm arrestment during normal operation, while the motor (230) enables controlled movement when adjustment is required. The system adapts its degree of freedom based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a motorized drive system with gearbox as an intermediary between the user's adjustment command and the display housing. This intermediary mechanism allows smooth, controlled movement while maintaining firm positioning when not in use, resolving the contradiction between stability and adjustability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the display can be manually adjusted, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential damage from excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary protective measures through the arresting device (208, 212) with mechanical stops (214, 216) that prevent the display housing from being forced beyond its designed range of motion. These stops are positioned to engage before excessive force can damage the pivot mechanism or display assembly, thereby protecting the system while maintaining adjustability.
4Ease of operation
If the display is held in position by elastic force, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates because the initial state may not correspond to the desired inclination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors detect the display housing position and the controller (204) receives this information to determine when the desired angular position has been reached. The motor (230) is controlled to stop at precise positions defined by mechanical stops (214, 216), ensuring accurate positioning rather than relying solely on elastic force equilibrium.
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 solution enables fine gradation of display inclination, improving user experience by allowing the display to be automatically set to a desired angle based on the operator, reducing the risk of damage and minimizing light reflections for better viewing.
Implementation Method 1
Upon actuation of the actuation device (e.g. pushbutton), a compression spring is compressed and the arresting device moves out of engagement with the display housing
Implementation Method 2
A screw of a worm gear pair is driven by a motor, which is controlled by a controller via control lines
Implementation Method 3
A screw of a worm gear pair is driven by a motor
Data Source
AI summary
A goods processing apparatus can include a printing device, a pivotable display, a controller, and a sensor. The pivotable display may include a display support, a pivotable display holder, a display housing that houses a display monitor having a display border arranged around the display monitor and a display housing frame that surrounds the display border, and at least one actuation input device configured to manually trigger a motorized pivoting of the display monitor. The sensor detects an angle of inclination of the pivotable display. The controller controls a motor to automatically set a display inclination of the pivotable display based on the detected angle of inclination and a respective operator of the apparatus.