Movable Display Roller Restrictor for Low-Load Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices face issues with high operational loads, impact forces, and mechanical noise due to large rotational forces and frictional forces, leading to abrasion and power loss during position changes.

Innovation Solution

A movable display device with a cantilever-supported roller system that uses a spring to press the roller against a restriction surface, allowing for stable positioning with reduced loads by converting frictional forces into rolling resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a motor and toggle spring are used to rotate the display member between closed and opened states, then the display member can be positioned in multiple states, but large rotational forces cause high operational loads and impact forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoidoperational load

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces curved guide surfaces (first guide surface and second guide surface) that guide the roller through arc-shaped paths during position transitions. This curvature design distributes the rotational force over a longer path, reducing peak forces and impacts compared to direct angular rotation, thereby resolving the contradiction between positioning capability and operational load.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a plate spring and wall section are used to hold the panel through frictional force, then positioning is achieved, but mechanical undesirable noise due to vibration is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidmechanical noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the flat wall section with curved guide surfaces that guide the roller through smooth arc-shaped transitions. This curvature eliminates the sudden frictional engagement and disengagement that causes vibration and noise, while maintaining position stability through controlled rolling contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the friction-based plate spring mechanism with a roller-based system that uses rolling resistance instead of sliding friction. This mechanical substitution reduces vibration and noise generation while achieving the same positioning function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If frictional force is used to hold the panel in position, then positioning is achieved, but abrasion occurs due to friction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition holdingVSAvoidcomponent durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the sliding friction mechanism with a rolling contact system using a roller that moves along curved guide surfaces. This substitution converts sliding friction into rolling resistance, dramatically reducing abrasion and extending the durability of contact surfaces while maintaining position holding capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Manufacturing precision

If a restrictor with spring and roller is used to restrict movement, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the restrictor function directly into the guide structure by forming guide surfaces on the support members that simultaneously provide both guidance and restriction functions. The spring-roller mechanism is combined with the guide surfaces to create a unified structure that achieves positioning precision without adding separate complex restriction mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 device stabilizes the display member in displaying and non-displaying positions with reduced operational loads, minimizing abrasion and noise, and optimizing energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a spring configured to press the roller against the restriction surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

allowing for stable positioning with reduced loads by converting frictional forces into rolling resistance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling resistance: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20250283571A1Movable display device

Publication Date: 2025.09.11 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD

AI summary

A movable display device includes: a support; a display member; and a driver configured to rotationally move the display member to be placed into a displaying position and a non-displaying position. A restrictor configured to restrict a movement of the display member upon bringing the display member into at least one of the displaying position or the non-displaying position is provided. The restrictor includes a roller provided on or with either of the support, or the display member or an attached member which rotationally moves with the display member; a restriction surface provided on or with another of the support, or the display member or the attached member; and a spring configured to press the roller against the restriction surface.