Ratcheted TV Top Shelf Assembly for Thin-Bezel Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flat screen devices such as televisions and monitors lack a flat horizontal surface for placing objects, as their thin horizontal borders do not provide the necessary space for items like remote controls, ornaments, or other devices.

Innovation Solution

A support assembly with a horizontally extending stand that includes adjustable ratcheted arms and a quick disconnect/reconnect mechanism, allowing for a flat horizontal surface to be created on top of flat screen devices, enabling placement of objects and adjustable positioning without external tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a flat screen device is used, then the device has a thin horizontal border and modern design, but it lacks a flat horizontal surface for placing objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethin horizontal borderVSAvoidflat horizontal surface area

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the support surface horizontally from the vertical flat screen device by using an arm that can be positioned at various angles, creating a new dimensional plane for placing objects that does not interfere with the device's thin profile

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If a stand is added to provide a flat horizontal surface, then object placement is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflat horizontal surface areaVSAvoidstand structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stand is divided into separate modular components including a mount, arm, and positioning mechanisms that can be independently adjusted and secured, allowing the system to provide a flat surface while maintaining simplicity through modular assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The arm incorporates adjustable positioning capabilities with ratchet mechanisms and torque screws that allow dynamic angle adjustment while maintaining stable locked positions, providing both flexibility and structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If an adjustable arm mechanism is used, then angle adjustment is enabled, but the ease of operation decreases due to tool requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangle adjustabilityVSAvoidtool-free adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ratchet mechanisms and torque screws are designed to be manually operated without requiring external tools, allowing the user to adjust and secure the arm position through direct hand operation of the built-in fastening mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10066783B2Support assembly for vertically disposed objects, such as televisions and video monitors

Publication Date: 2018.09.04 SUNCRAFT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A support assembly includes a stand having an underside surface configured to be placed on top of a flat screen device and an upper surface configured to support at least one object; a mount secured to the underside surface of the stand, the mount presenting a first ratchet ring; an arm presenting a second ratchet ring; and a fastener positioned and arranged to mechanically connect the arm to the mount, causing the first ratchet ring to engage the second ratchet ring, setting the arm at a desired angle so that the arm engages the flat screen device while the stand extends at least substantially horizontally from the top of the flat screen device.