Retractable Display Mechanism for Combined Audio-Visual Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sound and image devices are separate entities, leading to issues such as exposed screens that cannot be protected, limited immersion due to black screens when displaying certain aspect ratios, and the inability to output images related to sounds.

Innovation Solution

An image sound device that combines the functions of a sound device and an image device, featuring a display part that can appear and disappear, accommodated in a housing with adjustable display height, utilizing a lifter mechanism driven by a motor and pinion system to control the display's exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the display part is always exposed, then the user can always view the content, but the screen cannot be protected

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveViewing availabilityVSAvoidScreen protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The display part is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between exposed and retracted states. The lifter mechanism enables the display to dynamically adjust its position based on usage requirements, resolving the contradiction between constant viewing availability and screen protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If the screen size is small in sound devices, then the device can be compact, but the content can only be viewed when the user is close to the device

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDevice compactnessVSAvoidViewing distance flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display part can extend outward from the housing when needed, increasing its effective size and viewing distance while maintaining compactness when retracted. This dynamic size adjustment resolves the contradiction between compact device volume and viewing flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the display part is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but the display cannot adapt to different aspect ratios without black screens

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveStructural simplicityVSAvoidAspect ratio adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The display part can adjust its protrusion height to match different aspect ratios (e.g., 16:9 or 21:9), eliminating black screens by dynamically repositioning itself. This resolves the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability to different display requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If separate sound devices and image devices are used, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the user needs to purchase and manage multiple devices

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDevice specializationVSAvoidNumber of devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines sound device functionality (speakers, audio processing) with image device functionality (display screen, visual output) into a single integrated unit. This resolves the contradiction by reducing the number of devices while maintaining the specialized functions of both sound and image systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

5Ease of operation

If the display part is always exposed, then the user can always view the content, but the screen is vulnerable to damage and dust

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveViewing accessibilityVSAvoidEnvironmental exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The display part can be retracted into the housing when not in use, protecting it from environmental factors while allowing easy access when needed. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between viewing accessibility and environmental protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 provides a single unit for both sound and image functions, allows for adjustable screen height to eliminate black borders, and protects the screen when not in use, enhancing user immersion and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

a pinion provided between the first rack gear and the second rack gear and configured to move the first rack gear and the second rack gear in directions opposite to each other; and a motor configured to rotate the pinion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP4221189B1Image sound device having display portion that can appear/disappear
Publication Date: 2025.02.26 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4221189B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4221189B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4221189B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an image sound device having a display portion that can appear/disappear, the device comprising: a housing, the upper end of which is open, and which has a space provided therein; a display portion installed inside the housing to be able to output images; an elevating unit installed inside the housing and below the display portion such that the display portion can be made to protrude through the upper end of the housing; and a motor control portion for controlling the elevating unit such that the display portion can be positioned at two or more heights.