Retractable screen and keyboard assembly for tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable screen and keyboard assemblies for tables face practical implementation challenges due to complex connections and gaps that allow dirt entry and affect aesthetics and user comfort.
Innovation Solution
A retractable screen and keyboard assembly with a rotating base and actuating mechanism using connecting rods and motors, allowing the platform to adjust geometrically to eliminate gaps and ensure flush surfaces in both use and stowed positions, incorporating angular position encoders for obstacle detection and motor control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a retractable screen assembly is implemented with conventional mechanisms, then the screen can be raised and lowered, but gaps and spaces are created that allow dirt entry and affect aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The base is designed to dynamically adjust its geometry between two states: a first configuration when the screen is lowered and a second configuration when the screen is raised. This dynamic adaptation eliminates gaps in both positions, preventing dirt entry while maintaining aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The base changes its geometric parameters (shape and orientation) based on the screen position. When the screen transitions between raised and lowered states, the base automatically adjusts its configuration to maintain flush surfaces, changing from one geometric state to another to eliminate spaces.
2Shape
If the screen assembly uses conventional fixed-base mechanisms, then the structure is simpler, but gaps and spaces are created affecting aesthetics and comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The base transitions between static geometric configurations dynamically responsive to screen position. In the lowered position, the base adopts a first configuration; in the raised position, it adopts a second configuration. This ensures continuous flush surfaces with the table in both states.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure is designed to nest or fold into compact configurations that maintain aesthetic continuity. The adjustable geometry allows the base to integrate seamlessly with the table surface in both raised and lowered screen positions.
3Ease of operation
If additional components like motors and encoders are added for precise control, then obstacle detection and smooth operation are enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An angular position encoder provides feedback on the screen's angular position to the control unit. This feedback enables the control unit to detect obstacles by monitoring for abnormal position changes or resistance, and to control the motor to stop at appropriate positions, ensuring smooth and safe operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the encoder feedback to automatically adjust motor operation without external intervention. The control unit autonomously detects obstacles and controls motor stopping based on encoder readings, making the system self-regulating and easy to operate.
Data Source
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AI summary
Retractable screen (1) and keyboard (2) assembly for tables, comprising a supporting structure provided with a frame (3) defining a housing (4), and with a supporting frame (5) on the table, the screen (1) being able to rotate from a position in which it is stowed inside the housing (4) and flush with the supporting frame (5) to an elevated use position, a platform (6) arranged in the housing (4) on which the keyboard (2) rests, means for guiding (G) the platform (6) vertically from a lower position and an upper use position, and a base (7) for the screen (1) which can rotate about a fixed axis (Γ) in relation to said frame (3), the screen (1) being mounted on said base (7), the screen (1) and base (7) assembly being able to rotate about said axis (Γ) from the stowed position to the elevated use position.