Movable Display Roller Restrictor for Smooth Low-Load Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices face issues with high operational loads, impact forces, and mechanical noise during rotational transitions, leading to abrasion and power loss, particularly in vehicles and aircraft cabins.

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 in displaying and non-displaying states with reduced load and friction, utilizing a guide cam to minimize restricting forces during transitions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a friction-based holding mechanism is used to stabilize the display member, then positioning stability is improved, but mechanical noise and wear increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidmechanical noise and wear
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional friction-based mechanical holding mechanism with a magnetic field-based holding mechanism. The magnetic field exerts a non-contact force on the display member, providing stable positioning without physical contact. This substitution eliminates the mechanical noise and wear associated with friction-based systems while maintaining positioning stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the holder and the display member. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the magnetic field acts as a mediator to exert holding force, enabling stable positioning without the harmful effects of friction, noise, and wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a spring mechanism is used to press the roller against the restriction surface, then positioning stability is improved, but operational load increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidoperational load
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the spring-based mechanical pressing mechanism with a magnetic field-based pressing mechanism. The magnetic field exerts a non-contact force to press the roller against the restriction surface, providing stable positioning without the continuous mechanical load and friction associated with spring mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field serves as an intermediary to transmit the pressing force from the holder to the roller without requiring direct mechanical contact or continuous spring force. This reduces the operational load while maintaining the necessary pressing force for stable positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a toggle spring mechanism is used to bias the monitor, then positioning stability is improved, but impact force during transitions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidimpact force
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the toggle spring mechanism with a magnetic field-based biasing mechanism. The magnetic field provides a continuous, smooth biasing force without the sudden release and impact forces characteristic of toggle spring mechanisms during transitions between positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field acts as an intermediary to provide a smooth, continuous biasing force during transitions. Unlike mechanical spring mechanisms that store and suddenly release energy, the magnetic field provides a gradual, controlled force that eliminates impact forces while maintaining positioning stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 both positions with reduced operational loads and friction, minimizing abrasion and noise, ensuring smooth transitions and efficient energy use.

Implementation Method 1

a spring configured to press the roller against the restriction surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4614277A1Movable display device
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD
  • EP4614277A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4614277A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4614277A1 patent drawingFigure 3

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.