Sway Tile Display Actuation for Non-Binary Motion and Low Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical displays lack the ability to create dynamic, non-binary pixel representations that can independently manipulate physical elements over a range of positions, limiting their ability to form complex and nuanced visual displays.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical non-binary sway tile display system comprising tile assemblies with linear actuator assemblies that constrain tile panels in angular roll, linear heave, and linear sway motion, allowing them to be maneuvered over ranges of angular pitch, yaw, and linear surge positions, driven by a primary controller and local controllers to form multi-pixel displays on non-planar surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If linear actuator assemblies are used to maneuver tile panels over ranges of positions, then the display can create dynamic non-binary pixel representations, but the system generates vibration and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates damping mechanisms that convert the harmful vibration and noise generated by linear actuators into beneficial damping forces. These dampers are strategically positioned to absorb and dissipate vibrational energy, transforming the harmful mechanical oscillations into heat energy through controlled friction and material deformation, thereby reducing noise and vibration while maintaining the dynamic display capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces damping mechanisms as intermediary elements between the linear actuator assemblies and the tile panels. These dampers serve as mediators that decouple the direct mechanical connection, allowing the actuators to move panels while isolating and absorbing the harmful vibrations and noises, thus protecting the overall system from excessive mechanical disturbances
2Measurement precision
If multiple linear actuator assemblies are used per tile assembly to achieve precise multi-degree-of-freedom motion control, then the display achieves high positioning precision, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the display system into modular tile assemblies, where each tile assembly is an independent unit containing its own linear actuator assemblies, damping mechanisms, and control electronics. This segmentation allows for standardized mass production of individual tiles, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high positioning precision through the coordinated operation of multiple modular units
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs universal linear actuator assemblies that can be configured in different orientations and combinations to achieve various degrees of freedom. These multi-functional actuators serve multiple purposes: positioning, orientation control, and even serving as mounting structures for other components, thereby reducing the total number of specialized parts needed and simplifying the overall system architecture
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
Enables the creation of dynamic, kinetic sculptures that can independently execute actuation routines, forming animated displays with nuanced positions and movements, reducing vibration and noise through damping mechanisms, allowing for comfortable human occupancy and enhanced visual experience.
Implementation Method 1
a set of linear actuator assemblies 120 arranged in a radial pattern about the base plate 110 and cooperating to constrain the tile panel 103 in angular roll, linear heave, and linear sway motion
Implementation Method 2
configured to reduce vibration and noise from linear actuator assemblies during operation
Data Source
AI summary
One variation of the tile display includes a set of tile assemblies, each tile assembly includes: a base plate; a tile panel; a tile interface; and a set of linear actuator assemblies arranged in a radial pattern about the base plate and cooperating to constrain the tile panel in angular roll, linear heave, and linear sway motion relative to the base plate. Each linear actuator assembly includes: a bearing housing defining a linear bearing, a floating bearing, and a through-hole; an actuator mounted to the bearing housing; a distal link coupled to the tile interface; a first support boom running through the linear bearing; a second support boom running through the floating bearing; and a driven boom running through the through-hole of the bearing housing. Each tile assembly also includes a primary controller configured to maneuver tile panels over ranges of angular pitch, angular yaw, and linear surge positions.