Video screen mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mountings for flat video screens in video walls or recesses make it difficult to access and maintain centrally located screens, as they require dismantling a large portion of the wall or recess to reach the malfunctioning screen, and existing extension mechanisms are complex, expensive, or unsatisfactory.
Innovation Solution
A mounting apparatus with a selectably extensible connection mechanism using scissor mechanisms and a biasing element, allowing controlled relative motion between the screen and its support, enabling the screen to be displaced outwardly for access while maintaining a flush appearance, and incorporating a damping element for smooth movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional mountings with fixed frames are used, then the video wall appearance is flush and continuous, but the rear of centrally located screens is inaccessible for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure incorporates a scissor mechanism that transforms the fixed mounting into a dynamic system. The scissor mechanism allows the screen to be extended outward from the video wall plane on demand, providing access to the rear of centrally located screens without requiring dismantling of adjacent screens. When not in use, the mechanism retracts to maintain the flush appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is divided into independent modular units, each with its own scissor mechanism. This segmentation allows individual screens to be accessed independently without affecting adjacent screens in the video wall, enabling maintenance of centrally located screens while preserving the overall integrity of the video wall structure.
2Ease of operation
If existing extension mechanisms are used to displace screens outwardly, then access to screen rear is improved, but the mechanism becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The scissor mechanism provides a simple yet effective dynamic mounting solution that avoids the complexity of motorized or motorized-assisted extension mechanisms. The purely mechanical scissor linkage relies on basic pivot joints and struts, making it straightforward to manufacture and assemble while providing reliable screen extension and retraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The scissor mechanism is designed to be manually operable without requiring motors, actuators, or complex control systems. The operator can directly manipulate the mechanism to extend and retract the screen, eliminating the need for expensive powered extension systems while maintaining full functionality for maintenance access.
3Manufacturing precision
If screens are mounted edge-to-edge in video walls, then the single image display quality is improved, but maintenance access to central screens requires dismantling most of the wall
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic scissor mechanism allows screens to be extended outward independently while maintaining their edge-to-edge alignment when retracted. This enables the video wall to achieve both high image alignment quality in normal operation and rapid maintenance access when needed, as individual screens can be extended without dismantling adjacent screens.
Solution Approach 2:
By providing independent extension capability to each screen through segmented modular mounting units, the system allows maintenance personnel to access any individual screen in the video wall without requiring dismantling of the entire wall structure, dramatically reducing maintenance time and effort.
4Shape
If screens are mounted flush in recesses, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the rear of screens becomes inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The scissor mechanism is integrated into the recess mounting structure, allowing screens to maintain a flush appearance when retracted while providing the capability to extend outward when maintenance is required. The mechanism operates within the recess space, preserving the aesthetic appearance during normal operation.
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
Provides simple, reliable, and cost-effective access to the rear of flat video screens within video walls or recesses, allowing for easy maintenance and replacement without dismantling the entire structure, while ensuring smooth and controlled motion to prevent damage or injury.
Implementation Method 1
a first and second strut means, connected pivotably together adjacent a respective mid-point of each said strut means
Implementation Method 2
a biasing element is provided to urge said connection mechanism towards its open configuration
Implementation Method 3
the connecting mechanism is provided with a damping element associated with at least one of the or each scissor mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting apparatus (1) to mount a flat video screen, forming part of a video wall, to a support comprises a front frame (2) to carry the video screen, and a rear frame (3) to mount to the support, connected by a pair of scissor mechanisms (6). The mounting apparatus (1) has a closed configuration in which the scissor mechanisms (6) are closed and the front (2) and rear (3) frames are close together, and an open configuration in which the scissor mechanisms (6) are open and the frontal frame (2) is spaced away from the rear frame (3). A tension spring (18) is mounted across one scissor mechanism (6), urging it open and biasing the frames (2,3) apart into the open configuration. A series of latch elements (15,16) mounted to the frontal (2) and rear (3) frames engage when the frames (2,3) are pushed together into the closed configuration, holding the frames (2,3) together, but then release when the frames (2,3) are again pushed together, allowing the tension spring (18) to drive them apart. To avoid too rapid and jerky movement, a damping mechanism (21) is provided to regulate the motion of the scissor mechanisms (6) and the frames (2,3). Thus, the flat video screen on the frontal frame (2) forms part of the video wall when the mounting apparatus (1) is latched closed, but the mounting apparatus (1) is easily unlatched and opens, such that the frontal frame (2) and video screen move smoothly and safely forwards out of the video wall, for maintenance or replacement of the video screen.