Clothing-Mounted Visual Terminal Support with Flexible Link

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for presenting visual information to users, such as portable visual information terminals, often suffer from vertical deformation under weight, positioning issues that require users to lower their head for viewing, and lack adaptability and simplicity in design and implementation.

Innovation Solution

A device that secures a portable visual information terminal to clothing using a flexible link with length adjustment and quick-attachment means, allowing easy adjustment and secure positioning without requiring head tilt, utilizing commonly available materials and minimizing cost and complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the terminal is supported on a belt, then the terminal can be carried on the user's body, but the terminal deforms vertically under weight and positions too low for comfortable viewing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing comfortVSAvoidvertical deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from belt support (horizontal/waist level) to bust-level support, changing the vertical dimension of attachment. This raises the terminal to eye level, eliminating the need to lower the head and preventing vertical deformation while maintaining portability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by positioning the support means specifically at the bust level rather than uniformly around the waist. This localized attachment point provides optimal viewing geometry and structural stability for the terminal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If elaborate arrangements with vests or jackets are used, then the terminal can be supported at proper height, but the implementation complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing positionVSAvoidimplementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the support system into separate modular components: a support means that attaches to clothing and a flexible link that connects to the terminal. This segmentation allows simple attachment to existing clothing without requiring elaborate integrated vest or jacket designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support means is designed to be universally attachable to various types of clothing (vests, jackets, coats) without requiring specialized garments. The flexible link provides universal adaptability in positioning, allowing the same device to work with different clothing types and user preferences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the terminal is secured with a rigid structure, then the positioning is stable, but the ability to adjust positioning relative to user's eyes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidpositioning adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible link instead of a rigid structure, enabling dynamic adjustment of the terminal's position and angle. This flexibility allows users to adapt the positioning to different viewing preferences while the support means maintains stable attachment to the clothing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP1731987B1Device for a user's individual visual information
Publication Date: 2011.03.23 SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE SAS
  • EP1731987B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP1731987B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP1731987B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

The device has units (2) supporting a portable visual information terminal (1) on dress units (3a, 3b) of a user, and a leg (4) integrated to the unit (3a). The leg is closable by a quick-disconnect fastener e.g. Velcro(RTM: hook and loop fastener) around the terminal`s arm (6). A flexible link (10) connected to the unit (3b) and the terminal retains the terminal in inclined position under the eyes of the user. A flexible leg (14) coupled to the unit (3b) is fixed to the terminal, by a quick-disconnect fastener, to retain the terminal in raised position against the chest of the user.