HK40087677A - Display bracket vertical tilt mechanism with eccentric gear - Google Patents

Description

Vertical tilting mechanism of monitor stand with eccentric gear

Technical Field

This disclosure generally relates to mounting devices, particularly wall-mounted devices for electronic displays.

Background Technology

Generally, this disclosure details examples of spring-based counterweight balancing devices, systems, and techniques for improving the stability of flat-panel televisions (or other flat-panel electronic displays) mounted to a wall and in a vertically tilted orientation. The spring-based counterweight balancing devices of this disclosure can suppress and reduce display sway and allow the display to be held more securely in the tilted orientation. The spring-based counterweight balancing devices of this disclosure further allow for easy adjustment of the vertical tilt orientation of the electronic display. For example, once the television is attached to the display stand and the adjusting screw is turned to change the direction and amplitude of the spring counterweight balancing force according to the weight of the television, the television can be manually tilted by the user at any time (e.g., at a vertical angle relative to the wall) without any additional user intervention, such as adjusting other screws or nuts. Therefore, the spring-based counterweight balancing devices of this disclosure are suitable for a considerable range of electronic display weights, securing the display with only a single adjustment of the screws. Furthermore, the invention of this disclosure substantially improves the durability of the tilting mechanism and stand because it provides a counterweight balancing force beyond the frictional forces that may be present at the pivot point of the vertical tilting mechanism.

Summary of the Invention

As a non-limiting example, the device includes: a main mounting plate configured to be coupled to a wall bracket; a display mounting bracket configured to be detachably coupled to the back of an electronic display, wherein the display mounting bracket is configured to be vertically inclined relative to the main mounting plate about an inclined axis passing through a pivot point of the display mounting bracket and the main mounting plate, the display mounting bracket further including a proximal extension member extending proximally toward the pivot point, and the proximal extension member defining a damper housing; an adjusting screw extending distally through the damper housing; and a damper slider, the damper... A slider is positioned around the adjusting screw; and a tension spring has one anchor point below the pivot point connected to the lower end of the main mounting plate, and another anchor point connected to the upper end of the damper slider. Thus, when the electronic display is attached to the display mounting bracket, the tension spring provides a counterweight balancing force to counteract the weight of the electronic display, keeping the electronic display in a vertical tilt direction relative to the main mounting plate. The damper slider can be proximal or distally translated relative to the main mounting plate by rotating the adjusting screw, and the orientation of the tension spring relative to the vertical axis of the main mounting plate can be adjusted, thereby changing the counterweight balancing force.

As another example, the system includes: a wall bracket configured to be removably attached to a wall; a main mounting plate configured to be attached to the wall bracket; a display mounting bracket configured to be detachably attached to the back of an electronic display, wherein: the display mounting bracket is configured to be vertically inclined relative to the main mounting plate about an inclined axis passing through a pivot point of the display mounting bracket and the main mounting plate, the display mounting bracket including a proximal extension member extending proximally to the pivot point, and the proximal extension member defining a damper housing; and an adjusting screw extending distally through the damper housing; A damper slider is positioned around the adjusting screw; and a tension spring has one end anchored to the lower end of the main mounting plate below the pivot point and the other end anchored to the upper end of the damper slider. Thus, when the electronic display is attached to the display mounting bracket, the tension spring provides a counterweight balancing force to counteract the weight of the electronic display, keeping the electronic display in a vertical tilt direction relative to the main mounting plate. Furthermore, rotating the adjusting screw allows for proximal or distal translation of the damper slider relative to the main mounting plate, while simultaneously adjusting the orientation of the tension spring relative to the vertical axis of the main mounting plate, thereby altering the counterweight balancing force.

The technology disclosed herein is configured to meet the requirements of most users because the vertical tilt angle of the monitor stand can be easily and arbitrarily adjusted to accommodate electronic displays of virtually any size and weight. In other words, after initial balance calibration, the system of this invention allows users to easily and manually adjust the vertical tilt angle of the television without using any additional tools.

The above summary is not intended to describe every exemplary instance or embodiment of the subject matter herein. The following figures and detailed description illustrate various aspects of the subject matter more specifically according to this disclosure.

Brief description of the attached figures

A more thorough understanding of the subject matter can be achieved by referring to the following detailed descriptions of various examples related to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1A is a side view of an example of a wall-mounted system for an electronic display, including a mounting device with a spring-balanced vertical tilt mechanism.

Figure 1B is a transparent side view of the wall-mounted system of Figure 1A, showing an example of the internal components of the vertical tilting mechanism.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the vertical tilting mechanism in Figures 1A and 1B.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the display mounting bracket of the mounting device of Figure 1A connected to the electronic display.

Figure 4A is a transparent side view of the vertical tilting mechanism in Figure 1A.

Figure 4B is a transparent side view of the main fixing plate of the vertical tilting mechanism in Figure 4A.

Figure 4C is a transparent side view of the display mounting bracket of Figure 4A, which is connected to the vertical tilting mechanism of the electronic display.

Figure 5A is a conceptual free-body diagram illustrating a spring-based vertical tilt counterweight balancing mechanism for a wall-mounted electronic display.

Figure 5B is a conceptual free-body diagram illustrating a spring-based vertical tilt counterweight balancing mechanism when an electronic display is tilted vertically at an angle of "α".

Figure 6 is a side view of another example of a wall-mounted system for electronic displays, including a mounting device with a spring-balanced vertical tilt mechanism.

Figure 7A is a cross-sectional side view of the vertical tilting mechanism in Figure 6.

Figure 7B is a transparent side view of the main fixing plate of the vertical tilting mechanism in Figure 7A.

Figure 7C is a transparent side view of the display mounting bracket of the vertical tilting mechanism of Figure 7A.

Figure 8A is a conceptual free-body diagram illustrating a spring-based vertical tilt counterweight balancing mechanism for a wall-mounted electronic display.

Figure 8B is a conceptual free-body diagram showing the spring-based vertical tilt counterweight balancing mechanism of Figure 8A when the electronic display is tilted vertically at an angle of "α".

Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the first example of a spring-based counterweight balancing technique for a vertically tilted wall-mounted electronic display.

Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of a spring-based counterweight balancing technique for a vertically tilted wall-mounted electronic display.

While different examples are suited to different modifications and alternatives, their specific details have been illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the claimed invention to the specific examples described. Rather, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Detailed description

This disclosure relates to spring-based counterweight balancing devices, systems, and techniques for mounting a flat-panel television (or other flat-panel electronic display) to a wall, allowing the television to be manually tilted at will (i.e., at a vertical angle relative to the wall), for example, without additional user input. For example, Figure 1A is a side view, and Figure 1B is a semi-transparent side view, illustrating a first example wall-mounting system 100 for adjustingly connecting an electronic display 102 (such as a television, computer screen, or other similar "flat-panel" electronic display) to a wall 104 (or any other suitable plane). For ease of reference, X-Y-Z coordinates are used. For example, wall 104 defines a plane parallel to the Y-Z plane. As used in this disclosure, the term "proximal" refers to the negative X-axis direction (e.g., from the electronic display 102 toward the wall 104), and the term "farthest" refers to the positive X-axis direction (e.g., away from the wall 104 and toward the display 102).

Generally, the wall-mounted system 100 includes a mounting device 106 defining a vertical tilting mechanism 112. In the examples shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the wall-mounted system 100 further includes a wall mount bracket 108 and one or more extension arms 114, such as rotatable extension arm portions 114A, 114B. However, this particular configuration is not limiting; in other examples, the wall-mounted system 100 may include more, fewer, or different components. For example, in other examples, the wall-mounted system 100 may omit the extension arms 114 and instead directly rigidly connect the mounting device 106 to the wall mount bracket 108.

The wall mount bracket 108 enables the mounting device 106 to be detachably connected to the wall 104. For example, the wall mount bracket 108 may include one or more recesses (not shown) for securing the wall mount bracket 108 to the wall 104 by screws or nails. The wall mount bracket 108 further includes a connection mechanism for detachably connecting to the proximal extension arm portion 114A. In a non-limiting example, the wall mount bracket 108 may include a vertical pin 109 configured to insert into a corresponding cavity in the proximal extension arm portion 114A, allowing the proximal extension arm portion 114A to rotate about a vertical axis defined by the vertical pin 109.

As further detailed below, mounting device 106 includes a display mounting bracket 110 configured to be detachably attached to the proximal end (e.g., the rear end) of electronic display 102. For example, display mounting bracket 110 may include one or more recesses (not shown) for securing display mounting bracket 110 to the rear end of display 102 with screws. Extension arm 114 allows a user to extend display 102 from the distal end of wall 104, for example, along a direction parallel to the “X” axis shown in Figures 1A and 1B. In some examples (not shown), extension arm 114 may include a pair of opposing arms (each having a corresponding proximal and distal portion) configured to fold towards the proximal end of wall 104 to secure electronic display 102 in a “flat” configuration.

According to the technology of this disclosure, the mounting device 106 defines a vertical tilting mechanism 112, such as an integrated spring-based counterweight balancing mechanism, configured to hold the display 102 in an ideal vertical tilting direction without applying additional external force to the display 102. In other words, when the display 102 (via the display mounting bracket 110) is connected to the mounting device 106, both the display 102 and the display mounting bracket 110 are configured to rotate vertically or "tilt" about a vertical tilt axis passing through the pivot point 138. Although not visible from the angle shown, the vertical tilt axis is a horizontal axis (e.g., parallel to the "Y" axis) represented by the pivot point 138. The electronic display 102 rotates about this axis to adjust the ideal viewing direction of the viewing screen 116 of the display 102 (e.g., relative to the plane of the wall 104).

As further detailed below, the tilting mechanism 112 includes at least a proximal extension 146 of the display mounting bracket 110, a main retaining plate 126, and a tension spring 120 extending between the two components. The display mounting bracket 110 and the main retaining plate 126 of the tilting mechanism 112 are also pivotally connected by an axis (e.g., a slender pivot screw) extending through a pivot point 138 that acts as a rotation axis. In some examples, the pivot screw may be configured to further adjust the locking friction between the display mounting bracket 110 and the main retaining plate 126.

As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the vertical tilt mechanism 112 further includes a user input mechanism 118 (also referred to herein as "adjustment knob 118") that allows the user to increase or decrease the "damping force" associated with the tilt mechanism 112 as needed. As used herein, "damping force" refers to the minimum force required for the user to adjust the vertical tilt direction of the display 102, for example, from a first vertical tilt direction to a second vertical tilt direction. In other words, by manipulating the user input mechanism 118, the static coefficient of friction used to hold the display 102 in the current vertical tilt direction can be modified. In this way, the mounting device 106 can accommodate electronic displays of various weights without occupying the vertical tilt mechanism.

In particular, as further detailed below, the user input mechanism 118 is configured to modify the damping force of the tilting mechanism 112 by any one or all of the following methods: (1) changing the effective length of the tension spring 120 (e.g., measured along the longitudinal axis “A” of the spring 120); (2) changing the orientation of the tension spring 120 (e.g., the longitudinal axis “A”) relative to the vertical axis “Z”; or (3) simultaneously changing the effective length and orientation of the balance spring 120.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the vertical tilting mechanism 112 of the mounting device 106 of Figures 1A and 1B. The vertical tilting mechanism 112 includes at least the proximal extension 146 of the display mounting bracket 110, the main fixing plate 126, and a tension spring 120 (also referred to herein as "balance spring 120") extending between the main fixing plate 126 and the display mounting bracket 110.

The tension spring 120 may comprise virtually any suitable elastic (e.g., compression and expansion) mechanism, including but not limited to: air springs, compression springs, torsion springs, stretchable fabric materials, or rubber cords. As a particular illustrative, non-limiting example, the spring 120 may be constructed of carbon steel (e.g., 65 high-manganese (65Mn) carbon steel). The first lower end of the tension spring 120 includes a lower spring sleeve 124, and the second upper end of the spring 120 defines a spring hook 144.

The lower spring sleeve 124 of the tension spring 120 is pivotally fixed to an anchor point 140 on one side of the main fixing plate 126, such that the spring sleeve 124 can rotate about a horizontal axis (e.g., parallel to the "Y" axis) passing through the anchor point 140. The spring hook 144 of the spring 120 is suspended in a first cavity defined by the lower end of the damper slider 134. The adjusting screw 130 engages with a second threaded cavity defined by the upper end of the damper slider 134.

During the initial installation and setup of the wall-mounted system 100, the user can, for example, activate the user input mechanism by rotating the damper adjustment knob 118 to adjust the proximal to distal position of the damper slider 134 so as to move forward and backward within a gap defined by the length “L4” (e.g., along the X-axis direction as seen from FIG. 2). Since the upper spring hook 144 of the spring 120 is connected to the damper slider 134, the proximal/distal translation of the damper slider 134 modifies the angle of the tension spring 120 (e.g., the central longitudinal spring axis “A”) relative to the vertical axis 150 of the tilting mechanism 112 (e.g., relative to the “Y” axis), thereby modifying the tension within the spring 120 for dynamically balancing the weight of the electronic display screen 102.

As an illustrative example of the function of the vertical tilting mechanism 112, for a relatively heavy electronic display 102, the user can rotate the adjustment knob 118 counterclockwise to move the damper slider 134 proximally, thereby increasing the angle between the spring axis "A" and the vertical axis 150, while progressively lengthening (e.g., stretching) the spring 120 to provide a greater balancing force. In contrast, for a relatively light electronic display 102, the user can rotate the adjustment knob 118 clockwise to move the damper slider 134 distally, thereby decreasing the angle between the spring axis "A" and the vertical axis 150, and progressively shortening (e.g., compressing) the spring 120 to provide a smaller balancing force.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the display mounting bracket 110 of the mounting device 106 of Figures 1A and 1B, wherein at least a portion is incorporated within the vertical tilting mechanism 112. Specifically, the display mounting bracket 110 includes a proximal extension 146 that extends proximally (e.g., along the negative X-axis) after pivot point 138.

In the specific example shown in Figure 3, the proximal extension 146 of the display mounting bracket 110 includes a user input mechanism 118 (also referred to herein as “damper adjustment knob 118”), a damper housing 128, a damper adjustment screw 130, upper and lower damper covers 132, a damper slider 134, and an angle adjustment plate 136.

In some examples (but not all), the damper housing 128 and the angle adjustment plate 136 may be welded together. In other examples, the damper housing 128 and the angle adjustment plate 136 may be integrally formed as a single unit. Upper and lower damper covers 132 are assembled within the damper housing 128. The upper and lower damper covers 132 are configured to receive and retain the distal portions of the damper slider 134 and the damper adjusting screw 130. That is, the damper slider 134 is connected to and movable relative to the upper and lower damper covers 132 via the damper adjusting screw 130, which is configured to extend distally through proximal openings in the damper housing 128 and the damper covers 132. The upper and lower damper covers 132 are connected to the damper housing 128 and held in place by screws 148.

As shown in Figure 3, in response to the user's rotation of the knob 118 and screw 130, the damper slider 134 is configured to "slide" (e.g., translate) within the damper housing 128 along the X-axis direction (e.g., sliding left and right from the angle shown in Figure 3) to change the angle "θ" between the vertical axis 150 of the vertical tilting mechanism 112 and the central longitudinal axis "A" of the tension spring 120, thereby changing the tension applied to the spring 120.

Figure 4A is a transparent side view of the vertical tilting mechanism 112 of Figures 1A and 1B; Figure 4B is a transparent side view of the main mounting plate 126 of the vertical tilting mechanism 112 of Figure 4A; and Figure 4C is a transparent side view of the display mounting bracket 110 of the vertical tilting mechanism 112 of Figure 4A. As shown in Figures 4A-4C, the display mounting bracket 110, including a proximal extension 146, is configured to tilt vertically relative to the main mounting plate 126 about a horizontal axis passing through a fulcrum 138. In some examples (but not all examples), the upper end of the display mounting bracket 110 defines an arcuate groove 152 that corresponds to the arc of rotation of the display mounting bracket 110. The arcuate groove 152 is configured to receive and retain a tilting screw 154 that also extends through a screw opening 156 defined by the upper portion of the main mounting plate 126. In this way, the tilting screw 154 guides and controls the tilting rotation of the display mounting bracket 110 as it moves through the arcuate groove 152. Additionally, screw 154 can be adjusted to apply additional (or less) frictional force to further control the tilting movement of the display mounting bracket 110. An additional or alternative source of static friction can be incorporated (e.g., via a magnet).

As further shown in Figures 4A and 4C, the proximal extension 146 of the display mounting bracket 110 may include a tension indicator 142. During initial installation and setup, the user can rotate the damper adjustment knob 118 to move the damper slider 134 until the indicator 142, rigidly coupled to the damper slider 134, aligns with a relative force value corresponding to the approximate weight of the electronic display 102. In this position of the damper slider 134 (and correspondingly, in this orientation of the tension spring 120), the tension spring 120 is filled with sufficient tension to dynamically counterbalance the weight of the electronic display 102 according to any desired vertical tilt orientation.

Figures 5A and 5B are conceptual freeform diagrams illustrating a spring-based counterweight balancing technique for vertical tilt adjustment of the wall-mounted electronic display 102. Figures 5A and 5B are not drawn to scale for ease of explanation of the techniques and mechanisms involved.

As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the spring-based vertical tilting mechanism 112 implements the physical principle associated with an ideal lever (e.g., conceptually similar to a set of weighing scales or a seesaw) centered around pivot point 138. In other words, the "proximal" torque (on the left side of pivot point 138) is configured to balance the "distal" torque (on the right side of pivot point 138), where the standard torque calculation formula = force × distance to fulcrum × sine (the angle between the force and the lever).

For example, Figure 5A shows a vertical tilting mechanism 112 that simultaneously counteracts the weight "F_t" of the electronic display 102. For ease of understanding, the weight "F_t" in Figures 5A and 5B is referred to as a point mass located at the center of mass 122 of the display 102. In the example of Figure 5A, the display 102 is counterbalanced according to a first vertical tilt orientation, wherein the vertical axis "D" of the electronic display 102 is substantially aligned with the vertical "Y" axis (e.g., aligned with the direction of gravity and with the planar surface of the wall 104 in Figures 1A and 1B). That is, the weight "F_t" of the display 102 is counterbalanced with the pivot point 138 by the vertical component of the tension "F_spring" of the spring 120. Therefore, according to the basic principle, for the spring 120 having a spring constant k:

[F2*L2*sin(90°)]＝[F_TV*L1*sin(90°)]

[F2*L2] = [F_TV*L1]

[F2*L2] = F_spring(cos(θ))*(L2)

= k*x1*L2*cos(θ)

= k*x1*x1*sin(θ)*cos(θ)

= k*x12*sin(θ)cos(θ)

As shown in Figure 5A, the damper slider 134 can be translated at both the proximal and distal ends (e.g., along the X-axis) to lengthen or shorten the length L4 (and correspondingly shorten the length L2), thereby modifying: (1) the angle “θ” between the spring axis “A” and the vertical axis 150, and (2) the effective length of the tension spring 120 along the spring axis “A”. At a specific horizontal position of the damper slider 134, the vertical tilting mechanism 112 achieves a tension force F_spring sufficient to counteract the weight F_television of the electronic display 102.

As shown in Figure 5B, the user may wish to reorient the vertical tilt orientation of the electronic display 102 by a vertical tilt angle "α". In some instances, the electronic display 102 can be automatically balanced by a tension spring 120. That is, the user may only need to apply a minimal amount of external force to reorient the electronic display 102. For example, as shown in Figure 5B, tilting the display 102 by angle "α" changes the spring orientation from a first wider angle "θ" to a second narrower angle "β". However, the spring 120 is also stretched to a longer effective length at the new tilt orientation, thereby increasing the tension F_spring of the spring 120. Specifically, the spring 120 can define an initial tension F_spring(initial) = k * x₁, where "k" is the inherent spring constant of the spring 120, and "x₁" is the initial effective length of the spring 120. Then, the spring 120 can define a final tension F_spring(final) = k * x₂, where x₂ = [x₁ * cos(θ) + L₂ * sin(α)] / cos(β).

The change in the effective length of the tension spring 102 caused by the change in the tilt orientation of the electronic display 102 may be substantially equal to and opposite to the change in the lever torque (e.g., weight "FTV" multiplied by distance "L1") at the distal end (e.g., the right side) of the pivot point 138. In other cases, the user can adjust the knob 118 to compensate for the change in the tension spring F, thereby compensating for the change in the proximal (left side) lever torque caused by the change in the orientation of the angle "β".

If the lever moments (e.g., torque) on both sides of pivot point 138 are equal, then display 102 will be in equilibrium:

The proximal end (left side) of pivot point 138:

Torque near end = F2(final) * L2 = F_{spring(initial)} * COS(θ) * COS(α) * L2

The distal end (right side) of pivot point 138:

Torque at the far end = F_TV * L₁ * COS(α)

Lever balance:

(F*L)final proximal = (F*L)final distal

F_spring(initial)*COS(θ)*COS(α)*L₂＝F_television*L₁*COS(α)

F_spring(initial) * COS(θ) * L₂ = F_TV * L₁

If the "lever" of the tilting mechanism 112 is not balanced according to the equation, the user can further adjust the damper slider 134 and/or (e.g., by adjusting the pivot screw or screw 154) increase the friction at the pivot point 138 (Figures 4A and 4C). For example, to increase the overall feel of the "damping" (e.g., the minimum force required to tilt the display 102), the user can adjust the screw tension at the rotation point 138 to increase frictional damping, thereby making it easier for the user to adjust the vertical tilt angle "α" of the display 102.

Figure 6 is a side view of another example wall-mounted system 200 for the electronic display 102, including a mounting device 206 with a vertical tilting mechanism 212. The wall-mounted system 200 of Figure 6 is an example of the wall-mounted system 100 of Figures 1A and 1B, except for any differences explicitly stated herein. For example, the wall-mounted system 200 includes a mounting device 206. The mounting device 206 is an example of the mounting device 106 in Figures 1A and 1B, except for any differences explicitly stated herein. For example, the mounting device 206 includes a vertical tilting mechanism 212, which is an example of the vertical tilting mechanism 112 of Figures 1A and 1B, except for any differences explicitly stated herein. Specifically, the vertical tilting mechanism 212 includes a planetary gear arrangement 220 configured to convert rotational movement of the adjustment knob 118 into vertical tilting movement of the display mounting bracket 110 and the electronic display 102.

Figure 7A is a cross-sectional side view of the vertical tilting mechanism 212 of Figure 6, Figure 7B is a transparent side view of the main mounting plate 226 of the vertical tilting mechanism 212 of Figure 7A, and Figure 7C is a transparent side view of the display mounting bracket 210 of the vertical tilting mechanism of Figure 7A. The main mounting plate 226 is an example of the main mounting plate 126 of Figures 2, 4A, and 4B; and the display mounting bracket 210 is an example of the display mounting bracket 110 of Figures 2, 4A, and 4C, except for any differences noted herein. As shown in Figure 7A, the display mounting bracket 210 and the main mounting plate 226 are rotatably connected, for example, via screws, at the rotation center 138 of the display mounting bracket 210. In some instances (but not all), adjusting screws at pivot point 138 provide additional (or less) frictional damping to further aid in controlling the vertical tilt of the display 102 as needed.

As shown in Figure 7B, the main fixing plate 226 (e.g., the rotating "fixed" component of the vertical tilting mechanism 212) includes: a tension spring 120, a spring adjusting screw 130, a fixing spring rotation shaft 214, an internal gear ring 216, and a fixing spring seat 224. In some instances (but not all), the main fixing plate 226 and the internal gear ring 216 may be rigidly joined (e.g., welded) from two (e.g., initially separate) components into a single unit. In other instances, the main fixing plate 226 and the internal gear ring 216 may be formed from a single continuous unit of material (e.g., machined or laser-cut), such that the internal gear ring 216 is considered part of the main fixing plate 226. Similarly, the tension spring 120 and the fixing spring seat 224 may be rigidly joined or continuously formed into a single unit.

Spring adjusting screw 130 is rotatably (e.g., pivotally) coupled to fixed spring rotating shaft 214, which in some instances may be (e.g., via screw) coupled to main fixing plate 126. Fixed spring rotating shaft 214 serves as an anchor point (e.g., anchor point 140) for tension spring 130 and a pivot point for spring adjusting screw 130. Additionally, spring adjusting screw 130 is locked into spring retainer 224. Spring retainer includes a central screw sleeve 228. Spring retainer 224 is secured (e.g., embedded) in tension spring 120, and adjusting screw 130 acts (e.g., "screw through") on screw sleeve 228 within spring 120.

As shown in Figure 7C, the display mounting bracket 210 includes an angle adjustment plate 136, a planetary gear 218, a locking gear shaft 222, and a proximal extension 246 (also referred to herein as "rotary lever 246"). The proximal extension 246 is an example of the proximal extension 146 of Figures 2, 3, and 4C.

In some instances (but not all), the angle adjustment plate 136 and the proximal extension 246 may be rigidly joined (e.g., welded) from two initially separate components into an integral unit. In other instances, the angle adjustment plate 136 and the proximal extension 246 may be formed from coherent material units (e.g., machined or laser-cut).

Planetary gear 218 is rotatably coupled to the proximal end of proximal extension 246. Similarly, locking gear shaft 222 is rotatably coupled to planetary gear 218, offset from the axis of rotation of planetary gear 218.

The gear teeth of planetary gear 218 interlock with the corresponding teeth of internal gear ring 216, and the upper hook 144 of tension spring 120 is suspended on locking gear shaft 222 to rotatably connect monitor mounting bracket 210 to main mounting plate 226. Then, planetary gear 218 of monitor mounting bracket 110 is configured to rotate toothedly within internal gear ring 216 of main mounting plate 126.

The tension spring 120 may comprise any suitable type of spring, including gas springs, compression springs, torsion springs, etc. The tension spring 120 is configured to provide a tensile force to achieve dynamic balance relative to the weight of the electronic display 102 (e.g., relative pivot point 138). That is, the tension spring 120, via the rotational movement of the planetary gear 218, is configured to automatically stretch to an effective length corresponding to an internal spring tension equal to the weight of the electronic display 102.

When the electronic display 102 is connected to the display mounting bracket 110, the user can rotate the spring adjustment knob 118 to rotate the adjustment screw 130, thereby modifying the tension of the tension spring 120. In particular, the user can adjust the tension of the tension spring 120 to balance the weight of the electronic display 102, while also adjusting the vertical tilt angle of the display mounting bracket 110 and the electronic display 102.

Planetary gear 218 is designed to be "eccentric," generally defined as "a disk (gear 218) fixed to a rotation axis (locking gear shaft 222), the center of which (rotation axis 230) is offset from the axis (shaft 222)." Therefore, the locking gear shaft 222 of planetary gear 218 defines the "eccentric position" of the electronic display 102 and the eccentric distance of the tilting mechanism 212. As used in this disclosure, "eccentric distance" is defined as the distance of vertical tilt adjustment corresponding to a predetermined rotation angle "α" of the display mounting bracket 110. For example, the tilting mechanism 212 can be configured to tilt within a range defined by the eccentric distance, such as approximately 5 degrees "up" and approximately 15 degrees "down," for a total rotation range of approximately 20 degrees.

The tension spring 120 compensates for the rotation of the planetary gear 218 by stretching or shortening, and conversely, the planetary gear 218 compensates for the stretching or shortening of the tension spring 120 by rotating relative to the inner gear ring 216. In either case, the adjusting screw 130 is configured to pivot about the fixed rotation axis 214 to compensate as the spring hook 144 and the locking gear shaft 222 rotate relative to the rotation center of the planetary gear 218.

Figure 8A is a conceptual diagram illustrating the spring-based vertical tilt counterweight balancing mechanism 212 of Figures 6 through 7C. It should be understood that Figures 8A and 8B are not drawn to scale. The vertical tilt mechanism 212 can be conceptualized as an ideal lever, similar to a seesaw or a set of weighing scales. As shown in Figure 8A, the “right” side of pivot point 138 is the location where the electronic display 102 is attached to the display mounting bracket 110; the “left” side of pivot point 138 is understood as the lever used to balance the display 102. Specifically, the left side includes the upper end of the tension spring 120, and below pivot point 138 is the lower end of the tension spring 120, which is attached to a fixed spring rotation axis 214, acting as an anchor point 140 (e.g., defining a fixed position of the lower end of the spring 210), and a pivot point around which the lower end of the spring 210 can rotate. Therefore, the relevant lever balance equation for the tilting mechanism 212 can be written as: (F_TV * L₁ = F₂ * L₂), where F₂ = F_spring * cosine(θ).

To account for the varying weights of different electronic displays 102, the tension F of spring 120 can be increased or decreased as needed by rotating knob 118 to lengthen or shorten the length of “X3” (e.g., by translating adjusting screw 130 to spring seat 224), so that the tension of spring 120 will keep the electronic display 102 in the desired vertical tilt direction. It is also necessary to compensate for the length of stretching of spring 120 during vertical tilt rotation of the electronic display 102. Therefore, the vertical tilt mechanism 212 includes a planetary gear system 220 (FIG. 7A), where planetary gears 218 are configured to rotate relative to the inner circumference of inner gear ring 216 (FIG. 7B). For example, in some instances, planetary gears 218 move synchronously within inner gear ring 218 to compensate for vertical tilt rotation of display 102, maintain the overall kinematic balance of tilt mechanism 212, maintain the effective length X1 of spring 120, and thus maintain the tension within spring 120.

As described above, the planetary gear 218 is designed as an "eccentric wheel," and the length of the eccentric position corresponds to the rotation of the electronic display 102 at a predetermined angle "α," for example, 20 degrees. For example, Figure 8B is a conceptual diagram showing the vertical tilting mechanism 212 when the electronic display 102 is tilted vertically at an angle "α."

The relevant lever balance equations for the tilting mechanism 212 in Figure 8B are:

Proximal lever torque (e.g., to the left of pivot point 138):

F_spring = k * (X₂ + X₃) (where "k" is the spring constant of spring 120).

F2 = F_spring * COS(θ) * COS(α)

Lever distance: L4 = L2 * COS(α)

Proximal lever torque = F2 * L4

＝ F spring * COS(θ) * COS(α) * L4

=k*(X2+X3)*L2*COS(θ)*COS(α)2

Distal lever torque (e.g., to the right of pivot point 138):

F-TV = Mass TV * Gravity

Lever distance: L3 = L1 * COS(α)

Distal lever torque = F_TV * L₃

= mTV * g * L1 * COS(α)

Lever balance equation: F_TV * L₃ = F₂ * L₂

k*(X2+X3)*L2*COS(θ)*COS(α)2＝mg*L1*COS(α)

k*(X2+X3)*L2*COS(θ)*COS(α)=mg*L1

Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a spring-based technique for adjusting the vertical tilt angle of a wall-mounted electronic display 102. The technique in Figure 9 is described with reference to the wall-mounted system 100 in Figures 1 through 5B, but any suitable wall-mounted system can be used.

In step 902, the user mounts the electronic display 102 (e.g., a flat-screen TV) onto the display mounting bracket 110 of the mounting device 106, which may or may not be mounted to the wall 104. In step 904, after the wall-mounted system 100 (including the electronic display 102) is fully mounted to the wall 104, the user can rotate the adjustment knob 118 on the proximal side of the vertical tilt mechanism 112. Rotation of the adjustment knob 118 causes a proximal or distal translation of the damper slider 134 connected to the upper end of the tension spring 120, thereby modifying the effective length and orientation angle of the tension spring 120. Accordingly, the tension of the spring 120 (used as a counterweight balancing force for the electronic display 102) is adjusted.

In step 906, the user can continue adjusting the counterweight balancing force until the "proximal" lever torque of the tilting mechanism 112 is equal to the "distal" lever torque of the tilting mechanism 112, i.e., until the tension of the spring 120 is approximately balanced with the weight of the display 102, for example, within the tolerance provided by static friction. In step 908, the user can manually adjust the vertical tilt direction (or "vertical tilt angle") of the electronic display 102, for example, by applying pressure to the angle adjustment plate 136 (FIG. 3) of the electronic display 102 or the display mounting bracket 110. In some cases, after adjusting the vertical tilt angle, the user may need to further adjust the damper slider 134 to rebalance the tilting mechanism 112 (at step 910). As an additional or alternative option, the user can adjust one or more of the screws 138, 154 to use additional static friction to restrain the tilting mechanism 112 to help hold the electronic display 102 in place.

Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating a spring-based counterweight balancing technique for a vertically tilted wall-mounted electronic display. The technique in Figure 10 is described with reference to the wall-mounting system 200 in Figures 6 through 8B, but any suitable wall-mounting system can be used.

In step 1002, the user mounts the electronic display 102 (e.g., a flat-screen TV) onto the display mounting bracket 210 of the mounting device 206, which may or may not be mounted on the wall 104. In step 1004, after the wall-mounted system 200 (including the electronic display 102) is fully mounted on the wall 104, the user can rotate the adjustment knob 118 below the vertical tilting mechanism 212. Rotating the adjustment knob 118 causes the fixed spring seat 224 connected to the lower end of the tension spring 120 to translate vertically, thereby changing the effective length of the tension spring 120. Accordingly, the tension of the spring 120 is adjusted (serving as a counterweight balancing force for the electronic display 102). This tension is applied to the locking gear shaft 222 of the eccentric planetary gear 218, which gradually rotates towards the vertically tilted electronic display 102. The user can continue to adjust the tension until the desired tilt direction is achieved, where the "proximal" lever torque of the tilting mechanism 212 is equal to the "distal" lever torque of the tilting mechanism 212, i.e., until the tension of the spring 120 approximately offsets the weight of the display 102, for example, within the tolerance range provided by static friction. In step 1006, the user can adjust one or more screws 138, 154 (FIG. 7B) to control the tilting mechanism 212 with additional static friction, thereby holding the electronic display 102 in the proper position.

Please be aware that, provided the underlying technology remains operational, the individual operations used in these instructional techniques can be performed in any suitable order and/or simultaneously. Furthermore, please also be aware that, provided the relevant functionality remains operational, the current systems, devices, and techniques may include any number or all of the aforementioned instances.

Please understand that the various features of the described examples can be combined in various ways to generate more examples. Furthermore, when various materials, sizes, shapes, configurations, and positions are described for use with the described examples, other examples besides those described may be used without exceeding the scope of the claimed invention.

Those skilled in the art will find that the subject matter herein may include fewer features than those described in any of the individual examples above. The examples described herein are not intended to exhaustively illustrate the various ways in which the subject matter may be combined. Therefore, the examples are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, as those skilled in the art will understand, different examples may include combinations of different individual features selected from different individual examples. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, elements described in one example may be implemented in other examples, even if not described in the relevant embodiments.

While dependent claims may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other examples may include combinations of the subject matter of dependent claims with mutually dependent claims, or combinations of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Unless otherwise stated, relevant combinations are intended to be used herein.

Any content incorporated by reference to the foregoing documents is limited to the extent that it may not include any subject matter that contravenes the express disclosure herein. Any content incorporated by reference to the foregoing documents is further limited to the extent that any claims contained in those documents may not be incorporated herein by reference. Any content incorporated by reference to the foregoing documents is further limited to the extent that any definitions provided in those documents may not be incorporated herein by reference, except where expressly incorporated herein.

For the purpose of interpreting claims, the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112(f) shall not be invoked unless the specific terms “method” or “step” are used in the claims.

Claims (20)

1. An apparatus comprising: A main fixing plate, the main fixing plate being configured to be connected to a wall bracket, and the main fixing plate including an internal gear; A display mounting bracket is configured to be detachably attached to the back of an electronic display, wherein: The display mounting bracket is configured to be tilted vertically relative to the main mounting plate, about an tilt axis passing through a pivot point of the display mounting bracket and the main mounting plate. The display mounting bracket includes a proximal extension member that extends proximally to the pivot point, and The proximal extension component includes an eccentric gear, the eccentric gear including a locking shaft, the eccentric gear being configured to mesh with an internal gear of the main fixing plate; A tension spring comprising a lower end connected to the main fixing plate and an upper end connected to the locking shaft of the eccentric gear, such that the tension spring holds the display mounting bracket in a vertical tilt direction relative to the main fixing plate; and An adjusting screw is attached to the lower end of the tension spring, wherein rotation of the adjusting screw causes the tension spring to open or compress. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the upper end of the tension spring defines a hook configured to be suspended on the locking shaft of the eccentric gear. 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the bottom end of the adjusting screw includes an adjusting knob. 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the lower end of the tension spring is connected to the main fixing plate via the adjusting screw, and wherein the adjusting screw is rotatably connected to the main fixing plate via a fixed spring rotation shaft parallel to the tilt axis direction. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a screw sleeve disposed within the tension spring, the screw sleeve being configured to receive the tip of the adjusting screw. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an extendable arm connected between the wall bracket and the main mounting plate, the extendable arm being configured to extend the distal end of the electronic display away from the wall. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the extension arm comprises a proximal arm portion and a distal arm portion, wherein the distal arm portion is configured to rotate relative to the proximal arm portion to extend the distal end of the electronic display away from the wall. 8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the eccentric gear defines an eccentric angle of about 20 degrees. 9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pivot screw aligned with the tilt axis, the pivot screw being configured to increase or decrease the frictional damping force between the display mounting bracket and the main mounting plate. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising the wall-mounted bracket. 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the adjusting screw extends upward through the bottom side of the main fixing plate. 12. A system comprising: A wall bracket, the wall bracket being configured to be detachably attached to a wall; A main fixing plate, the main fixing plate being configured to be connected to a wall bracket, and the main fixing plate including an internal gear; A display mounting bracket is configured to be detachably attached to the back of an electronic display, wherein: The display mounting bracket is configured to be tilted vertically relative to the main mounting plate, about an tilt axis passing through a pivot point of the display mounting bracket and the main mounting plate. The display mounting bracket includes a proximal extension member that extends proximally to the pivot point, and The proximal extension component includes an eccentric gear, the eccentric gear including a locking shaft, the eccentric gear being configured to mesh with an internal gear of the main fixing plate; A tension spring, the tension spring including a lower end connected to the main fixing plate and an upper end connected to the locking shaft of the eccentric gear, such that the tension spring holds the display mounting bracket in a vertical tilt direction relative to the main fixing plate; and An adjusting screw is attached to the lower end of the tension spring, wherein rotation of the adjusting screw causes the tension spring to open or compress. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the upper end of the tension spring defines a hook configured to be suspended on the locking shaft of the eccentric gear. 14. The system of claim 12, wherein the bottom end of the adjusting screw includes an adjusting knob. 15. The system of claim 12, wherein the lower end of the tension spring is connected to the main fixing plate via the adjusting screw, and wherein the adjusting screw is rotatably connected to the main fixing plate via a fixed spring rotation axis parallel to the tilt axis direction. 16. The system of claim 12, wherein the mounting device further comprises a screw sleeve disposed within the tension spring, the screw sleeve being configured to receive the tip of the adjusting screw. 17. The system of claim 12, wherein the mounting device further comprises an extendable arm connected between the wall bracket and the main mounting plate, the extendable arm being configured to extend the distal end of the electronic display away from the wall. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the extension arm comprises a proximal arm and a distal arm, wherein the distal arm is configured to rotate relative to the proximal arm to extend the distal end of the electronic display away from the wall. 19. The system of claim 12, wherein the eccentric gear defines an eccentric angle of about 20 degrees. 20. A method comprising: A main fixing plate is provided, the main fixing plate defining an internal gear; A display mounting bracket is provided, the display mounting bracket being configured to be detachably coupled to the back of an electronic display, the display mounting bracket including a proximal extension member extending proximally to a pivot point, and the proximal extension member including an eccentric gear, the eccentric gear including a locking shaft; Provides a tension spring and an adjusting screw connected to the lower end of the tension spring; and Provide instructions, which include: The eccentric gear meshes with the internal gear of the main fixed plate; Connect the lower end of the tension spring to the main fixing plate; and The upper end of the tension spring is connected to the locking shaft of the eccentric gear, such that: The display mounting bracket is configured to be tilted vertically relative to the main mounting plate, about an tilt axis passing through the pivot point; The tension spring holds the display mounting bracket in a vertical tilt direction relative to the main fixing plate; and Rotation of the adjusting screw causes the tension spring to open or compress.