Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
MODULAR MOUNTING SYSTEM
BACKGROUND
[0001] Quickly and accurately mounting panels, and the like, to a surface can
be challenging.
For example, advances in display technologies have made larger displays
available, but there
remains a limit beyond which larger displays become increasingly technically
challenging and
expensive to fabricate. The same is true of displays with non-rectangular
and/or irregular
shapes. One solution that overcomes the size and shape limitations of
individual display devices
is a video wall. Video walls are display systems that comprise a plurality of
local display units
mounted on a surface and arranged contiguously. A single image may be divided
into a plurality
of images, each displayed on a local display unit such that the original image
may be viewed on
the display system as a whole. Video wall systems are scalable to various
sizes and shapes;
however, video walls provide their own challenges for installation and
alignment.
[0002] One challenge of video walls is that the display units must be aligned
precisely when
mounted, as even slight gaps and misalignments are noticeable to the viewer.
Spaces or gaps
between display units may be minimized by affixing display units to
neighboring display units;
however, this may result in tolerance stack up, resulting from variations in
the dimensions or
alignment of individual units that accumulate as the number of display units
increases, causing
interference or gaps between neighboring display units. Other mounting systems
provide
dedicated supports for each display unit that allow adjustments to be made
with multiple
degrees of freedom to compensate for fit issues; however, these systems
necessitate aligning
each display unit individually and verifying the accuracy of each alignment.
This is a time-
consuming and cumbersome process which increases the likelihood of damage
occurring to the
display units.
[0003] A further challenge of video walls is that temperature fluctuations
during operation may
cause the components to expand. The temperature of an LED display unit may
increase by
approximately 50 C when the unit displays a fully white image. If neighboring
video display units
are installed such that they abut one another, temperature fluctuations may
inflict internal stress
on the assembly.
SUMMARY
[0004] Generally, according to an aspect of the present specification, a
coupler is provided for
mounting a panel to a surface, comprising at least one male locating feature
on one of either the
1
CA 3070928 2020-02-04
. ,
. . ,
panel or surface adapted to locate at least one female locating feature on the
other of the panel
or surface, and at least one magnetic coupler on each of the panel and surface
adapted to
magnetically couple the panel and surface in an orientation defined by the
male and female
locating features.
[0005] According to another aspect of the present specification, a system for
mounting a
plurality of display tiles is provided comprising a mount sheet having a
plurality of mounting
positions, a plurality of chassis having at least one locating feature and at
least one magnetic
coupler on one side and at least one magnet on an opposite side. The locating
features on one
side of the chassis are adapted to locate a locating feature on at least one
display tile. The
magnetic couplers on one side of the chassis are adapted to magnetically
couple at least one
magnetic coupler on a display tile. The magnet or magnets on an opposite side
are adapted to
magnetically couple the mount sheet in one of the mounting positions.
[0006] The magnetic couplers on the chassis may be one or more magnets or
ferromagnetic
material. The magnetic couplers on the display tile may be one or more magnets
or
ferromagnetic material.
[0007] Each locating feature on one side of the chassis may be either a male
locating feature or
a female locating feature adapted to locate a female locating feature or a
male locating feature,
respectively, on one of the display tiles.
[0008] The male locating feature may comprise at least one locating pin. The
female locating
feature may comprise at least one socket that is adapted to receive a locating
pin.
[0009] Each display tile may include two locating features corresponding with
two locating
features on one of the chassis. The two female locating features may include a
first and second
socket disposed on an axis: a hole socket and a slot socket. The hole socket
may have an inner
diameter and the slot socket may have an inner height and an inner width. The
two male
locating features may include a first and second locating pin, each having an
outer diameter and
being adapted to couple with a corresponding socket of the two female locating
features.
[0010] The inner diameter of the hole socket may be dimensioned relative to
the outer diameter
of the corresponding locating pin to create a close fit. The inner height of
the slot socket may be
dimensioned relative to the outer diameter of the corresponding locating pin
to create a close fit.
The inner width of the slot socket may be greater than the outer diameter of
the corresponding
locating pin. Movement of the locating pin coupled with the slot socket may be
permitted in the
axis, and rotational movement of the first and second sockets around the
corresponding locating
2
CA 3070928 2020-02-04
pin may be impeded.
[0011] The chassis may include at least one locating pin on the opposite side
for positioning the
chassis relative to at least one aperture on the mount sheet.
[0012] The one or more locating pins on the opposite side of the chassis may
have an outer
diameter and may correspond with one of the apertures on the mount sheet. The
aperture may
have an inner width and an inner height. The outer diameter of the locating
pin may be less than
the inner width and the inner height of the corresponding aperture.
[0013] The chassis may have two locating pins on the opposite side. The two
locating pins may
be disposed on an axis of the chassis.
[0014] The display system may further comprise two springs connected to the
first locating pin
on the opposite side of the chassis, the first spring on the first locating
pin configured to bias the
first locating pin in a direction perpendicular to the axis, and the second
spring on the first
locating pin configured to bias the second locating pin in the axis. A further
spring may be
connected to the second locating pin on the opposite side of the chassis and
configured to bias
the second locating pin in a direction perpendicular to the axis. Movement of
the second
locating pin on the opposite side of the chassis may be permitted in the axis,
and rotational
movement of the chassis around either locating pin may be impeded.
[0015] The springs may be selected from a group comprising: elastomers, leaf
springs, coil
springs, or a combination thereof.
[0016] Each chassis may include three pairs of locating features adapted to
locate
corresponding pairs of locating features on three display tiles. Each chassis
may further include
three magnetic couplers adapted to magnetically couple with the magnetic
couplers on three
display tiles.
[0017] Each display tile may include a carrier and a module board.
[0018] The mount sheet may be removably attached to a support surface with one
or more
anchors. The anchors may be positioned between the mount sheet and the support
surface.
[0019] According to another aspect of the present specification, a system for
mounting a
plurality of display tiles is provided comprising a mount sheet having a
plurality of mounting
positions; and a plurality of chassis. Each display tile has two locating
features on one side
adapted to couple two locating features on the chassis. Two locating features
on one side are
either male locating features or female locating features adapted to locate
two female locating
3
CA 3070928 2020-02-04
features or two male locating features, respectively, on the display tile.
Each male locating
feature comprises a locating pin. Each female locating feature comprises a
socket that is
adapted to receive the locating pin. Each chassis includes a magnet or a
ferromagnetic material
adapted to magnetically couple with a ferromagnetic material or magnet,
respectively, on the
display tile
[0020] The female locating features may include a first or second socket
disposed on an axis: a
hole socket or a slot socket. The hole socket may have an inner diameter and
the slot socket
may have an inner height and inner width. The male locating features may
include a locating pin
having an outer diameter and being adapted to couple with a corresponding
socket of the
female magnetic coupler. The inner diameter of the hole socket may be
dimensioned relative to
the outer diameter of the corresponding locating pin to create a close fit.
The inner height of the
slot socket may be dimensioned relative to the outer diameter of the
corresponding locating pin
to create a close fit. The inner width of the slot socket may be greater than
the outer diameter of
the corresponding locating pin. Movement of the locating pin coupled with the
slot socket may
be permitted in the axis, and rotational movement of either socket around the
corresponding
locating pin may be impeded.
[0021] Each chassis may include two locating pins on the opposite side for
positioning the
chassis relative to two apertures in the mount sheet. Each locating pin may
correspond with one
of two apertures on the mount sheet. Each locating pin may have an outer
diameter and may be
disposed on an axis of the chassis. Each aperture may have an inner width and
an inner height,
and the outer diameter of the each locating pin may be less than the inner
width and the inner
height of the corresponding aperture.
[0022] The display system may further comprise two springs connected to the
first locating pin
on the opposite side of the chassis, the first spring on the first locating
pin configured to bias the
first locating pin in a direction perpendicular to the axis, and the second
spring on the first
locating pin configured to bias the second locating pin in the axis. A further
spring may be
connected to the second locating pin on the opposite side of the chassis and
configured to bias
the second locating pin in a direction perpendicular to the axis. Movement of
the second
locating pin on the opposite side of the chassis may be permitted in the axis,
and rotational
movement of the chassis around either locating pin may be impeded.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying
drawings in
4
CA 3070928 2020-02-04
which:
[0024] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a system for mounting video
display tiles,
according to an embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a partial front view of the system of FIG. 1 secured to a
frame.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a mount sheet of the system of
FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a side view of the system of FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 5A is an exploded view of a chassis and a plurality of display
tiles of the system of
FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the chassis and display tiles of FIG.
1.
[0030] FIG. 6A is perspective rear view of a display tile of the system of
FIG. 1.
[0031] FIG. 6B is a partial exploded view of the display tile of FIG. 68.
[0032] FIG. 7 is a side view of the chassis of FIG. 1.
[0033] FIG. 8 an exploded view of the chassis and display tiles of FIG. 1.
[0034] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the chassis of FIG. 1.
[0035] FIG. 10 is a partial rear view showing the chassis mounted on the mount
sheet of the
system of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0036] To address the challenges in the installation and alignment of panels,
such as tiled
display systems, there is provided a system 100 for mounting a plurality of
panels, such as
display units, as shown in FIG. 1, which includes xyz Cartesian indicators to
generally indicate
direction, for clarity. System 100 comprises a mount sheet 102 which is
substantially two-
dimensional, for example in the xy-directions. Mount sheet 102 is
substantially two-dimensional
in the sense that two of its dimensions (e.g. in the x and y directions) are
larger than the third
dimension (e.g. in the z direction). The mount sheet 102 may have a surface or
a plane which
may have a profile including but not limited to a flat profile, a curved
profile, a bent profile, and a
faceted profile.
[0037] The mount sheet 102 has a plurality of mounting positions 104, each at
a predetermined
position on mount sheet 102.
CA 3070928 2020-02-04
,=
[0038] Each mounting position 104 is configured to receive at least one
chassis 106. The
mounting positions 104 may comprise apertures or cut-outs shaped and sized to
receive at least
a portion of a corresponding chassis 106. Each chassis 106 is adapted to
magnetically couple
with the mount sheet 102 in one of the mounting positions 104.
[0039] Each chassis 106 is further adapted to magnetically couple at least one
display tile 108.
Display tiles receivable by the chassis 106 may comprise, but are not limited
to, LED displays,
LCD displays, plasma displays, front and/or rear projection displays and the
like. Indeed, any
type of display unit which may be used in tiled display systems is within the
scope of the present
specification.
[0040] System 100 may hence enable the installation of a large number of
display tiles 108. By
pre-determining the positions of chassis 106, the display tiles 108 received
by those chassis
106 may be aligned with one another to within a given inter-display unit
tolerance. This may
obviate after-mounting alignment and/or xyz alignment of the display units
with one another
during the installation process. By coupling the chassis 106 to the display
units 108 and
mounting sheet 102 with at least one magnetic coupler (such as couplers 507a,
507b, 507c,
507d and 601a, 601b, 601c, 601d, discussed in greater detail below), the
chassis 106 and
display tiles 108 may be installed without fasteners such as bolts, screws,
clamps, or snaps.
Consequently, a relatively shorter duration of time, relative to the prior
art, may be used to install
a large number of display units and the assembled tiled display system may be
characterized by
tighter tolerances between display units than in the prior art.
[0041] Furthermore, the mount sheet 102 may be installed and have its profile
adjusted and
finalized during the construction phase of a space that is to house the tiled
display system,
without exposing sensitive and expensive display units to potential damage
during the
construction phase. Once the construction is finished, the chassis 106 may be
secured and/or
mounted to the mount sheet 102 at their respective mounting positions 104
without further
alignment, individually or collectively, of the chassis 106. Similarly, the
display tiles 108 may be
secured and/or mounted to the chassis 106 without further alignment,
individually or collectively,
of the chassis 106.
[0042] The mount sheet 102 may be secured to a support surface 110 with one or
more
anchors 112. The anchors 112 may be positioned between the support surface 110
and the
mount sheet 102. A plurality of mount sheets 102 may be secured to a support
surface 110.
Adjacent mount sheets 102 may be coupled with one or more coupling links 114.
An anchor 112
may comprise any suitable spacer and/or fastener, such as a bolt, a screw, and
the like,
6
CA 3070928 2020-02-04
11
I
configured to secure a mount sheet 102 to the support surface 110.
[0043] The support surface 110 may comprise a load bearing support surface
including, but not
limited, to a wall (as depicted in FIG. 1) and/or a frame 202 (as depicted in
FIGs. 2-4). However,
while the support surface 110 is depicted as flat and vertical, the support
surface 110, and/or
any other suitable surface and/or frame, need not be flat and/or vertical. In
some configurations,
components of the system 100 may be secured to a horizontal, slanted, or
curved surface, for
example. In some examples, the system 100 may be installed on a support
surface that is
inclined, for example at angles in the range of from 5 to 20 .
[0044] The system 100 may be assembled by first mounting various chassis 106
in mount
positions on the mount sheet 102. Display tiles 108 may then be mounted to the
chassis using
the magnetic couplers, such as couplers 507a, 507b, 507c, 507d and 601a, 601b,
601c, 601d.
However, the steps need not be performed in any particular order. The steps
may be repeated
and/or reversed. In one example, display tiles may be mounted on a chassis and
the chassis
may then be mounted on the mount sheet.
[0045] FIG. 2 shows a partial front view of the system for mounting display
tiles 100 secured on
a frame 202. FIG. 2 also includes xy Cartesian indicators to generally
indicate direction.
[0046] FIG. 3 shows a partial perspective view of the system for mounting
display tiles 100. In
this example, the mount sheet 102 is secured to a frame 202 by the anchors
112. The anchors
112 are secured to the mount sheet 102 by fasteners 302. These fasteners 302
may include, but
are not limited to, screws, bolts, magnets, clamps, snap-fittings, and the
like.
[0047] In this system 100, each mount position 104 includes a cut-out 304
configured to
accommodate a portion of the chassis 106(shown in detail in FIG. 7) and a pair
of apertures
306a, 306b configured to receive the chassis 106 (shown previously in FIG. 1).
The mount
sheet 102 may comprise a ferromagnetic material.
[0048] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the system for mounting display tiles 100.
FIG. 4 also
includes y and z Cartesian indicators to generally indicate direction. In FIG.
4, similar to FIG. 3,
the mount sheet 102 is secured to a frame 202. In this system 300, the anchors
112 are
positioned between the frame 202 and the mount sheet 102, leaving a distance
402 between
the mount sheet 102 and the frame 202. The distance 402 between the mount
sheet 102 and
the frame 202 may be configured to accommodate a portion 710 of the chassis
106 (shown later
in FIG. 7) that is received by the cut-out 304 (previously depicted in FIG.
3). It is contemplated
that the distance 402 between the mount sheet 102 and the frame 202 may be
sufficient to
7
CA 3070928 2020-02-04
1 4
1 1 0
allow air to circulate and cool the system 100. By independently adjusting the
anchors 112, the
mount sheet 102 may be adjusted to have a flat profile even when it is secured
to a non-flat
support surface 110 or frame 202. In some examples, the anchors 112 may be
adjusted by up
to 20 millimeters in the z axis.
[0049] FIG. 5A shows an exploded view of the chassis 106 and display tiles 108
of FIG. 1. FIG.
5A also includes xyz Cartesian indicators to generally indicate direction. The
chassis 106 has a
front profile 502 adapted to receive display tiles 108. The front profile 502
of the chassis 106
has a plurality of locating features 503, 504 that are configured to locate
one or more display
tiles 108. In this example, the chassis 106 has three pairs of locating
features corresponding
with three display tiles 108, however a number of arrangements are available.
The locating
features 503, 504 on the front profile 502 may be male locating features or
female locating
features, and/or a combination thereof. The male locating features may
comprise at least one
locating pin. In the example shown, the locating features 503, 504 include
male locating
features, for example locating pins 505, 506. The locating pins 505, 506 may
be disposed on an
axis of the chassis 106. In the example shown in FIG. 5A, the two locating
features 503, 504 are
disposed on the x axis of the chassis 106. The orientation of the display
tiles 108 when mounted
may depend on the alignment of the locating features on the chassis.
[0050] Each chassis further comprises at least one magnetic coupler 507. Each
magnetic
coupler is adapted to magnetically couple with a magnetic coupler on a display
tile 108. The
magnetic couplers may comprise either a magnet or a ferromagnetic material. In
one example,
the chassis may have three magnetic couplers corresponding with three display
tiles. In a
further example, the chassis may have three pairs of magnetic couplers
corresponding with
three display tiles. In the example shown in FIG. 5A, twelve magnetic couplers
507a, 507b,
507c, 507d (interchangeably referred to hereafter, collectively, as the
magnetic couplers 507
and, generically, as a magnetic coupler 507) are disposed on the chassis, with
four magnetic
couplers corresponding to each display tile 108.
[0051] The attractive strength of the magnetic couplers 507a, 507b, 507c, 507d
is generally
selected to be sufficient to secure the display tiles 108 when the display
tiles 108 are mounted
on the chassis 106. The strength of the magnets 507a, 507b, 507c, 507d may
therefore depend
on various factors including, but not limited to, a number of magnetic
couplers corresponding to
each display tile, an attitude of the mount sheet 102, a weight of the display
tiles 108, and the
like.
[0052] The magnetic couplers may position the display tiles in the z axis.
Therefore, the outer
8
CA 3070928 2020-02-04
I =
surface of each magnetic coupler on the chassis is generally selected to be
accurately aligned
on an xy plane.
[0053] The chassis 106 may include one or more electrical connectors 508 to
relay electrical
signals to the display tiles 108.
[0054] FIG. 5B shows the display tiles 108 of FIG. 5A mounted to the chassis
106. FIG. 5B also
includes xyz Cartesian indicators to generally indicate direction. In this
example, three display
tiles 108 are mounted to the chassis 106. When mounted, the surface 510 of
each display tile
108 may be approximately aligned on a xy plane and positions of the locating
features 503, 504
may be selected to achieve given gaps between the display tiles 108 and/or
given tolerances for
such gaps, for example to minimize the gaps between neighboring display tiles
108 when
mounted. In some examples, the positions of the locating features 503, 504 may
be selected
such that the gaps may be unnoticeable or imperceptible to an observer. For
example, the inter-
display tile gap may be about 0.1 cm. In other examples, the inter-display
unit gap may be about
0.05 cm. In yet further examples, the inter-display gap may be about 0.01 cm.
Additionally, the
tolerances for the inter-display tile gap may minimal. In some examples, the
tolerance may be
about 0.05 cm. In further examples, the tolerance may be about 0.01 cm. In
yet further
examples, the tolerance may be about 0.005 cm.
[0055] FIG. 6A shows a rear view of a display tile 108 in perspective. FIG.6A
also includes xyz
Cartesian indicators to generally indicate direction. The rear profile 600 of
the display tile 108
includes at least one magnetic coupler 601a, 601b, 601c, 601d (interchangeably
referred to
hereafter, collectively, as the magnetic couplers 601 and, generically, as a
magnetic coupler
601) adapted to couple with one or more magnetic couplers 507 on the chassis
(shown
previously in FIG. 5A and 5B). The magnetic couplers 601 may comprise
ferromagnetic material
adapted to magnetically couple with magnets on the chassis 106. In another
example, the
magnetic couplers 601 may comprise magnets adapted to magnetically couple with
ferromagnetic material on the chassis 106. The rear profile 600 may further
include one or more
locating features 602, 603, each corresponding with a locating feature 503,
504 on the chassis
106. The locating features 602, 603 may comprise male or female locating
features and may be
complementary to a corresponding locating feature 503, 504 on the chassis 106;
for example,
when a locating feature 602, 603 is female, a corresponding locating feature
503, 504 may be
male. Furthermore, while the locating features 602, 603, 504, 504 are
described herein as being
"male" or "female" any suitable shapes of complementary locating features are
within the scope
of the present specification. In particular, in FIG. 6, the locating features
602, 603 are female,
9
CA 3070928 2020-02-04
=
however a number of arrangements are possible. In general, a female locating
feature 602, 603
on the display tile 108 is adapted to magnetically couple a corresponding male
locating feature
503, 504 on the chassis 106, and a male locating feature 602, 603 on the
display tile 108 is
adapted to magnetically couple a corresponding female locating feature 602,
603 on the chassis
106 as further described hereafter.
[0056] A female locating feature 602, 603 may comprise at least one socket
604, 605 that is
adapted to receive a corresponding locating pin 505, 507 of a male magnetic
coupler 507
(previously shown in FIG. 5). FIG. 6 shows that each female magnetic coupler
602, 603
includes one socket 604, 605 disposed on an axis of the display tile 108 which
facilitate locating
the display tile 108 to the chassis 106 shown in FIG. 5A and 5B. The sockets
604, 605 are
shown to be aligned on the x axis of the display tile 108, however, a number
of possible
alignments are possible. In one example, the first socket 605 may comprise a
hole socket,
having an inner diameter 606. The second socket 604 may comprise a slot
socket, having an
inner width 610 and an inner height 608. The inner width 610 of the slot
socket may comprise
greater than the inner height 608 of the slot socket.
[0057] The display tile 108 may include one or more electrical adaptors 612.
[0058] The display tile 108 may include a carrier 614. The display tile 108
may additionally
include a module board 616 which may be disposed on a surface of the carrier
614. The module
board may comprise but is not limited to a polychlorinated biphenyl circuit
board, drive
electronics, and a plurality of LED pixels 618.
[0059] The surface of the carrier 614 may comprise a substantially planar and
rigid structure.
For example, the carrier may comprise of a rigid material such as metal. The
carrier may be
comprised of from a single piece of cast, formed, or machined metal. In
configurations, whether
the carrier is substantially planar and rigid, the carrier may provide
structural support to the
module board, when the module board 616 is disposed on the carrier. In some
examples, the
module board may be attached to the carrier with couplers, as shown in FIG.
6B. The couplers
may include leaf springs 620 to reduce the amount of force that is imparted to
the module board
616, ensuring that the module board is not damaged when attached to the
carrier via screws
622 threaded into standoffs 624 on the module board. The standoffs 624 may be
soldered on to
the module board 616 for reduced resistance to bending or torque. The springs
620 control the
amount of force that is applied to standoffs 624 when mounting the module
board 616 to the
carrier 614 (i.e. the springs deflect towards the standoff until they come in
contact, ensuring a
controlled amount of force is applied). In addition to eliminating torque from
being placed on the
CA 3070928 2020-02-04
,
standoffs 624 in response to tightening screws 622, the tensile load that the
screws apply is
counteracted by the contact between the spring 620 and the top of the standoff
624 (i.e. there is
no 'pull' on the joint connecting the standoff 624 to the module board 616).
[0060] FIG. 7 shows a side view of the chassis 106. FIG. 7 includes yz
Cartesian indicators to
generally indicate direction. The chassis 106 has a first side 502 adapted to
magnetically couple
at least one display tile (previously shown in FIG. 5A, 5B) and an opposite
side 708 adapted to
magnetically couple the mount sheet (previously shown in FIG. 1-3).
[0061] The chassis 106 may include at least one magnet 702 adapted to
magnetically couple
the mount sheet of FIG. 1. The chassis 106 may further include one or more
locating pins 704
on the opposite side 708 for positioning the chassis 106 on the mount sheet of
FIG. 1. One or
more springs 706 may be connected to the locating pins 704.
[0062] In some examples, the magnets 702 may be dimensioned uniformly in the z
axis such
that the chassis 106 is substantially parallel to the mount sheet when the
chassis 106 is
mounted. The attractive strength of the magnet or magnets 702 may be selected
to secure the
chassis 106 to the mount sheet 102 of FIG. 1 when the chassis 106 is mounted
to the mount
sheet. The strength of the magnets 702 will therefore depend on a number of
factors including,
but not limited to, the number of magnets 702 on the opposite side, the
attitude of the mount
sheet, and the weight of the chassis 106.
[0063] The chassis 106 may be substantially planar. In some examples, a
portion 710 of the
chassis 106 may deviate from the substantially planar shape of the chassis
106. In some
examples, the portion 710 of the chassis 106 may be disposed on the opposite
side 708. In
other examples, the portion 710 of the chassis 106 may be adapted to dissipate
heat from the
chassis 106. The portion 710 of the chassis 106 may have a shape adapted to
increase the
surface area of the chassis 106, for example, the portion 710 of the chassis
106 may have one
or more fin-like structures. This shape may reduce or eliminate the need for a
cooling
mechanism such as forced air or fans.
[0064] The first side 502 of the chassis 106 includes at least one locating
feature 504 adapted
to locate the display tiles of FIG. 5A and 5B. In the example shown in FIG. 7,
the locating
features 504 are male locating features, however the locating features 504 in
other examples
may comprise female locating features. The locating pins 505, 506 may have an
outer diameter
712 adapted to couple and/or mate with a corresponding socket 604, 605 on the
display tile
108. The locating pins 505, 506 may have a tapered shape such that the
diameter of the
11
CA 3070928 2020-02-04
locating pin is narrower at the distal end and wider at the proximal end,
relative to the chassis or
display tile, for example to assist with insertion of the locating pins 505,
506 into a respective
socket 604, 605. The outer diameter referenced in this application may
comprise maximum
width of a locating pin 505, 506.
[0065] FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of the chassis 106 and the display tiles
108. In this
example, the chassis 106 includes male locating features 503, 504
corresponding with
respective female locating features 602, 603 on the display tiles 108.
[0066] The outer diameter of a corresponding locating pin 505 may be
dimensioned relative to
the inner diameter 606 of the hole socket 605 (previously shown in FIG. 6) to
create a close fit.
The outer diameter 712 of a corresponding locating pin 506 may be dimensioned
relative to the
inner height 608 of the slot socket 604 (previously shown in FIG. 6) to create
a close fit. The
outer diameter 712 of the corresponding locating pin 506 may be less than the
inner width 610
of the slot socket 604 (shown in FIG. 6). In this example, movement of the
locating pin 506 is
permitted in an axis of the display tile 108, but rotational movement of
either socket 604, 605
around the corresponding locating pin 506, 505 is generally impeded when the
display tile 108
is coupled to the chassis 106. This example permits components of the system
100 to expand
and contract as the temperature fluctuates during operation.
[0067] In the example shown in FIG. 8, the magnetic couplers 507a, 507b, 507c,
507d on the
chassis comprise magnets configured to engage respective ferromagnetic
material of the
magnetic couplers 601a, 601b, 601c, 601d on the display tile 108. In another
example, the
magnetic couplers 507a, 507b, 507c, 507d on the chassis may include
ferromagnetic material
configured to engage with respective magnets of the magnetic couplers 601a,
601b, 601c, 601d
on the display tile, with respective polarities selected accordingly.
[0068] The chassis 106 may include one or more electrical connectors 508, and
the display tiles
108 may include one or more electrical adaptors 612. When the display tile 108
is mounted on
the chassis 106, the electrical connectors 508 may be configured to engage
with one or more
electrical adaptors 612.
[0069] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the rear profile 708 of the chassis
106. FIG. 9
includes xyz Cartesian indicators to generally indicate direction. The chassis
106 includes one
or more magnets 702 adapted to magnetically couple the mount sheet 102 from
FIG. 1. The
chassis 106 may further include one or more locating pins 704, 900 for
positioning the chassis
106 on the mount sheet of FIG. 1. The opposite side 708 of the chassis 106 may
include two
12
CA 3070928 2020-02-04
1,
locating pins 704, 900 disposed on an axis of the chassis 106. One or more
springs 706, 902,
904 may be connected to the locating pins 704, 900.
[0070] In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the opposite side 708 of the
chassis 106 includes
two locating pins 704, 900 disposed on the x axis of the chassis 106. Two
springs 902, 904 may
be connected to the first locating pin 900. The two springs 902, 904 may be
connected to the
first locating pin 900 in a number of ways including, but not limited to, a
fastener or an adhesive.
A further spring 706 is connected to the second locating pin 704. The spring
706 may be
connected to the second locating pin 704 in a number of ways including, but
not limited to, a
fastener or an adhesive.
[0071] FIG. 10 shows a rear view of the system 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 includes
yz Cartesian
indicators to generally indicate direction. The mount sheet 102 is depicted as
partially
transparent so as to better show the mounting of the chassis 106 on the mount
sheet 102.
Anchors 112 may be removably attached to the mount sheet 102. A portion 710 of
the chassis
106 may be received by a cut-out in the mount sheet 304.
[0072] The chassis 106 may be magnetically coupled to the mount sheet 102 with
at least one
magnet 702. The chassis 106 may also comprise one or more locating pins 704,
900 on the
opposite side for positioning the chassis relative one or more locating edges
1000 of a
corresponding aperture 306a, 306b in the mount sheet 102.The locating edges
1000 may be
defined by the inner edge or edges of each aperture 306a, 306b. In some
examples, the
apertures may be rectangular or square. In these instances, for example FIG.
10, the apertures
may have four locating edges 1000. In yet other examples, the apertures may
have rounded
corners.
[0073] In the example depicted in FIG. 10, the chassis 106 is mounted on the
mount sheet 102
with four magnets 702 and two locating pins 704, 900, however any number of
magnets and
locating pins is contemplated. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the two
locating pins 704, 900
are disposed on the x axis of the chassis 106. The second locating pin 704
corresponds with
one aperture 306a in the mount sheet 102, and the first locating pin 900
corresponds with a
second aperture 306b. Each aperture 306a, 306b may have an inner width 1002
and an inner
height 1004. The outer diameter of the corresponding locating pin (shown
previously as 712 in
FIG. 7) may be less than the inner width 1002 and the inner height 1004 of the
corresponding
aperture 306a, 306b. In this example, the corresponding apertures 306a, 306b
may receive the
locating pins 704, 900 when the chassis 106 is magnetically coupled to the
mount sheet 102.
13
CA 3070928 2020-02-04
"
[0074] The locating pins may have a tapered shape such that the diameter of
the locating pin is
narrower at a distal end and wider at a proximal end, relative to the chassis
or display tile. The
outer diameter 712 referenced in this application is the maximum width of the
locating pin.
[0075] Two springs 902, 904 may be connected to the first locating pin 900.
The first spring 902
on the first locating pin 900 may be configured to bias the first locating pin
900 in a direction
perpendicular to the axis. In the example in FIG. 10, the first spring 902 on
the first locating pin
900 is configured to bias the locating pin 900 in the y axis of the chassis
106. The first spring
902 on the first locating pin 900 may bias the first locating pin 900 by
exerting a pressure
against one of the locating edges 1000. The second spring 904 on the first
locating pin 900 may
be configured to bias the first locating pin 900 in the direction of an axis.
In the example in FIG.
10, the second spring 904 on the first locating pin 900 is configured to bias
the first locating pin
900 in the x axis of the chassis 106. The second spring 904 on the first
locating pin 900 may
bias the first locating pin 900 by exerting a pressure against one of the
locating edges 1000. A
further spring 706 may be connected to the second locating pin 704. The
further spring 706 may
be configured to bias the second locating pin 704 in a direction perpendicular
to the axis. In the
example in FIG. 10, the further spring 706 is configured to bias the second
locating pin 704 in
the y axis of the chassis 106. The further spring 706 may bias the second
locating pin 704 by
exerting a pressure against the mount sheet 102.
[0076] In this example, movement of the second locating pin 704 is permitted
in the direction of
an axis, and rotational movement of the chassis 106 around the apertures 704,
900 is impeded.
In the example depicted in FIG. 10, the second locating pin 704 may be
configured to move in
the x axis, but rotational movement of the chassis 106 around either aperture
306a, 306b may
be impeded. This example may address the challenge of accurately locating the
chassis 106 on
a mount position 104. This example may additionally permit components of the
system 100 to
expand and contract as the temperature of the system fluctuates during
operation.
[0077] In some examples, the springs 902, 904, 706 may comprise leaf springs.
In a further
example, the springs may comprise elastomers. In a yet further example, the
springs may
comprise coil springs. In another example, the springs may comprise a
combination of leaf
springs, coil springs, and/or elastomers.
[0078] Although the examples set forth in the drawings and discussed herein
are directed to
mounting display tiles in a modular video system, the coupler discussed herein
may be used to
couple panels other than display tiles in applications other than modular
video systems. For
example, it is contemplated that the male/female locating features and
magnetic couplers
14
CA 3070928 2020-02-04
described herein may be used to mount disparate objects such as automotive
panels, picture
frames, and other panels to surfaces, without limitation.
[0079] In this specification, elements may be described as "configured to"
perform one or more
functions or "configured for" such functions. In general, an element that is
configured to perform
or configured for performing a function is enabled to perform the function, or
is suitable for
performing the function, or is adapted to perform the function, or is operable
to perform the
function, or is otherwise capable of performing the function.
[0080] It is understood that for the purpose of this specification, language
of "at least one of X,
Y, and Z" and "one or more of X, Y and Z" may be construed as X only, Y only,
Z only, or any
combination of two or more items X, Y, and Z (e.g., XYZ, XY, YZ, XZ, and the
like). Similar logic
may be applied for two or more items in any occurrence of "at least one..."
and "one or more..."
language.
[0081] The terms "about", "substantially", "essentially", "approximately", and
the like, are defined
as being "close to", for example as understood by persons of skill in the art.
In some examples,
the terms are understood to be "within 10%," in other examples, "within 5%",
in yet further
examples, "within 1%", and in yet further examples "within 0.5%".
[0082] Features and advantages will be apparent from the detailed
specification and, thus, it is
intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of
the invention.
Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those
skilled in the art,
it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and
operation illustrated and
described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be
resorted to, falling
within the scope of the claims.
CA 3070928 2020-02-04
