Adjustable Support Arm With Quick-Release and Panning Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable support arms lack the necessary range of height, depth, and angle adjustments to accommodate the diverse ergonomic needs of users in modern workspaces, particularly when transitioning between seated and standing positions or accommodating different users at hot-desking stations.
Innovation Solution
The adjustable support arm features a quick-release joint, a friction cartridge assembly, an adjustable panning insert, a bearing in the hub of the base assembly, a quick-release accessory fastening mechanism, and an accessory bracket assembly, allowing for extensive height, depth, tilt, and swivel adjustments, as well as easy attachment and detachment of accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable support arms provide basic height and angle adjustments, then ergonomic support is achieved, but the range of adjustment is insufficient to accommodate diverse user needs and position transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is divided into multiple independent adjustable segments: height adjustment mechanism, depth adjustment mechanism, tilt adjustment mechanism, and swivel adjustment mechanism. Each segment can be adjusted independently, allowing comprehensive ergonomic customization without requiring a completely redesigned complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm incorporates multiple dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow the structure to adapt to different positions and users. The quick-release joints enable transitions between fixed and movable states, providing dynamic adaptability for different working conditions while maintaining structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the support arm structure is made more complex to provide wider adjustment range, then adaptability improves, but the force required to adjust the arm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm incorporates counterbalancing mechanisms that offset the weight of the mounted object and the arm structure itself. This allows users to adjust the arm through a wide range of positions with minimal force, as the counterweight system automatically compensates for gravitational effects on the extended structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Friction cartridges are introduced as intermediary elements between the adjustment mechanisms and the arm structure. These friction cartridges provide controlled resistance that allows smooth adjustment through multiple positions while maintaining stability once adjusted, reducing the peak force required during adjustment.
3Ease of operation
If quick-release mechanisms are added to enable easy attachment and detachment, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-release joints are designed with self-latching mechanisms that automatically secure the arm assembly to the base assembly when brought together. The spring-loaded latches engage automatically with the connector shaft, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations and reducing the complexity of manual assembly procedures.
4Stability of the object's composition
If friction cartridges are used to reduce slack in joints, then stability improves, but the force required to overcome friction during adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The friction cartridges are designed with adjustable friction parameters that can be optimized for different operating conditions. By carefully selecting the friction coefficient and contact surface area, the system achieves sufficient stability to eliminate joint slack while maintaining friction levels that users can easily overcome during adjustment operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides users with a wide range of ergonomic adjustments, enhancing comfort and reducing eye and neck strain, while also allowing for easy reconfiguration to suit different users and work environments.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded latch coupled to the base assembly which releasably engages an indentation in a connector shaft
Implementation Method 2
a friction cartridge assembly for dampening side-to-side movement of the arm assembly and reducing slack in the joints
Implementation Method 3
a bearing positioned in the hub of the base assembly for reducing the amount of force required to adjust the side-to-side motion of the support arm
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable support arm capable of providing users with a wide range of height, depth, tilt, and swivel options. The adjustable support arm may comprise an arm assembly releasably mounted to a base assembly. In further embodiments, the adjustable support arm may also comprise an articulating joint connected to the arm assembly, and an accessory bracket assembly connected to the articulating joint. A quick-release joint comprising a spring-loaded pivot latch may be utilized to releasably connect the arm assembly to the base assembly. To dampen side-to-side movement of the arm assembly, the adjustable support arm may also comprise a friction cartridge assembly comprising a taper-lock bushing and one or more set screws. A ring-shaped, adjustable panning insert can be coupled to the arm assembly to restrict the range of side-to-side motion of the support arm. The adjustable arm can further comprise a quick-release accessory fastening mechanism for easy removal and attachment of a mounted object (e.g., an electronic display, keyboard, or other item) to the support arm.