Adjustable Support Arm Assembly with Tool-Free Counterbalance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support apparatus for electronic displays and devices lack intuitive and tool-free height and counterbalance adjustments, limiting flexibility and adaptability to different devices and positions.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable support arm assembly with a base, lower and upper arms, a counterbalance unit, and an elongated flexible element that allows for manual adjustment of counterbalance force without tools, enabling height and angular positioning adjustments, and allowing the assembly to be repositioned freely without clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a preset counterbalance is selected to correspond to the mass of a given electronic device, then the support arm can provide stable support for that specific device, but it cannot accommodate electronic devices having different masses
Solution Approach 1:
The counterbalance weight is made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the support arm to adapt to different device masses. The counterbalance unit can be repositioned along the support arm structure, enabling dynamic adaptation to various weight requirements while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The counterbalance force is made variable by allowing adjustment of the counterbalance weight position. This parameter change enables the system to accommodate different device masses by modifying the counterbalance moment arm length, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a means of adjusting a counterbalance is provided to accommodate electronic devices having different masses, then adaptability improves, but fluid motion when adjusting the support arm deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The counterbalance adjustment mechanism is designed to be simple and intuitive, allowing users to easily reposition the counterbalance weight without complex procedures. The mechanism maintains smooth motion characteristics while enabling adaptation to different device masses.
Solution Approach 2:
The counterbalance adjustment system is designed to be user-friendly and self-adjustable, eliminating the need for tools or complex procedures. Users can easily modify the counterbalance position to match different device weights, maintaining fluid operation while achieving adaptability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the base assembly includes a clamp mechanism to secure the support apparatus to a work surface, then stability improves, but the ability to reposition the assembly freely deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base assembly incorporates a releasable clamp mechanism that can transition between locked and unlocked states. When locked, it provides stable support preventing tipping; when unlocked, it allows free repositioning of the entire assembly. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between stability and repositioning freedom.
4Adaptability or versatility
If height adjustment is provided to support devices at variable heights, then versatility improves, but the complexity of adjustment mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be adjusted relative to each other. This segmentation allows height adjustment through simple telescopic or articulated movements rather than complex mechanisms, achieving versatility while controlling complexity.
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
Enables quick, intuitive, and tool-free height and counterbalance adjustments, accommodating various devices and positions, providing flexibility and convenience in supporting different electronic devices and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated flexible element having a first end and an opposed second end, wherein the first end of the elongated flexible element is connected to the movable portion of the counterbalance unit and the elongated flexible element extends from the lower or upper arm to which the counterbalance unit is connected and the second end of the elongated flexible element is connected to the other of the lower or upper arm
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable support arm assembly including a base, a lower arm having a first end connected to the base, an upper arm having a pivotal connection to a second end of the lower arm disposed between first and second ends of the upper arm and a plurality of adjustment positions disposed between the pivotal connection to the lower arm and the first end of the upper arm, a counterbalance unit connected to the lower arm or the upper arm and including a movable portion, an elongated flexible element having a first end connected to the movable portion of the counterbalance unit and the elongated flexible element extends from the lower or upper arm to which the counterbalance unit is connected and a second end of the elongated flexible element is connected to the other of the lower or upper arm to which the counterbalance unit is not connected.