Articulated Support Arm With Adjustable Gas Spring Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Articulated support arms for machines are limited in supporting loads of varying weights and sizes, require frequent maintenance, and have inaccurate movement locking and unlocking systems, making them expensive and difficult to use with heavy loads and complex to assemble.
Innovation Solution
An articulated support arm with a four-bar linkage, gas springs, and an electromechanical actuator that allows for smooth movement and adjustable height, along with remote control capabilities and accessible electrical connections, enabling support of diverse loads and reducing maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If gas springs with predetermined calibration are used to ensure stable load support, then smoother arm movement is achieved, but the arm can only support control panels within a predetermined weight range, requiring expensive arm replacement or complex recalibration
Solution Approach 1:
The gas spring calibration is made dynamically adjustable through an adjustment mechanism that allows changing the precharge pressure. This enables the same arm to adapt to different weight ranges by modifying the gas spring parameters, rather than being fixed to a single calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of the gas spring (precharge pressure) to adapt to different load conditions. By adjusting the precharge pressure, the gas spring can be recalibrated for different weight ranges without replacing the entire arm assembly.
2Device complexity
If electrical connection cables are accommodated within the arm frame, then the structure is compact, but the cables are not easily accessed by operators for maintenance or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The arm frame is segmented into modular sections, with the cable management system separated as an independent accessible component. This allows operators to access electrical cables through designated access points without disassembling the entire arm structure.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary access mechanism is provided that allows external access to internally routed cables. This intermediary structure enables cable maintenance while maintaining the compact internal routing arrangement.
3Reliability
If mechanical parts are designed for periodic maintenance, then reliability is maintained, but the machine must be shut down during maintenance operations
Solution Approach 1:
The arm system incorporates self-diagnostic and self-maintenance capabilities, allowing operators to perform routine maintenance tasks such as gas spring adjustment and cable inspection without shutting down the machine. The system can detect and alert operators to maintenance needs while continuing operation.
4Ease of operation
If movement locking and unlocking systems are simplified, then ease of operation is improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical locking systems with an electromechanical actuator that uses electrical signals to control positioning. This substitution maintains simplicity of operation through electronic control while achieving high positioning accuracy through precise motor control and feedback mechanisms.
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
The articulated support arm provides constant smooth movement, supports loads of different weights and sizes efficiently, reduces maintenance requirements, and ensures high positioning accuracy, making it cost-effective and operator-friendly.
Implementation Method 1
a gas spring, housed in the frame and interposed between the sections and the supports to at least partially balance the weight of the control panel and assist in lifting the arm
Implementation Method 2
an electromechanical actuator with respective ends connected to the sections to control rotation thereof about the pivot points
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An articulated support arm (1) for machines or industrial and/or sanitary apparatuses, comprising an elongate frame (2) having longitudinal ends (3, 4) coupled to a machine (M) and a control panel or similar device (C) respectively. The frame (2) comprises a pair of substantially parallel sections (5, 6) which are articulated to respective end supports (7, 8) at pivot points (P1, P2) to define a four-bar linkage (9), a swivel joint (9') fixed to one end (11) of each support (7, 8), a gas spring (23) housed in the frame (2) and interposed between the sections (5, 6) and the supports (7, 8) to at least partially balance the weight of the control panel (C) and assist in lifting the arm (1). The arm (1) comprises an electromechanical actuator (26) with respective ends (27, 28) connected to the sections (5, 6) to control rotation thereof about the pivot points (P1, P2), and control means are provided for the user to control the lifting and lowering movements of the arm (1).