Articulating Arm Locking Mechanism for Stable Display Positioning
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articulating arm assemblies for mounting electronic displays lack effective mechanisms to selectively lock and stabilize the position of the display relative to the support structure, leading to unwanted movement and instability.
Innovation Solution
An articulating arm assembly with an integrated locking system that includes multiple lock assemblies and a cable mechanism to selectively lock and unlock joints, allowing precise positioning and stabilization of electronic displays along various axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate locking mechanisms are used for each joint, then reliable locking is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking functions into a single integrated locking mechanism that can simultaneously lock multiple joints of the articulating arm. This single mechanism incorporates multiple locking elements that engage with different joints, reducing the overall number of separate locking components while maintaining reliable locking at each joint position.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated locking mechanism is designed to perform multiple locking functions through a single device. It can lock the extension arm, lift arm, and other joints using the same basic mechanism, making the locking system multi-functional and reducing complexity compared to having separate dedicated locks for each joint.
2Device complexity
If a simple locking mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates localized precision features at specific engagement points while maintaining a simple overall structure. The locking elements have precisely engineered engagement surfaces and geometries that ensure accurate positioning, while the rest of the mechanism remains straightforward and easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary locking elements that act as mediators between the simple locking mechanism and the joints requiring precise positioning. These intermediary components translate the simple locking action into precise positional control, allowing a simple overall mechanism to achieve high positioning accuracy.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple lock assemblies are integrated, then positioning stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated locking mechanism is pre-configured with multiple locking elements positioned to engage with different joints simultaneously. When activated, the locking action is already prepared and ready to secure all joints in their current positions, providing stable positioning without requiring multiple sequential operations from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage multiple joints through a single user action. The mechanical design allows the locking elements to self-align and engage with the joints without requiring precise manual positioning or complex coordination, making the operation easy while achieving stable multi-joint locking.
Data Source
AI summary
An arm assembly with an arm locking system is described. The arm assembly can include a base to position the arm on a support structure, an extension arm, a height adjustable lift arm, and a head assembly adapted to receive an electronic display. The extension arm can be rotatably coupled to the base at a first joint, the lift arm can be rotatably coupled to the extension arm at a second joint, and the head assembly can be rotatably coupled to the lift arm at a third joint. The arm locking system can include a first lock, a second lock, and a third lock engageable to selectively prevent movement about the first joint, the second joint, and the third joint, respectively. The arm locking system can also include a fourth lock engageable to selectively prevent the height adjustment of the lift arm.