Articulated Bed-Rail Support Arm With Gimbal Device Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face ergonomic challenges when trying to use electronic devices in a supine position, such as in bed, due to difficulties in maintaining balance and comfort, especially for those with limited dexterity.
Innovation Solution
An articulated support stand that can be attached to a bed rail, featuring a clamp with rotatable scissor arms, a multi-stage gimbal system, and a device holder with grippers, allowing for adjustable positioning and secure support of devices, including the ability to accommodate multiple devices and fold into a compact form.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple clamp is used to attach to bed rail, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The support stand is divided into multiple independent segments including clamp assembly, lower arm, upper arm, and device holder, each with specific functions. This segmentation allows the simple clamp to be manufactured separately while the entire articulated system provides high adaptability for various device positions and configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated arm assembly with multiple joints and the device holder with adjustable grippers create a universal support system that can accommodate various electronic devices (tablets, phones, laptops) in multiple positions and orientations, while the clamp itself remains a simple, easy-to-manufacture component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an articulated arm assembly with multiple joints is used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The support stand employs dynamic articulated joints including a rotatable connector between clamp and lower arm, and a pivot connector between lower and upper arms. These dynamic connections enable continuous adjustment of device position and angle, providing high adaptability while maintaining relatively simple individual joint structures.
3Ease of operation
If a multi-stage gimbal system is used for device holder, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device holder incorporates a multi-stage gimbal system with multiple rotational degrees of freedom, allowing the holder to be easily positioned and adjusted to various angles and orientations. The gimbal's dynamic structure provides intuitive ease of operation while the modular design keeps individual components relatively simple.
4Reliability
If scissor arms with locking mechanism are used for clamp, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is segmented into scissor arms and a separate locking mechanism. The scissor arms provide the clamping action while the locking mechanism (with locking knob and drive screw) secures the position. This segmentation improves reliability by ensuring secure attachment, while allowing each component to be manufactured using relatively simple processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A support fixture is disclosed that may be removably clamped to a bed rail (or any other support member) and includes a lower support arm attached to the removable clamp through a rotatable connector. An upper support arm is attached to a distal termination of the lower support arm via a pivot connector. The combination of the lower and upper arms is referred to at times as an articulated arm assembly. A device support member is coupled to the upper support arm via a multi-stage gimbal system, perhaps in combination with a quick-release connection (allowing for the device support component to be used as a stand-alone fixture). The device support member is particularly configured to support a computing device, a communication device, or the like.