Counterbalanced Display Support With Constant-Force Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display support systems lack efficient load-balanced, vertical height adjustment mechanisms that can accommodate displays of varying weights without requiring tools and maintain a consistent upward force across different positions.
Innovation Solution
A counterbalancing support arm system featuring a linkage assembly with a tension spring and adjustable tension mechanism, allowing for secure attachment to furniture, enabling vertical height adjustment of displays between a lower and upper position with a consistent upward force, and accommodating displays of different weights through adjustable spring tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotary link unit is used to maintain a stationary state of a display, then the display can be positioned between vertical and horizontal positions, but the upward force is not substantially constant across the rotation range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a tension spring as a counterbalancing mechanism that generates an upward force to offset the weight of the display. The spring is configured with specific attachment points and geometric relationships (offset link axes) to maintain substantially constant upward force throughout the rotation range, directly resolving the force consistency issue while preserving positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static support structure to a dynamic linkage assembly with rotatable link axes. The linkage allows the display to move through a rotation range while the tension spring dynamically adjusts to maintain force balance, enabling both positioning capability and force consistency
2Force
If a tension spring is used to provide upward force, then load balancing is achieved, but the spring tension must be adjusted to accommodate displays of varying weights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an adjustable tension mechanism that allows the spring tension parameter to be modified. This enables the same counterbalancing mechanism to adapt to displays of varying weights by changing the spring tension parameter, achieving both force provision and versatility
3Force
If a linkage assembly with offset link axes is used, then constant upward force is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a tension spring configured as a counterbalancing mechanism with specific geometric relationships (offset link axes). This approach achieves constant upward force through a relatively simple spring-and-linkage arrangement rather than complex mechanical systems, resolving the contradiction between force consistency and device 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 load-balanced, tool-free vertical height adjustment of displays across a range of positions, ensuring consistent upward force and supporting displays of varying weights effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a tension spring having a first end rotationally coupled to the upper end of the base support and rotatable about the third link axis, and a second end rotationally coupled to the display support member and rotatable about a fifth horizontal link axis
Implementation Method 2
a vertical component of an upward force exerted on the display support member by the linkage assembly is substantially constant
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for supporting a display in a plurality of positions between a lower position and an upper position has a base support, a display support member, and a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly has a first link member, a second link member, and a tension spring. In the lower position, the display bracket is below an upper end of the base support, and in the upper position, the display bracket is above the upper end of the base support. In each of the plurality of positions, a vertical component of an upward force exerted on the display support member by the linkage assembly is substantially constant.