Counterbalanced Linkage Positioner Without Separate Brake Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for positioning objects at user-adjusted positions often have low cycle life, require user adjustments for different weights, and need lever or brake mechanisms for security, which affect performance, cost-effectiveness, and durability.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a linkage with a rotation axis, friction elements, and springs that allows objects to be positioned and remain in place without additional braking mechanisms, using torsion or extension springs to counterbalance weight and friction to resist unintended movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a linkage device is used to position an object, then the object can be adjusted to different positions, but the device may fall prematurely and has low cycle life
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is pre-loaded to store potential energy before use, creating a ready-to-act counterbalancing force that immediately engages when the object is positioned, preventing premature failure by ensuring the linkage is always supported by stored energy rather than relying on friction alone
Solution Approach 2:
The spring acts as a cushioning element that absorbs shocks and irregularities in the linkage movement, protecting the mechanical components from sudden loads and stress concentrations that would otherwise cause premature wear and failure over the device's service life
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device is designed to work with objects of different weights, then versatility is improved, but user adjustment is required which increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is designed with sufficient pre-load capacity to counterbalance a range of object weights without requiring adjustment mechanisms. The friction element works in conjunction with the spring to provide holding force across different weight scenarios, making the device universally applicable to multiple weight classes while maintaining simple structure
Solution Approach 2:
The friction element's coefficient of friction is selected to provide adequate holding force across a range of weights when combined with the spring force. By varying the normal force through the spring pre-load, the system adapts to different object weights without mechanical adjustment, relying on the nonlinear relationship between spring compression and frictional holding capacity
3Reliability
If a lever or brake mechanism is added to secure the object, then positioning reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The friction element is integrated directly into the linkage structure at the rotation axis, combining the positioning and holding functions into a single component rather than adding a separate brake or lever mechanism. The spring provides the normal force that enables the friction element to hold the position, merging the counterbalancing and securing functions into one cohesive system
Solution Approach 2:
The friction element automatically engages to hold the object in position through the normal force provided by the spring, without requiring user activation of a separate brake or lever. The system self-regulates by using the spring's stored energy to create the necessary frictional force, eliminating the need for additional actuating 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 device provides a nearly constant counterbalancing force over the range of motion, eliminating the need for separate brakes and adjustments, enhancing performance, reliability, and durability while reducing costs and ergonomic difficulties.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is positioned to apply bias to the links of the at least one pair of links of the linkage
Implementation Method 2
The linkage is configured to generate a force sufficient to at least partially counterbalance the weight of one of the objects
Implementation Method 3
A friction element is positioned at the rotation axis of the at least one pair of links of the linkage
Data Source
AI summary
A device is provided for positioning an object with respect to another object. The device includes a linkage having an extended condition and a collapsed condition, the linkage including at least one pair of links coupled to one another about a pivot rotation axis. The device also includes a friction element positioned at the pivot rotation axis of the at least one pair of links of the linkage. A spring of the device is positioned to apply bias to the links of the at least one pair of links of the linkage. The device is configured to resist unintended movement of the object from the user-adjusted position along the path and to facilitate intended movement of the object proximally toward or distally away from the other object.