Counterbalanced Support Arm With Quick-Release Ergonomic Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable support arms lack the necessary range of height, depth, and angle adjustments to accommodate users of different sizes and working positions, such as transitioning between seated and standing positions at height-adjustable desks or in shared workspaces like hot-desking environments.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a dynamic arm with a counter-balanced, parallelogram structure and quick-release joints, along with an articulating joint that allows for panning, tilting, and rotation, enabling a wide range of vertical and horizontal adjustments, and an accessory bracket assembly for versatile mounting of devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the support arm provides fixed height, depth, and angle adjustments, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different users and working positions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is divided into multiple independent segments (first arm, second arm, third arm) that can be adjusted individually. Each segment has its own adjustment mechanism, allowing independent control of height, depth, and angle to achieve comprehensive adaptability without requiring a single complex mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through telescopic sections with adjustable lengths and articulating joints with variable angles. The arms can be extended or retracted and angled at multiple positions, transforming a static structure into a dynamic system that adapts to different ergonomic requirements
2Ease of operation
If the support arm structure is simplified, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the range of motion and positioning capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The complex support arm is segmented into multiple standardized components (base, arms, joints, mounting bracket) that can be manufactured separately using conventional processes and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for ease of manufacture while the overall system achieves ergonomic flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm components are designed with pre-configured adjustment mechanisms and standardized connection interfaces. The arms come with pre-set telescopic sections and articulating joints that require minimal assembly, allowing complex ergonomic functionality to be achieved through relatively simple manufacturing and assembly processes
Data Source
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AI summary
An adjustable support arm capable of providing users with a wide range of height, depth, tilt, and swivel options. The adjustable support arm may comprise an arm assembly releasably mounted to a base assembly. In further embodiments, the adjustable support arm may also comprise an articulating joint connected to the arm assembly, and an accessory bracket assembly connected to the articulating joint. A quick-release joint comprising a spring-loaded pivot latch may be utilized to releasably connect the arm assembly to the base assembly. To dampen side-to-side movement of the arm assembly, the adjustable support arm may also comprise a friction cartridge assembly comprising a taper-lock bushing and one or more set screws. A ring-shaped, adjustable panning insert can be coupled to the arm assembly to restrict the range of side-to-side motion of the support arm. The adjustable arm can further comprise a quick-release accessory fastening mechanism for easy removal and attachment of a mounted object (e.g., an electronic display, keyboard, or other item) to the support arm.