Counterbalancing Lift Mechanism for Display Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic display positioning systems lack efficient mechanisms for adjusting height and balancing loads, which can be cumbersome and aesthetically unappealing, particularly in shared or multi-user settings where varying user preferences and physical needs must be accommodated.
Innovation Solution
A counterbalancing lift mechanism incorporating a support bracket, a moving bracket, a sliding mechanism, a spring assembly, a transition assembly, and a cam assembly, along with cables, to provide a range of travel and balance electronic displays, allowing for easy height adjustment and load positioning while offsetting weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a shared electronic display is used to accommodate multiple operators, then the versatility and adaptability are improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for manual height adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a counterbalancing mechanism with springs and pulleys that offset the weight of the electronic display, enabling smooth manual height adjustment. The counterbalancing force reduces the effort required to move the display between different heights, making it easy to accommodate multiple users with different ergonomic needs.
2Ease of operation
If a dedicated electronic display is assigned to an individual user, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates when the user needs to adjust between sitting and standing positions
Solution Approach 1:
The counterbalancing mechanism enables a single user to easily adjust the display between sitting and standing positions by providing mechanical assistance that offsets the display weight, thus maintaining ease of operation while achieving adaptability to different ergonomic positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The display positioning system transitions from a static fixed-mount configuration to a dynamic adjustable configuration, allowing the display to move smoothly between different heights while maintaining ease of operation through the counterbalancing mechanism.
3Device complexity
If a simple mounting bracket is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide smooth height adjustment and load balancing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a counterbalancing mechanism with springs, pulleys, and cables that provides smooth height adjustment and load balancing. While this increases device complexity compared to a simple bracket, it achieves the desired ease of operation through mechanical assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components (springs, pulleys, cables) that mediate between the user's manual input and the heavy display load, enabling smooth height adjustment. These intermediary elements translate small user forces into controlled movement of the heavy display.
4Ease of operation
If a counterbalancing mechanism is added to enable smooth height adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The counterbalancing mechanism uses springs and pulleys to offset the display weight, providing ease of operation. The design accepts increased device complexity as a trade-off to achieve smooth, effort-free height adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The counterbalancing mechanism partially self-regulates the display position through spring tension and pulley mechanics, reducing the manual effort required. The system serves itself by using the display's own weight as part of the balancing equation.
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 smooth and ergonomic height adjustment of electronic displays, reducing the effort required to position them and maintaining stability, while also providing a compact and aesthetically pleasing design that accommodates diverse user needs.
Implementation Method 1
a spring assembly having a first end coupled to the moving bracket and a second end that moves through a range of deflection as the moving bracket moves through the range of travel
Implementation Method 2
a spring assembly configured to generate a first force for countering a second force that corresponds to a weight of an electronic display coupled to the moving bracket
Implementation Method 3
a cam assembly configured to convert the reduced first variable force into a second substantially constant force and apply the second substantially constant force to the support bracket
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A
AI summary
Embodiments provide a counterbalancing lift mechanism (100) for raising and lowering an electronic display. The lift mechanism includes a moving bracket (110) in sliding engagement with a support bracket (120). As the moving bracket moves relative to the support bracket, a spring assembly (130) deflects to provide a force to offset the weight of the load. A transition assembly (149) manages the deflection of the spring assembly relative to movement of the moving bracket such that the necessary range of deflection is shorter than the moving bracket's desired range of travel. The lift mechanism also includes a cam assembly (170) to convert the variable force from the spring assembly to a substantially constant force. In some cases the spring assembly, transition assembly, and cam assembly are all mounted to the moving bracket and move with the display. Methods for positioning an electronic display are also provided.