Display Support Arm Assembly With Adjustable Torque and Cable Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display support arm assemblies lack efficient vertical adjustment and cable management features, leading to limited user customization and increased complexity in maintaining optimal display positioning.

Innovation Solution

The proposed display support arm assembly incorporates a gas strut system with adjustable torque elements and a cable management extension, allowing for customizable vertical adjustment and secure cable retention, featuring a dual-washer mechanism to prevent unintended rotational movement and a securing mechanism for cable management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a gas strut system with adjustable torque elements is implemented, then vertical adjustment range and user customization are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevertical adjustment rangeVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements adjustable torque elements that allow the support arm to dynamically adapt to different weight loads and adjustment ranges. The torque elements can be adjusted to provide appropriate resistance throughout the vertical adjustment range, enabling the system to remain versatile across different operating conditions while managing complexity through controlled adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The gas strut system incorporates adjustable parameters including torque element settings and gas pressure levels. By allowing parameter adjustment, the system achieves improved vertical adjustment range and user customization without requiring multiple complete system redesigns, thus managing complexity through configurable parameters rather than structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If cable management extensions and securing mechanisms are added, then cable retention effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable retention effectivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable management extension integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides cable routing, cable retention through the loop portion, and structural support. The securing mechanism with keeper and actuator combines locking and releasing functions. This multi-functionality improves cable retention effectiveness while minimizing the increase in device complexity by consolidating functions rather than adding separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the cable management features directly into the support arm structure. The loop portion is integrated into the housing, and the securing mechanism is combined with the existing actuator system. This merging approach ensures reliable cable retention while avoiding the complexity of separate, standalone cable management systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a dual-washer mechanism with gasket is implemented, then resistance to unintended rotational movement is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to unintended rotational movementVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-rotation mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the dual-washer structure provides mechanical constraint, while the gasket provides friction-based resistance. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, then assembled together. The first and second washers can be produced separately and then positioned relative to each other, simplifying manufacturing compared to creating a single complex integrated part.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism combines different material properties: the washers provide structural rigidity and mechanical constraint, while the gasket (typically elastomeric) provides friction-based resistance to rotation. This composite approach using materials with complementary properties achieves superior resistance to unintended rotational movement while maintaining ease of manufacture, as each material can be selected and processed for its optimal performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Force

If torque elements are made adjustable by adding or subtracting elements, then force adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce adjustment capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of providing continuous or fine-grained adjustment of torque, the system uses discrete torque elements that can be added or removed in predetermined increments. This partial adjustment approach provides sufficient force control for typical display mounting applications without requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms. The discrete nature of the adjustment simplifies the device structure compared to systems with continuous variable torque control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

This solution provides a robust and customizable display support system with improved vertical adjustment range, reduced complexity, and effective cable management, enhancing user experience and assembly reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a gas strut extending between the proximal housing and the distal housing. The gas strut provides a force throughout a range of the vertical adjustment of the display support arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

at least one torque element associated with either or both of the at least one proximal shaft and the at least one distal shaft. The at least one torque element providing force throughout the range of the vertical adjustment of the display support arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3426965B1A display support arm assembly for mounting a display
Publication Date: 2021.04.21 SOUTHCO INC
  • EP3426965B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3426965B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3426965B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Aspects of the present invention provide a display support arm assembly that includes a proximal housing supporting at least one proximal shaft, a distal housing spaced from the proximal housing and supporting at least one distal shaft, and at least one link extending from the at least one proximal shaft to the at least one distal shaft. The at least one link is coupled for pivotal movement about an axis of the at least one proximal shaft. The display support assembly also includes a gas strut extending between the proximal housing and the distal housing. The gas strut provides substantially constant force throughout a range of the vertical adjustment of the display support arm. The display support assembly further includes at least one torque element associated with either or both of the at least one proximal shaft and the at least one distal shaft. The at least one torque element providing force throughout the range of the vertical adjustment of the display support arm, wherein the force is adjustable by adding or subtracting the number of the at least one torque element.