Display Support Arm with Adjustable Gas Spring Counterbalance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support arms for monitors and similar devices often require springs or gas springs that detract from the aesthetic appeal and are not user-adjustable, limiting user preference in positioning and force adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A support apparatus featuring a counterbalance mechanism with a vertically adjustable gas spring attachment, allowing users to adjust the force and position of the arm assembly using a mechanical tool, enhancing user preference and aesthetic appeal by hiding the gas spring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gas springs or coiled springs are used to support the arm assembly, then the arm can be positioned and force can be provided to hold the object, but the aesthetic appeal is reduced due to exposed springs and cables
Solution Approach 1:
The gas spring is enclosed within a hollow cylindrical support post, with the spring housing nested inside the post. This nesting arrangement hides the gas spring and cables from view, improving aesthetic appeal while maintaining the support function. The support post acts as a container for the mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
A hollow cylindrical support post serves as an intermediary structure that both supports the arm assembly and encloses the gas spring. This intermediary element provides structural support while simultaneously hiding the aesthetic-detracting components within its hollow interior.
2Reliability
If gas springs are used with fixed initial settings, then the support function is provided, but the user cannot adjust the force or position to meet personal preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism allows the gas spring's attachment point on the arm assembly to be dynamically repositioned along the arm. This dynamic adjustment capability enables users to change the force and position characteristics of the support according to their preferences, while the gas spring itself maintains its support function.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm assembly includes pre-positioned attachment points or a mechanism that allows the gas spring to be attached at different locations along the arm. This preliminary arrangement of adjustable attachment points enables user customization of the support characteristics without requiring modification of the gas spring itself.
3Reliability
If cables and springs are used to support the arm, then the support function is achieved, but the cost of fabrication increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support post combines multiple functions: it provides structural support for the arm assembly, encloses the gas spring, and houses the cables. This merging of support and enclosure functions into a single integrated structure reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing fabrication cost while maintaining the support function.
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 easy user adjustment of the support arm's position and force, accommodating various preferences while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the device.
Implementation Method 1
A support apparatus features a counterbalance mechanism with a vertically adjustable gas spring attachment
Data Source
AI summary
A support apparatus includes an arm assembly attached to a support assembly such that the arm assembly is positionable adjacent to an article of furniture such as a desk or work surface. A mounting device is attached to the arm assembly that is sized and configured to retain a display device. A vertically adjustable attachment mechanism attaches a first end of the counterbalance mechanism to the arm assembly or support assembly. The vertically adjustable attachment mechanism is sized and configured such that a vertical position of the first end of the counterbalance mechanism is adjustable via movement of at least one component of the vertically adjustable attachment mechanism.