Equipoise Armature Centroid Bridge for Balanced Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing armature designs, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,219,303 and 6,991,199, suffer from imbalance issues when rotated out of level, require additional components like friction screws for stability, and are limited to two positions with fixed bridge elements and spring counterbalances, making them less desirable for versatile object support.

Innovation Solution

A lever beam armature with a parallelogram configuration featuring opposing extensions and a bridge-piece positioned at the centroid, providing a pivot point that maintains equilibrium regardless of rotation position, allowing for infinite position adjustments and counterbalancing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a parallelogram configuration with extending sides is used (U.S. Pat. No. 3,219,303), then the device can extend and contract, but it creates imbalance and overturning tendency when rotated out of level

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextension/contraction positioningVSAvoidbalance stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a counterweight mechanism that offsets the imbalance created by the extending sides of the parallelogram. When the device rotates out of level, the counterweight generates an opposing moment to prevent overturning, allowing the device to maintain stability across various positions while retaining extension/contraction capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the parallelogram configuration by adjusting the lengths and positions of the extending sides. This parameter optimization reduces the inherent imbalance while preserving the extension/contraction function, achieving a better balance between versatility and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If a friction screw is added at the balance point, then resistance to overturning is provided, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to overturningVSAvoidadditional components

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the friction screw component from the design, replacing it with a geometric counterweight mechanism. This eliminates the need for additional fastening components while maintaining resistance to overturning through pure mechanical leverage, thereby reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If a fixed bridge element is used (U.S. Pat. No. 6,991,199), then the device is limited to two positions, but manufacturing is simplified

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixed bridge elementVSAvoidposition flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the fixed bridge element into a dynamic, adjustable component. The bridge can now be repositioned along the parallelogram structure, enabling continuous adjustment between multiple positions rather than being restricted to two fixed positions, thereby significantly improving adaptability while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Stability of the object's composition

If spring counterbalance is used, then two-position support is achieved, but the device cannot provide infinite position adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecounterbalance supportVSAvoidposition range

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal counterbalance mechanism that functions across all positions of the parallelogram, not just at two specific positions. The counterweight system works in conjunction with the adjustable bridge to provide stable support throughout the entire range of motion, enabling infinite position adjustments while maintaining balance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution ensures balanced support for objects at various angles and positions, eliminating overturning tendencies and providing a more sophisticated, versatile support mechanism compared to prior art.

Implementation Method 1

a bridge-piece mid parallelogram to provide a physical location (at the device centroid) for a lever pivot point

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentroid:

Implementation Method 2

an armature that employs a parallelogram lever beam having opposing extensions of two of its opposite sides

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Implementation Method 3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS9458961B2Equipoise armature

Publication Date: 2016.10.04 TALBOT ERIC

AI summary

An equipoise armature comprises a parallelogram with a bridge piece positioned at a centroid based on the weight of a supported article and counterweight, to enable pivotal mounting of the armature to the bridge piece. The armature is adapted to carry an article, such as a lamp, a magnifier, a display, etc., for positional movement of the article.