Four-Bar Support Arm Assembly with Quick-Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support structures for flat panel displays lack smooth operation, minimal effort movement, and good position maintenance, often requiring complex and costly configurations that are not versatile or easily maintained, and do not facilitate optimal secondary movements or quick ergonomic release.
Innovation Solution
A versatile support arm assembly with standardized coupling structures, a four-bar subassembly with accessible counterbalancing gas springs, a quick release mechanism with a single leaf spring, and uniquely featured bushings to compensate for imperfections, allowing for smooth, ergonomic adjustments and optimal display positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex support structure is used to enable full range of motion for flat panel displays, then position adjustability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm assembly is divided into multiple functional subassemblies: a four-bar mechanism subassembly for height adjustment, a pan-tilt subassembly for angular positioning, and a quick-release subassembly for device attachment/detachment. Each subassembly performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve full range of motion while keeping individual components simpler and more manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The four-bar mechanism subassembly serves multiple functions: it enables height adjustment, provides counterbalancing through integrated gas springs, and allows for easy maintenance through accessible components. The standardized coupling structures enable the same subassembly to work with different display devices, enhancing versatility without increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional latch mechanisms are used to secure the display, then position maintenance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in release
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-release mechanism uses a spring-loaded latch that automatically engages to secure the display firmly in position. For release, a simple lateral movement of the display device triggers the latch to disengage, allowing one-handed operation. The system serves itself by using the display's own movement to trigger the release mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring active engagement to secure the display, the mechanism is inverted so that passive engagement occurs automatically through spring force, while active release is achieved through simple lateral movement. This reverses the traditional approach where securement requires active action.
3Ease of operation
If counterbalancing springs are integrated into the four-bar mechanism, then ease of operation is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates due to inaccessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The gas spring components are nested within the four-bar mechanism structure, with the spring housed inside the link members. This nested arrangement allows the counterbalancing function to be integrated into the existing mechanism without adding external components, maintaining compactness while enabling future maintenance access.
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 enables smooth and effortless movement of flat panel displays with improved position maintenance, ergonomic release, and reduced manufacturing costs, while allowing for various configurations and easy maintenance, addressing the limitations of existing support structures.
Implementation Method 1
a four-bar subassembly with accessible counterbalancing gas springs
Implementation Method 2
a quick release mechanism with a single leaf spring
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for supporting a device for movement between several positions, the assembly comprising a first four-bar subassembly including proximate and distal ends and a second four-bar subassembly including proximate and distal ends and first and second link members that pivot about substantially parallel axis, the distal end of the first four-bar subassembly linked to the proximate end of the second four-bar subassembly for rotation about an additional axis that is substantially perpendicular to the parallel axis.