Articulated Support Arm Gas Spring Release for Cleanable Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical arms used in biologically-sensitive environments are difficult to clean and maintain due to contamination risks and lack high-performance adjustability, with sloppy joint movement and pinch points that are not easily cleanable.
Innovation Solution
A locking release mechanism with a handle release mechanism and a gas spring release mechanism allows for controlled movement and locking of articulated support arms, combined with a protective outer shell for cable management that is easy to clean and maintain, featuring removable pieces to access internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mechanical arms include exposed structures like covers, fasteners, and pivots for adjustability, then the arms provide height adjustment capability, but these structures are readily contaminated and difficult to clean in biologically-sensitive environments
Solution Approach 1:
The outer shell is divided into removable first and second portions that can be detached to access internal components. This segmentation allows the shell to maintain a smooth, cleanable exterior while enabling access to adjustment mechanisms through removable covers rather than exposed structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal components including cables, adjustment mechanisms, and structural elements are nested within the protective outer shell. This nesting conceals potentially contaminating structures inside a smooth, cleanable exterior surface, eliminating exposed fasteners and pivots while maintaining adjustability functionality.
2Ease of operation
If conventional mechanical arms use traditional locking mechanisms for height adjustment, then the arms can be adjusted to different positions, but the joints loosen quickly and screen movement becomes sloppy and uncontrolled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking mechanisms with a cable-based tensioning system. Cables run through pulleys and connect to adjustment mechanisms, providing controlled and stable positioning without the joint loosening issues of conventional mechanical locks. The cable system maintains consistent tension to prevent sloppy movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a gas spring mechanism that adjusts counterbalance force based on the arm's position. By changing the mechanical parameters of the support system dynamically, the arm maintains stable, controlled movement across its full range of motion without joint loosening, improving reliability while preserving ease of operation.
3Strength
If conventional mechanical arms have pinch points and exposed gaps for structural function, then the arms provide structural integrity, but these areas are not readily cleanable
Solution Approach 1:
The outer shell is segmented into removable portions that can be taken off to access internal components. This allows the external surface to be completely smooth and cleanable without gaps or pinch points, while structural integrity is maintained through the removable cover design that exposes internal structures only when needed for maintenance.
4Ease of repair
If conventional mechanical arms have exposed internal components for accessibility, then the components can be accessed for maintenance, but the exposed components create contamination risks and cleaning difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The outer shell is divided into removable first and second portions that provide access to internal components including cables, pulleys, and adjustment mechanisms. This segmentation maintains a smooth, cleanable exterior during normal use while enabling easy component access for maintenance by simply removing the appropriate shell portion, eliminating the need for permanently exposed components.
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 reliable, easy-to-clean mechanical arms with controlled vertical orientation adjustments and constant cable path management, enhancing usability and cleanliness in sensitive environments.
Implementation Method 1
The articulated support arm can include a gas spring that remains locked, i.e. the piston will not move freely, until the handle release mechanism is activated
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Various embodiments concern locking release mechanisms that allow an articulated support arm to be moved between various vertical orientations. A locking release mechanism may include a handle release mechanism positioned within the handle of the articulated support arm, and a gas spring release mechanism positioned within the body of the articulated support arm. The articulated support arm can include a gas spring that remains locked until the handle release mechanism is activated, e.g. by applying pressure to a grip actuator. Other embodiments concern cable management techniques for articulated support arms. Oftentimes, an articulated support arm will include cables routed through the arm that are configured to support an attachment. For example, the cable(s) may be adapted for audio signals, video signals, power, etc. The cable(s) can be readily cleaned and/or serviced when routed through an articulated support arm composed of one or more removable pieces.