Articulated Holder Platform With Adjustable Friction Pivots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing book and electronic device holders lack the ability to easily and precisely adjust to a desired position while maintaining that position securely, particularly in ensuring the device is perpendicular to the user's line of vision.
Innovation Solution
A variably positionable platform mounted on an upright support bar using two articulated swing arms with five individual axes of rotation, each with adjustable friction features to allow independent and precise positioning and orientation, ensuring the platform remains securely in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a platform is mounted with multiple pivot axes to enable positioning in various orientations, then the adaptability and positioning capability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into multiple independent pivot axes (first, second, third, fourth, and fifth axes) that can be adjusted separately. Each axis provides a specific degree of freedom for positioning the platform, allowing complex orientations to be achieved through sequential independent adjustments rather than a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The frictional pressure arrangement at each pivot connection is made adjustable, allowing the system to dynamically adapt its resistance characteristics. This enables the platform to be easily repositioned when needed while maintaining stability once positioned, providing dynamic control over the system's rigidity and adjustability.
2Ease of operation
If adjustable friction features are added to control pivoting resistance at each axis, then the ease of operation for precise positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Adjustable friction control is implemented locally at each pivot connection rather than globally throughout the system. Each pivot connection has its own frictional pressure arrangement that can be independently adjusted, allowing precise control over the resistance to pivoting at each specific axis without affecting other axes.
Solution Approach 2:
The frictional pressure at each pivot connection can be adjusted by advancing the threaded pin into the nut, which changes the physical state of the friction interface. This parameter adjustment allows the same mechanical structure to provide both easy adjustability and stable positioning by simply changing the friction level.
3Manufacturing precision
If the platform can be adjusted in multiple independent axes, then the manufacturing precision and positioning accuracy are improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into multiple independent axes with separate adjustment mechanisms. This allows each axis to be manufactured and adjusted independently, achieving high overall positioning precision through the combination of simpler individual components rather than requiring a single complex precision mechanism.
4Reliability
If the frictional pressure is increased to maintain adjusted positions securely, then the reliability of position maintenance is improved, but the ease of operation for repositioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frictional pressure arrangement is designed to be adjustable, allowing the system to switch between two states: a low-friction state for easy repositioning and a high-friction state for stable position maintenance. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and position stability.
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 quick and precise adjustments in multiple orientations and locations, maintaining the desired position without affecting other axes, allowing for secure and stable viewing of books or electronic displays.
Implementation Method 1
The connection at each axis includes an adjustable friction feature which controls the level of frictional resistance necessary to be overcome to carry out a pivoting adjustment about the axis to maintain any adjusted rotation about that axis.
Data Source
AI summary
A support for a variably positioning a platform which is adapted to hold a book or electronic display for convenient viewing, the support having a pair of swing arms pivotally connected together end to end and to an upright standard, with the platform connected to an outer end of one swing arm with a two orthogonal pivot connections to a platform mount and a pivot connection between the mount and platform. This creates five axes of independent pivoting movement of various components available to position the platform. A friction element for some of the pivot connections allows tightening of an adjustment screw to increase or decrease the friction to stabilize the platform in a selected position without tending to loosen the screw and the associated pivot connection.