Four-Bar Keyboard Support Arm for Compact Under-Desk Retraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyboard support arms fail to provide a compact, high storage position on workstations with shallow depth or obstructions, such as lateral support beams, limiting their installation and usability.
Innovation Solution
An articulating support arm with a four-bar linkage mechanism, including a base, links, and a control head, that allows the platform to pivot and retract fully under the workstation, along with a locking assembly and tilt adjustment, enabling compact storage and adaptability to obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If prior art keyboard support arms are used, then the platform can be lowered and moved rearward, but they cannot achieve a compact high storage position beneath workstations with shallow depth or obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm employs a four-bar linkage mechanism that dynamically changes the geometric relationship between components during movement. This allows the platform to transition from a lowered position to a compact high storage position beneath the workstation, adapting to obstructions by pivoting the control head and links to clear lateral support beams while maintaining functional reach.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a vertical dimension to the retraction motion by incorporating a pivot at the base that allows the entire linkage to swing upward. This dimensional change enables the platform to achieve a high storage position above the workstation surface rather than merely sliding rearward along the same plane, clearing obstructions in the process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the support arm is designed to clear obstructions by moving low, then it can accommodate lateral support beams, but it prevents users from sitting with legs beneath the workstation
Solution Approach 1:
The four-bar linkage provides dynamic motion control that allows the platform to clear obstructions during extension while returning to a high storage position that clears the user's leg space. The mechanism naturally transitions between positions, avoiding the need to remain in a low position that would block user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm is designed to clear obstructions only when necessary during platform extension, not during storage. The high storage position is maintained as the default state, preliminarily ensuring user comfort, with obstruction clearance activated only when the platform needs to reach forward.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support arm uses a wide configuration to accommodate obstructions, then it can pivot and swivel, but it cannot achieve compact storage and requires significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the swivel and pivot functions into a compact integrated mechanism at the base. The base incorporates both rotational and articulating capabilities within a small footprint, allowing the support arm to swivel for lateral adjustment and pivot for vertical motion while maintaining a compact configuration that requires minimal storage space beneath the workstation.
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 comfortable leg space beneath the workstation, accommodates obstructions, and provides intuitive one-handed operation with secure locking, while maintaining platform orientation and tilt adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
The first link has a forward end pivotally connected to the control head and a rearward end pivotally connected to the base. The second link has a forward end pivotally connected to the control head at a location spaced rearward of the connection of the forward end of the first link to the control head and has a rearward end pivotally connected to the base at a location spaced rearward of the connection of the rearward end of the first link to the base, wherein the pivotal connections of the base with the first and second links and the control head with the first and second links form a four bar linkage.
Implementation Method 2
An articulating support arm having a locking assembly that holds a platform in a selected position at or between a forward fully extended position and a rearward fully retracted position.
Data Source
AI summary
An articulating support arm includes a base, at least first and second links, a control head and a platform. The base, first and second links and control head are pivotally connected in a four bar linkage configuration. The control head has a forward end pivotally connected to the platform and the platform is movable from a forward fully extended position wherein the control head is forward of the base to a rearward fully retracted position wherein the control head passes below and to a position rearward of the base.