Monitor Arm Coupling With Tool-Free Swivel Limit Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing monitor support systems are complex and costly to manufacture, requiring intricate mechanisms and tools for configuration and reconfiguration, making them difficult to adjust for different service areas without substituting parts.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system that allows swivelly coupling an arm to a post with limited rotational movement, using a post interface and an arm interface with rotation limiters, enabling easy reconfiguration without tools or part substitution, and can be manufactured inexpensively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex mechanisms and specific parts are used to control swiveling of arms about posts, then the service area can be controlled and limited, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into distinct functional elements: a post interface with a post rotation limiter and an arm interface with an arm rotation limiter. Each limiter independently controls rotation in its respective interface, breaking down the complex control mechanism into simpler, modular components that are easier to manufacture and adjust.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling design allows a single coupling component to serve multiple functions: it connects the arm to the post, provides rotation limitation in both interfaces, and enables reconfiguration for different service areas. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized parts, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex mechanisms and specific parts are used to control swiveling of arms about posts, then the service area can be controlled and limited, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the rotation control function into separate limiters at the post interface and arm interface, each limiter can be manufactured as a simpler, more cost-effective component rather than requiring a complex integrated mechanism. This segmentation reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to control service areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling design uses simple, inexpensive rotation limiters that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. These limiters are designed to be cost-effective components rather than expensive complex mechanisms, aligning with the principle of using cheaper components to achieve the desired function.
3Manufacturing precision
If tools and part substitution are required for configuration, then the monitor support can be precisely configured, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling enables tool-free configuration through direct manual manipulation. The rotation limiters are designed to allow users to adjust and configure the arm position without requiring external tools or complex procedures, making the system self-servicing and easy to operate while maintaining configuration precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling provides dynamic adjustability, allowing the rotation limiters to be easily repositioned and reconfigured during operation. This dynamic capability enables users to adapt the service area and arm position as needed without tools, combining ease of operation with precise configuration control.
4Device complexity
If rotation is limited to a single revolution in a rotational zone, then the configuration is simplified, but the service area coverage may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation limitation is segmented into two independent interfaces: the post interface limits rotation of the entire assembly about the post, while the arm interface limits rotation of the arm about its own axis. This segmentation allows each limiter to provide a single revolution of control, simplifying the configuration while the combination of both limiters achieves comprehensive service area coverage through coordinated rotation control.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling for swivably coupling an arm to a post, the coupling in use cooperating with the post as an engaged element via a post interface, and with the arm as an engaged element via an arm interface, wherein the coupling including its interfaces provides limited relative rotational movement between the arm and the post about a swivel axis extending along a longitudinal axis of the post, wherein the limited rotational movement is provided in a rotational zone that corresponds to a single revolution about the longitudinal axis. The disclosure further relates to a coupling system, and to a monitor support.