Free-Standing Monitor Support with Rotatable Hub and Hinged Arms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current data display monitor supports for air traffic controllers are bulky, heavy, and lack adjustability, particularly failing to allow for rotation between vertical and horizontal orientations, while also requiring physical attachment to the work surface, which limits ergonomic flexibility and space for other equipment.

Innovation Solution

A free-standing support assembly with a rotatable hub, adjustable support arms, and counterweight struts that enable the data display monitor to be positioned vertically, inclined, or horizontally, allowing for height, rotational, and inclination adjustments, while maintaining stability and leaving space for other equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a free-standing support is used for heavy data display monitors, then the support can be placed on any flat working surface without physical connection requirements, but the support tends to be bulky and heavy, leaving no room for other equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different work surfacesVSAvoidspace occupied on working surface

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is divided into separate functional components: a base unit with counterweights, adjustable support arms with hinge joints, and a mounting platform. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables a more compact overall structure that occupies less workspace while maintaining the free-standing capability for universal surface compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Counterweights are integrated into the base structure to balance the heavy data display monitor. This counterbalancing mechanism reduces the need for overly robust (and space-consuming) support structures, allowing the system to be both free-standing and compact, thereby occupying less workspace while supporting heavy monitors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Stability of the object's composition

If traditional vertical orientation is maintained for data display monitors, then the monitor remains stable and easy to support, but the monitor cannot be adjusted to horizontal or inclined orientations for ergonomic preferences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitor stabilityVSAvoidadjustability of orientation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support arms incorporate hinge joints that enable dynamic adjustment between vertical, inclined, and horizontal orientations. These joints provide controlled movement while maintaining stability at each position through friction or locking mechanisms, allowing the monitor to adapt to different ergonomic requirements without sacrificing stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows continuous change of the orientation parameter from vertical (90 degrees) through inclined angles to horizontal (0 degrees). By enabling this full range of motion through articulated support arms with adjustable hinge joints, the monitor can be positioned at any angle within this range while maintaining stability at the selected position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If robust mounting is used to support heavy data display monitors and applied forces, then the monitor remains stable during use, but the support becomes bulky and heavy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport strengthVSAvoidsupport weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Counterweights are integrated into the base structure to balance the heavy data display monitor. This counterbalancing reduces the net load on the support arms and mounting components, allowing them to be lighter while still providing robust support strength. The counterweights effectively offset the monitor's weight, enabling a more compact and lighter overall support structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The articulated support arms with hinge joints provide dynamic support that adapts to the monitor's weight and position. This mechanical advantage system allows the support structure to be lighter than rigid robust mounts, as the joints and counterbalancing mechanism distribute forces more efficiently throughout the structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11849552B2Adjustable free-standing support for a data display monitor

Publication Date: 2023.12.19 MFG DESIGN SOLUTIONS

AI summary

A support assembly for a data display monitor. The support assembly utilizes a base frame that can be placed on a flat working surface. A hub is connected to the base frame and is free to rotate about a vertical axis. At least one support arm is provided. Each support arm is connected to the hub with a first hinge connection. Each support arm also connects to a mounting plate with a second hinge connection. The second hinge connection enables the mounting plate to rotate at least ninety degrees through a range of motion. The mounting plate is attached to the data display monitor. As the mounting plate moves through its range of motion, the data display monitor moves with the mounting plate. The data display monitor can therefore be moved through the range of motion between a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation.