Multi-Joint Arm Locking System for Stable Device Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for mounting electronic devices, such as flat panel televisions and tablets, lack a reliable mechanism to securely lock the device's position about multiple axes, leading to instability and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
An arm locking system that includes a base, extension arm, and lift arm with independently engageable locks at multiple joints, allowing for selective locking of rotational and height adjustments, utilizing an actuator and linkage mechanism to prime and engage locks for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple locks are added to secure positioning about multiple axes, then stability and security of device positioning is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into multiple independent locks (first lock for first joint, second lock for second joint, third lock for height adjustment) that can be independently engaged or disengaged. Each lock handles a specific degree of freedom, allowing selective stabilization without requiring all locks to be activated simultaneously, thus managing complexity through functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator primes the locks in advance by positioning engagement members ready to engage with locking surfaces. This preliminary action ensures that when locking is required, the locks are already prepared and can engage quickly and reliably, reducing the operational complexity of the locking process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If independently engageable locks are implemented for selective locking, then adaptability and versatility of positioning options is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator serves multiple functions: it can prime individual locks (first, second, or third lock) independently and can also engage them selectively. This multi-functionality allows a single control mechanism to manage multiple locking operations, improving ease of operation while maintaining the adaptability of selective positioning options.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system transitions from static locked/unlocked states to dynamic priming and selective engagement. The actuator enables the system to adapt its locking state in real-time based on positioning requirements, allowing smooth transitions between different degrees of freedom being locked or unlocked as needed.
3Reliability
If actuator and linkage mechanism are added to prime and engage locks, then reliability of locking engagement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism acts as an intermediary between the actuator and the locks. It translates the actuator's motion into precise engagement actions for the locking members, ensuring reliable engagement while isolating the complexity of the translation mechanism from both the actuator and the locks themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking members and engagement surfaces are designed to self-align and self-engage once primed by the actuator. The geometry of the locking surfaces ensures proper alignment, and the engagement is maintained automatically without requiring additional active control, reducing the ongoing complexity of the system.
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, an arm assembly with an arm locking system is described that can include a base to position the arm on a support structure, an extension arm having first and second ends, the first end of the extension arm connected to the support structure or base at a first joint proximate the first end. The system can include a lift arm having third and fourth ends, the third end connected to the extension arm at a second joint proximate the third end, the fourth end being height adjustable relative to the base. The system can include a first lock engageable to selectively prevent movement about the first joint, a second lock engageable to selectively prevent movement about the second joint, and a third lock engageable to selectively prevent a height of the fourth end from being adjusted relative to the base or extension arm.