Multifunctional Apparatus With 3D Movable Support Arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multifunctional devices with limited spatial accessibility due to restricted pivoting ability are inadequate for setups with island-shaped or circularly arranged tables, as they can only pivot about a horizontal axis, limiting their usability in teaching environments.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensionally movable device with a telescopic, swivel arm that can pivot out of a horizontal parking position to a non-horizontal working position, equipped with a rotary joint for increased flexibility, allowing rotation about a vertical axis and providing media, data, and energy connections at a reachable height, enabling almost circular coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the device pivots only about a horizontal axis, then the structure is simple and compact, but the spatial accessibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial accessibilityVSAvoidpivoting mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a vertical rotation capability (rotation about a vertical axis) to the existing horizontal pivoting mechanism (rotation about a horizontal axis). This transforms the device from two-dimensional movement to three-dimensional movement, enabling it to serve workstations arranged in circular or island patterns while maintaining structural compactness through nested rotational joints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the device is positioned above 2.1 meters, then it provides compact storage and safety, but accessibility to workstations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility to workstationsVSAvoiddevice height
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a telescopic column with variable length that can dynamically adjust between a retracted state (above 2.1 meters for compact storage and safety) and an extended state (below 1.6 meters for workstation accessibility). The telescopic mechanism allows the device to adapt its height based on operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between compact storage and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3114740B1Multifunctional apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.06.10 GFP FUR PRODNTWICKLUNG & PRODIVITATSPLANUNG MBH
  • EP3114740B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3114740B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3114740B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Disclosed is a multifunctional apparatus (100) comprising a support (12) which can be moved between a parked position, especially a horizontal position and/or a position below the ceiling in a room, and a non-horizontal operational position. In order to further develop said multifunctional apparatus (100) in such a way that same can be reached more easily in the room, the free end of the support (12) that is equipped with supply devices, media devices and/or data devices (24) can be moved three-dimensionally.