Pivot Arm Stand Magnetic Brake One-Handed Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing swivel arm stands for digital microscopes are cumbersome to operate, requiring two hands for adjustments, leading to poor reproducibility and increased time requirements, especially in setting and returning to the vertical position, due to torque issues and inadequate locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A swivel arm stand equipped with a high-torque magnetic brake and a tension spring arrangement that allows one-handed operation, featuring a button-activated locking mechanism and ergonomic design for easy angle adjustment, along with a detent system for precise locking and a motorized Z-guide for controlled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking bolt and handwheel clamp mechanism is used to secure the swivel arm, then the swivel arm can be fixed in position, but the operation becomes cumbersome requiring two hands and significant time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual handwheel clamp mechanism with an electric motor-driven locking mechanism. The motor automatically clamps the swivel arm to the column, eliminating the need for manual operation of the handwheel and allowing the user to control the swivel arm position with a simple button press or switch, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining secure locking
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor performs the locking and clamping actions automatically without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by using electrical power to execute the mechanical actions that previously required human effort, reducing the operational steps from multiple manual actions to a single electrical control input
2Adaptability or versatility
If the locking bolt is removed or pulled out for angle adjustment, then the swivel arm can be repositioned, but the effective torque from the center of gravity causes the swivel arm to tip over suddenly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive locking bolt system with an active electric motor-driven locking system that maintains continuous control over the swivel arm. The motor provides sufficient holding torque to counteract the gravitational torque even when the locking bolt is disengaged, preventing sudden tipping while allowing flexible repositioning through electrical control
3Speed
If the handwheel is loosened for quick angle changes, then the swivel arm can be repositioned rapidly, but both hands are required making precise adjustment nearly impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual handwheel adjustment system with an electric motor-driven system that provides controlled movement. The motor enables rapid repositioning through electrical control while maintaining precision through controlled motor operation, allowing the user to set accurate angles with one hand by simply activating the motor control switch at the desired position
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor replicates and enhances the functionality of the manual handwheel system. It copies the rotational movement capability while adding electrical control, providing both the speed of rapid adjustment and the precision of controlled positioning that manual operation could not achieve simultaneously
4Strength
If the locking bolt is fully inserted to secure vertical position, then the connection is form-fitting, but there is large fit clearance causing poor reproducibility of vertical adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the locking bolt insertion system with an electric motor-driven locking mechanism. The motor applies controlled force to engage the locking feature, eliminating the fit clearance issues inherent in manual bolt insertion. This ensures consistent, reproducible vertical positioning while maintaining strong connection through precise electrical control of the locking action
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 quick, precise, and reproducible swivel arm adjustments with reduced torque, allowing single-handed operation and improved locking reproducibility, significantly reducing operational time and enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a high-torque magnetic brake which is arranged around a rotation axis DA and consists of a part MS that swivels along with it and a fixed part ML
Implementation Method 2
a tension spring arrangement which is used to compensate for the torques which are produced by the mass and the center of gravity of the swivel arm arrangement
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 4a~4b
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
According to the invention, the swivel arm movement can be blocked by a high-torque magnetic brake arranged about a pivot axis (DA), which consists of a pivoting part (MS) and a stationary part (ML), wherein the blocking can be released for the duration of a button press (TS) by releasing the high-torque magnetic brake, wherein the button (TS) is arranged on the swivel arm (SA) such that it can be conveniently pressed with at least one finger of the same hand, which includes an ergonomically shaped area (EB) of the swivel arm (SA) that is provided for gripping the swivel arm (SA) for setting a swivel angle (w).