Adjustable Support Arm With Quick-Release Mount and Panning Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern adjustable support arms in workplaces need to provide a wide range of height, depth, and angle adjustments to accommodate different user positions and sizes, especially in environments like height-adjustable desks and hot-desking setups, where users require versatile ergonomic solutions.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable support arm system featuring quick-release joints, a friction cartridge assembly, an adjustable panning insert, and a quick-release accessory fastening mechanism, allowing for easy adjustments and attachments, with an articulating joint for wide range of motion and accessory bracket assemblies for mounting various devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable support arms provide wide range of height, depth, and angle adjustments to accommodate different users and positions, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is divided into multiple independent adjustable segments (height adjustment mechanism, depth adjustment mechanism, angle adjustment mechanism). Each segment can be adjusted independently to achieve wide range of motion without requiring a completely complex redesign of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities allowing users to modify height, depth, and angle positions on-demand. This enables the system to adapt to different users and working conditions while maintaining a relatively simple base structure that only becomes complex when adjustment features are activated.
2Ease of operation
If quick-release joints and easy attachment mechanisms are added to enable easy removal and attachment of arm assembly and accessories, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-release joint mechanism extracts the attachment/detachment function as a separate, independent feature. This allows users to easily attach and detach the arm assembly and accessories without manipulating the entire support arm structure, improving ease of operation while isolating the complexity to a specific modular component.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-release joint acts as an intermediary mechanism between the arm assembly and the base assembly. It provides a simplified interface for attachment and detachment operations, shielding users from the underlying mechanical complexity while enabling easy operation.
3Reliability
If friction cartridge assembly is added to reduce slack in joints and dampen movement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The friction cartridge assembly is designed to automatically reduce slack and dampen joint movement without requiring external intervention or complex control systems. The friction mechanism self-regulates to maintain joint stability, improving reliability while keeping the added complexity minimal and self-contained.
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 users to easily adjust and position monitors, keyboards, and other equipment for optimal ergonomic comfort across various work positions, reducing strain and improving workspace flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The quick-release joint may comprise a spring-loaded latch coupled to the base assembly which releasably engages an indentation in a connector shaft
Implementation Method 2
The friction cartridge assembly may comprise a taper-lock bushing surrounding a portion of the connector shaft. Set screws positioned adjacent to the taper-lock bushing can be utilized to cause the taper-lock bushing to deflect inward towards the connector shaft as the set screws are driven inward, thus increasing the friction between the connector shaft and the taper-lock bushing
Implementation Method 3
a bearing positioned in the hub of the base assembly for reducing the amount of force required to adjust the side-to-side motion of the support arm
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable support arm capable of providing users with a wide range of height, depth, tilt, and swivel options. The adjustable support arm may comprise an arm assembly releasably mounted to a base assembly. In further embodiments, the adjustable support arm may also comprise an articulating joint connected to the arm assembly, and an accessory bracket assembly connected to the articulating joint. A quick-release joint comprising a spring-loaded pivot latch may be utilized to releasably connect the arm assembly to the base assembly. To dampen side-to-side movement of the arm assembly, the adjustable support arm may also comprise a friction cartridge assembly comprising a taper-lock bushing and one or more set screws. A ring-shaped, adjustable panning insert can be coupled to the arm assembly to restrict the range of side-to-side motion of the support arm. The adjustable arm can further comprise a quick-release accessory fastening mechanism for easy removal and attachment of a mounted object (e.g., an electronic display, keyboard, or other item) to the support arm.