Spring-Based Torque Compensation for Electronic Device Supports

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional supporting apparatuses for electronic devices face difficulties in easy height adjustment and maintaining the device at the desired position due to fixed frictional or constant-force mechanisms that fail to adapt to changes in device weight or position.

Innovation Solution

A supporting apparatus featuring a force-creating mechanism with a swing rod, movable unit, and biasing spring that adjusts deformation to create a compensating torque, allowing easy movement and positioning of electronic devices while accommodating different weights through adjustable spring compression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a frictional washer is used to create frictional force for compensating torque, then the electronic device can be maintained at the desired position, but it requires a relatively large force to overcome the frictional force for further movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition maintenanceVSAvoidmovement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the static frictional washer mechanism with a dynamic spring-based force-creating mechanism. The biasing spring dynamically adjusts the compensating torque based on the electronic device's weight and position, allowing easy movement when needed while providing appropriate holding force when the device is positioned.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of compensating torque from a fixed value (frictional force) to a variable value (spring force) that can be adjusted according to the electronic device's weight. The biasing spring's deformation degree can be modified to adapt to different weights, making the system more versatile and easier to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a constant-force spring is used to create fixed torque for height adjustment, then the electronic device can be maintained at a desired height, but the torque cannot adapt when the weight of the electronic device changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight maintenanceVSAvoidweight adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a biasing spring instead of a constant-force spring, allowing the compensating torque parameter to change based on the spring's deformation degree. This enables the mechanism to adapt to different electronic device weights by adjusting the spring compression or extension, while still maintaining the device at the desired height.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The force-creating mechanism using a biasing spring provides a dynamic torque that can adapt to changing conditions (different device weights), unlike the static constant-force spring. The spring's natural property of generating force proportional to its deformation allows automatic adaptation to various weights.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a biasing spring with fixed deformation is used to create compensating torque, then the electronic device can be moved easily, but the supporting apparatus cannot accommodate electronic devices of different weights

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement easeVSAvoidweight compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the force-creating mechanism with an adjustable biasing spring that can modify its deformation degree. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same mechanism to work easily with different electronic device weights, combining ease of operation with adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting apparatus is designed with separable and adjustable components, particularly the biasing spring mechanism, which can be independently adjusted to accommodate different weights. This segmentation allows flexibility in adapting to various electronic device specifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 easy movement and secure positioning of electronic devices at desired heights, with the ability to adjust compensating torque to match changing gravitational forces, ensuring stability across varying device weights.

Implementation Method 1

a biasing spring, upon movement of the electronic device, the movable unit is moved relative to the swing rod to thereby change the deformation degree of the biasing spring, so as to create a compensating torque that compensates for a torque caused by the gravitational force of the electronic device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The force-creating mechanism includes a swing rod connected pivotally to the fixed member, a movable unit connected movably to a front end of the swing rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP3244121B1Supporting apparatus for supporting an electronic device
Publication Date: 2020.12.23 HUANG MING HSIEN
  • EP3244121B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3244121B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3244121B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A supporting apparatus is adapted for supporting an electronic device, and includes an upper link, a fixed member, a connecting member, and a force-creating mechanism. The connecting member is disposed in front of and connected pivotally to the upper link, and is connected to the electronic device. The force-creating mechanism includes a swing rod connected pivotally to the fixed member, a movable unit connected movably to a front end of the swing rod, and a biasing spring. Upon movement of the electronic device, the movable unit is moved relative to the swing rod to thereby change the deformation degree of the biasing spring, so as to create a compensating torque that compensates for a torque caused by the gravitational force of the electronic device.