Articulated Support Arm Locking Mechanism for Clean Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical arms are not designed for frequent height adjustments and heavy use, leading to sloppy screen movement, loose joints, and contamination issues due to exposed structures that are difficult to clean, especially in biologically-sensitive environments.
Innovation Solution
A locking release mechanism with a handle release mechanism and a gas spring release mechanism allows for adjustable vertical orientations, and a protective outer shell with removable pieces for easy cleaning and cable management, ensuring a smooth, gap-free surface for internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mechanical arms include exposed structures like covers, fasteners, and pivots for height adjustment, then the arms provide adjustable height functionality, but these exposed structures are readily contaminated and difficult to clean in biologically-sensitive environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a smooth, continuous outer shell that encloses all adjustment mechanisms. This shell acts as a protective barrier that prevents contamination while maintaining the height adjustment functionality through integrated locking and release mechanisms that operate without exposing internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the adjustment and locking mechanisms from the external environment by enclosing them within the smooth outer shell. The release mechanism is designed to be actuated from the exterior through the shell, allowing internal mechanisms to remain hidden and cleanable surfaces to remain uninterrupted.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mechanical arms provide adjustable height through exposed mechanisms, then height adjustment is possible, but the mechanisms are not designed for frequent adjustment and heavy use, causing sloppy screen movement and loose joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic locking system where the locking mechanism automatically engages and disengages through a smooth actuation process. The mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states reliably, providing stable support when locked and smooth movement when unlocked, designed to withstand frequent cycling without degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the adjustment mechanism into distinct functional segments: a locking component, a release component, and a positioning component. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide reliable, repeatable adjustment cycles resistant to wear and loosening.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mechanical arms include exposed fasteners, trim, and pivots for adjustability, then the arms can be adjusted to various positions, but these exposed structures create pinch points and gaps that are not readily cleanable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a continuous, smooth outer shell that eliminates gaps, ridges, and tight corners. This shell design provides no pinch points or crevices where contaminants could accumulate, while still allowing the underlying adjustment mechanisms to function through integrated release systems that operate through the shell's surface.
4Reliability
If conventional mechanical arms use traditional locking mechanisms for height adjustment, then the arms can be locked in position, but the mechanisms are complex and not easily accessible for maintenance or cable management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cable management and maintenance access needs from the complex internal mechanisms by providing a separate, dedicated access system. This allows the locking mechanism to remain simple and reliable while providing a distinct pathway for cable routing and maintenance access without compromising the locking function.
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
The solution provides a reliable, easily cleanable, and adjustable mechanical arm system that maintains a constant cable path and counter-balance support, enhancing performance and hygiene in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
The articulated support arm can include a gas spring that remains locked, i.e. the piston will not move freely, until the handle release mechanism is activated
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments concern locking release mechanisms that allow an articulated support arm to be moved between various vertical orientations. A locking release mechanism may include a handle release mechanism positioned within the handle of the articulated support arm, and a gas spring release mechanism positioned within the body of the articulated support arm. The articulated support arm can include a gas spring that remains locked until the handle release mechanism is activated, e.g. by applying pressure to a grip actuator. Other embodiments concern cable management techniques for articulated support arms. Oftentimes, an articulated support arm will include cables routed through the arm that are configured to support an attachment. For example, the cable(s) may be adapted for audio signals, video signals, power, etc. The cable(s) can be readily cleaned and/or serviced when routed through an articulated support arm composed of one or more removable pieces.