Support Arm Position Equalizing Assembly for Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical and dental offices face challenges in accessing devices like computers and monitors, which are often fixed in position, requiring personnel to assume uncomfortable positions or move back and forth to retrieve information, limiting flexibility and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A support arm with a pivotally mounted housing, a position equalizing assembly, and a counterbalance adjusting assembly that allows controlled freedom of movement and adjustable counterbalance force, enabling devices to be positioned vertically and horizontally while maintaining parallel planes and supporting varying device weights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If devices are mounted in a fixed position on a desk or countertop, then the device structure is simple and stable, but personnel must assume uncomfortable positions or move back and forth to access the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the fixed mounting structure into a dynamically adjustable one. The support arm incorporates pivotable joints at multiple locations (mounting member to housing, device mounting member to housing) that enable the device to be positioned in various orientations and locations while maintaining stability through counterbalance mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements counterweight principles through the counterbalance adjusting assembly that applies counterbalance force to the device mounting member. This allows the arm to support the device weight and maintain position without requiring active power, enabling easy adjustment while keeping the device stationary at the desired position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a support arm with pivotable mounting members is used to allow device movement, then accessibility and positioning flexibility are improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the pivotable mounting members, contains the position equalizing assembly, and accommodates the counterbalance adjusting assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall structure despite the enhanced positioning capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the position equalizing function and counterbalance adjustment function into a single integrated housing structure. The arm mounting member and device mounting member are both pivotally carried by the same housing, and their coordination mechanisms are combined within the housing, reducing structural complexity compared to separate independent mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If a position equalizing assembly is added to coordinate movement of mounting members, then controlled freedom of movement is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The position equalizing assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the arm mounting member and the device mounting member. It coordinates their movements to maintain proper geometric relationships and ensure smooth, controlled operation, while being contained within the housing to minimize space requirements and structural complexity.
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 support arm provides flexible positioning of devices, enhancing user comfort and accessibility by allowing controlled movement and adjustable counterbalance, accommodating different device weights and orientations, thus improving workflow efficiency in medical and dental settings.
Implementation Method 1
a counterbalance adjusting assembly carried by the arm mounting member and engaging the device mounting member, the counterbalance adjusting assembly applying counterbalance force to the device mounting member
Implementation Method 2
an arm mounting member pivotally carried by the first end of the support arm housing, the arm mounting member pivotal throughout a first range of rotation; a device mounting member pivotally carried by the second end of the support arm housing, the device mounting member pivotal throughout a second range of rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A support arm includes a generally elongated support arm housing having first and second ends; an arm mounting member pivotally carried by the first end of the support arm housing, the arm mounting member pivotal throughout a first range of rotation; a device mounting member pivotally carried by the second end of the support arm housing, the device mounting member pivotal throughout a second range of rotation; a position equalizing assembly engaging the arm mounting member and the device mounting member, the position equalizing assembly pivoting the arm mounting member and the device mounting member in opposite directions throughout the first range of rotation and the second range of rotation; anda counterbalance adjusting assembly carried by the arm mounting member and engaging the device mounting member, the counterbalance adjusting assembly applying counterbalance force to the device mounting member.