Adjustable Support Arm With Friction Cartridge and Motion Limits
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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, particularly in environments with height-adjustable desks and hot-desking setups, where users require flexible positioning of monitors, keyboards, and other equipment.
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 attachment and detachment, reduced slack in joints, and customizable side-to-side motion, along with an accessory bracket assembly for mounting various accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable support arms provide wide range of height, depth, and angle adjustments, then adaptability is 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, providing wide adaptability while keeping each individual mechanism relatively simple and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm system integrates multiple adjustment functions (height, depth, angle) into a single device that can accommodate various mounted objects (monitors, keyboards, tablets, smartphones). This multi-functionality approach improves adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity by sharing common structural elements across different adjustment modes.
2Ease of operation
If quick-release joints are used for easy attachment and detachment, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The release function is extracted as a separate, dedicated mechanism within the joint assembly. A release button or lever is provided that, when actuated, disengages the locking elements to allow quick detachment. This separates the attachment and detachment functions, making operation easier while maintaining secure connection during normal use through positive locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
A friction cartridge assembly acts as an intermediary between the arm assembly and base assembly, providing controlled friction to reduce slack and stabilize the connection without preventing adjustment. This intermediary element maintains reliability during operation while allowing the quick-release mechanism to function when activated.
3Stability of the object's composition
If friction cartridge assembly is used to reduce slack, then stability is improved, but force requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The friction cartridge applies friction locally at specific contact points within the joint, rather than throughout the entire arm assembly. This localized friction is sufficient to eliminate slack and provide stability without requiring excessive force from the user during adjustment. The friction is concentrated where it is most effective for stabilizing the connection.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable panning insert is added for side-to-side motion control, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The panning insert is integrated into the existing joint structure, merging the side-to-side motion control function with the overall articulation mechanism. Rather than adding a completely separate mechanism, the panning insert works in conjunction with the existing bearings and joints to provide controlled side-to-side motion, reducing the overall complexity increase.
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 optimize the ergonomic positioning of devices with reduced force requirements, improving workspace adaptability and user comfort by providing extensive adjustability and easy accessory mounting.
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.