Support Arm Device Mechanical Height Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional support arm devices using pneumatic cylinders for height adjustment are costly.
Innovation Solution
A support arm device is designed with a pivotally connected arm unit, pivot unit, adjusting member, driven member, and resilient members, where the adjusting member rotates to adjust the distance between the driven and seat members, utilizing resilient members to counteract gravitational force and maintain object position, thereby eliminating the need for a pneumatic cylinder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pneumatic cylinder is used to maintain the height-wise position of the object, then the height positioning function is achieved, but the device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic cylinder system with a purely mechanical linkage system consisting of link members, support arms, and resilient members. This substitution eliminates the need for pneumatic components while achieving the same height positioning function through mechanical means, thereby reducing device cost while maintaining the reliability of height adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient members (springs) are configured to automatically counterbalance the gravitational force on the supported object, enabling self-adjusting height positioning without external power sources or complex control systems. The mechanical linkage system allows the support arm to automatically maintain equilibrium at different heights, reducing the need for expensive active control components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pneumatic cylinder is used for height adjustment, then height adjustment capability is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is divided into multiple independent link members (first link member, second link member, third link member) connected by pivot joints. Each link member can move independently, allowing the system to achieve height adjustment through simple rotational movements at the pivots rather than requiring a complex single-component actuator like a pneumatic cylinder.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic mechanical linkage system where the support arm can pivot and rotate to achieve different height positions. The resilient members provide dynamic force to counterbalance gravity at various positions, enabling continuous height adjustment through simple rotational motion rather than complex pneumatic control mechanisms.
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
This design reduces costs by substituting the pneumatic cylinder with a more affordable assembly, allowing for adjustable height positioning of objects and maintaining equilibrium, facilitating multiple height settings while supporting objects at various heights.
Implementation Method 1
the resilient member resiliently biases the driven member and the seat member away from each other to counteract a gravitational force
Implementation Method 2
the resilient member has two opposite ends that are respectively coupled to the driven member and the seat member
Data Source
AI summary
A support arm device is pivotally connected between first and second link members, and includes a main arm, a seat member, an adjusting member, a driven member and a resilient member. The main arm is pivotally connected to the first and second link members. The seat member is movable relative to the main arm. The adjusting member is rotatably mounted to the main arm. The driven member is movably mounted to the main arm. Rotation of the adjusting member drives movement of the driven member to adjust a distance between the driven member and the seat member. The resilient member is coupled to the driven member and the seat member.