Three-Bar Support Arm Linkage With Height and Angle Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support arm mechanisms fail to provide ergonomic feedback on height and angle settings, limiting their ability to accommodate diverse user needs while maintaining a compact storage size and high strength.
Innovation Solution
A support arm mechanism featuring a three-bar linkage with a mounting plate, including parallel slots, a height indicator, and an angle indicator, allowing for adjustable height and angle settings, which can be easily modified to suit individual user preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a three bar linkage mechanism with locking mechanism is used to support keyboard movement and positioning, then vertical swinging movement and locking capabilities are achieved, but storage size is limited by the size of the mechanism and length of guide track
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm mechanism is divided into multiple functional segments: a mounting plate with parallel slots, a three-bar linkage system, and indicator components. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while contributing to overall compactness when retracted
Solution Approach 2:
The three-bar linkage mechanism is designed to nest within the mounting plate structure when retracted. The parallel slots in the mounting plate accommodate the linkage components, allowing them to be stored in a compact configuration that minimizes storage space requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If support arm mechanism allows adjustment for different users, then ergonomic considerations are addressed, but mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Height and angle indicators provide visual feedback to users about the current positioning of the support arm. This feedback mechanism enables users to adjust the arm to ergonomic positions without requiring complex control systems or electronics, maintaining mechanical simplicity while enhancing adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm mechanism incorporates movable components including the three-bar linkage and parallel slots that allow dynamic adjustment of position and angle. These mechanical dynamics enable adaptability for different users through simple manual adjustment rather than complex control systems
3Loss of information
If height and angle indicators are added to provide ergonomic feedback, then user information needs are met, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Visual indicators for height and angle are integrated into the support arm mechanism to provide ergonomic feedback. These indicators use simple mechanical or optical elements rather than electronic displays, conveying necessary information while minimizing added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator components are merged with the existing structural elements of the support arm mechanism. The height and angle indicators are integrated into the mounting plate and linkage structure, sharing space and components with the mechanical system rather than adding separate independent systems
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism for mounting a support including a linkage, wherein the linkage has at least three bars, the mechanism is attached to a base by a mounting member, and the mounting member has a pair of slots wherein the linkage may slide and pivot relative to the mounting member. In another embodiment, the mechanism includes a height indicator whereby a height of the mechanism relative to a height indicating surface is displayed. In a further embodiment, the mechanism includes an angle indicator whereby an angle of the support relative to an angle indicating surface is displayed. In yet another embodiment, the mechanism permits adjustment of the angle of the support relative to the angle indicating surface.