Support Arm Rotation Limiting with Replaceable Stop Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional support arm devices require replacement of either the extension arm or suspension arm to change the rotation angle range, limiting flexibility and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A support arm device comprising a tubular sleeve, a rotatable shaft with an annular sliding groove, a limiting member with abutting and stopping surfaces, and a positioning member that allows adjustable rotation angles by modifying the limiting member's configuration, enabling the shaft to rotate freely within the sleeve.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the protruding block and sleeve of the extension arm are formed integrally, and the connecting portion and limiting block of the suspension arm are formed integrally, then the structural integrity is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates because the rotation angle range cannot be adjusted without replacing the entire extension arm or suspension arm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidrotation angle range adjustability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The extension arm is segmented into a sleeve and a shaft, with the limiting member as a separate detachable component. The limiting member includes a limiting block and a positioning member that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows the rotation angle range to be modified by changing or repositioning the limiting member without replacing the entire extension arm or suspension arm, thus maintaining structural integrity while improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the limiting member is detachably interposed between the tubular sleeve and the shaft, then the adaptability is improved by allowing rotation angle adjustment, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and assembly steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation angle range adjustabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The limiting member combines multiple functions into a single component: it includes the limiting block that contacts the protruding block to arrest rotation, and the positioning member that extends through the sleeve wall to prevent removal of the shaft and limit rotation between two points. By merging these functions into one detachable limiting member, the design achieves adaptability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the shaft is inserted into the tubular sleeve with rotatable connection, then the ease of operation is improved by allowing free rotation, but the reliability deteriorates because the shaft may rotate beyond the desired angle range or become disconnected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational freedomVSAvoidrotation angle control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The limiting member acts as an intermediary between the shaft and the tubular sleeve. It includes a limiting block that contacts the protruding block on the shaft to arrest rotation at the desired angle range, and a positioning member that extends through the sleeve wall to prevent shaft removal and limit rotation between two specific points. This intermediary component enables rotational freedom within controlled limits, maintaining both ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 adjustable rotation angles without replacing the support arm components, enhancing flexibility and user customization while maintaining structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the abutting surfaces is rotatable to contact a corresponding one of the limiting shoulder surface portions so as to allow for co-rotation of the limiting member and the shaft in the tubular sleeve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The positioning member extends removably through a wall of the tubular sleeve into the annular sliding groove for preventing removal of the shaft from the tubular sleeve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS11125382B2Support arm device

Publication Date: 2021.09.21 MODERNSOLID INDUSTRIAL CO LTD

AI summary

A support arm device includes a shaft, a sleeve that is sleeved rotatably on the shaft, and a replaceable limiting member that is disposed detachably and movably between the shaft and the sleeve for limiting rotational angle range of the sleeve relative to the shaft. When the length of the limiting member is increased, the rotational angle range is reduced. Upon detachment of the limiting member, the sleeve is rotatable freely relative to the shaft.