Articulated Support Arm Rotation Stops for Cable-Safe Screen Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting arm structures struggle to support different loads and position screens at various heights, while also failing to rotate or pivot the screens effectively, especially in sterile environments like hospitals where cleanliness is a priority.
Innovation Solution
The development of a tablet support arm system that includes a core arm body with pivotable ends, a gas spring counterbalance, and a friction pack element, along with a joint rotation stop structure to limit rotation within a defined range, allowing for secure positioning and rotation of screens without compromising sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mounting arm structure is designed to support screens at various heights and loads, then the adaptability and positioning capability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting arm is divided into multiple articulated segments (first arm, second arm, third arm) that can move independently relative to each other. Each segment has specific functions: the first arm provides vertical support, the second arm enables horizontal positioning, and the third arm allows rotation. This segmentation allows the system to achieve complex positioning capabilities while keeping each individual component relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting arm incorporates dynamic elements including a gas spring that provides adjustable counterbalance force to support different screen weights, and a friction pack element that allows controlled movement and positioning. The gas spring can be adjusted to accommodate various loads, and the friction mechanism enables the arm to be positioned and held at any angle within its range of motion, providing adaptability without requiring multiple fixed-position mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the mounting arm allows full rotation of screens, then the positioning flexibility is improved, but cable binding and sterility maintenance become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting arm structure is designed with predetermined rotation limits through the articulated joint configuration. The first arm rotates relative to the second arm within a controlled range, and the third arm rotates relative to the second arm within defined limits. These preliminary structural constraints prevent excessive rotation that would cause cable binding, while still providing sufficient positioning flexibility for typical display needs in sterile environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated arm structure acts as an intermediary between the screen and the mounting surface, absorbing and managing the mechanical constraints. The series of connected arms with defined rotation ranges provides a mechanical intermediary that protects against cable binding by limiting movement to safe ranges, while still allowing the screen to be positioned and rotated to various useful angles.
3Ease of repair
If the mounting structure is designed for easy cleaning and sterility, then the ease of maintenance is improved, but the ability to engage with cabling is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: the articulated arm mechanism for positioning, the gas spring for counterbalance, and separate cable management pathways. This segmentation allows the mechanical components to be designed for easy cleaning and sterility, while cable engagement points are positioned and routed to minimize contamination risk. The friction pack element and gas spring are enclosed or positioned to prevent cable interference while maintaining cleanability.
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 system effectively supports a range of payloads, allows for precise positioning and rotation of screens, and maintains a sterile environment by managing cabling and preventing cable binding, thus enhancing usability and cleanliness in medical and dental facilities.
Implementation Method 1
a gas spring counterbalance
Implementation Method 2
a friction pack element
Data Source
AI summary
Improved support structures and systems are disclosed for installing tablet devices, display screens, flat screen monitors, or medical devices within a wide variety of environments. A core arm extends from a rear end, toward a front end, in which the rear end is configured to be pivotably mounted either directly to a mount structure, or to an extension arm that in turn is mounted to a mount structure. The front end is configured to be pivotably mounted to a front-end panel mount structure. The structures and systems can be configured for light or heavy configurations, with or without the use of an extension arm, and can provide fully concealed cable routing, in which one or more cables are readily accessible, via snap fit covers, for easy installation and maintenance, which can provide a clean structure that can readily be serviced and cleaned as desired.