Support Arm Joint Structure for Accessible Stable Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional support arm devices face issues with tool access due to angled screw fasteners, instability from single-sided support, and complex manufacturing requirements due to multiple retaining features.
Innovation Solution
A support arm apparatus featuring a four-bar linkage with a track seat and threaded member, where the track seat is inserted along a securing axis into a joint seat, and a threaded member with a head portion abutting support portions of track walls, allowing easy tool access and stabilizing rotation, while simplifying the joint seat structure for easier manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw fastener is used to secure the guiding member to the endcap member, then the guiding member is securely fixed, but tool access is limited due to the angled insertion direction
Solution Approach 1:
The securing function is segmented into two independent actions: first inserting the guiding member along the securing axis into the endcap member, then separately securing it with a screw fastener. This segmentation allows each action to have its own optimal direction and access path, resolving the conflict between secure fixation and tool accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The endcap member acts as an intermediary component that receives the guiding member along the securing axis and provides a separate mounting surface for the screw fastener. This intermediary structure enables independent access paths for insertion and securing operations.
2Device complexity
If the adjusting threaded shaft is supported by only one upper pivot pin, then the structure is simple, but operation becomes noisy and unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The support quality is made non-uniform by providing different numbers of pivot pins at different locations: one pivot pin at the first end and two pivot pins at the second end. This local differentiation provides enhanced stability where needed (at the threaded shaft location) while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
3Reliability
If multiple retaining protrusions, retaining slots, and limiting surfaces are added to the endcap member to secure the guiding member, then the guiding member is securely retained, but the structure becomes complicated and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The retention function is segmented between the endcap member and the guiding member itself. The endcap member provides a simple receiving space and securing axis, while the guiding member incorporates its own retaining protrusions and limiting surfaces. This segmentation simplifies the endcap member for easier manufacturing while maintaining secure retention through the combined structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding multiple complex features to the endcap member to retain the guiding member, the design inverts the approach by having the guiding member provide its own retention features (retaining protrusions and limiting surfaces) that interface with the simpler endcap member structure.
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 solution enhances tool accessibility, reduces noise and instability, and simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing easy assembly and providing a larger range of movement for extension and retraction.
Implementation Method 1
The threaded portion is threadedly engaged with the linking seat such that rotation of the threaded member drives movement of the linking seat along the threaded portion of the threaded member
Data Source
AI summary
A support arm apparatus includes an arm device, a joint device, an extension and retraction device, and an adjustment device. The joint device includes first and second joint seats, and the first joint seat has a receiving space. The extension and retraction device includes a fixed portion and a moving portion that is connected to the fixed portion and that is movable relative to the fixed portion. The adjustment device includes a track seat, a linking seat, and a threaded member. The track seat is inserted fixedly into the receiving space and includes two track walls. The threaded member abuts against support portions of the track walls, and is threadedly engaged with the linking seat.