Universal tablet arm for chairs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fold-down tablet arms lack adjustable friction settings, making it difficult to control the rotation of the tablet between operative and storage positions, and are not adaptable to various chair types.
Innovation Solution
A tablet arm assembly with a housing that encloses moving components, featuring a horizontal pivot bar with stop shoulders to limit pivoting, an arcuate guide track with stops to control rotation, and an adjustable friction disk to regulate movement, allowing the tablet to pivot between multiple positions securely and smoothly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fold-down tablet arms are used, then the structure is simple, but the rotation control is poor and friction adjustment is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by incorporating an adjustable friction disk mechanism that allows users to modify the friction parameter between the tablet arm and its mounting structure. This enables control over the rotation characteristics of the tablet arm, transitioning from fixed friction to adjustable friction, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a movable mounting arrangement with two pivot axes is added, then the tablet can move between operative and storage positions, but the moving components are exposed and may cause pinching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by enclosing all moving components, pivot axes, and mechanical elements within a housing structure. The tablet arm assembly is nested inside the housing, which protects users from exposed moving parts and eliminates pinching hazards while maintaining the full range of motion between operative and storage positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as an intermediary barrier between the user and the moving mechanical components. It mediates the interaction by providing a protective enclosure that allows the tablet arm to move freely between positions while preventing direct contact with hazardous moving parts.
3Reliability
If the tablet arm is designed for specific chair types, then the fit is optimized, but the adaptability to different chair types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the mounting structure with standardized interfaces and adjustable mounting plates that can accommodate multiple chair types. The housing and mounting mechanism are configured to work with various chair arm configurations, enabling a single tablet arm design to be reliably mounted across different chair models without requiring custom designs for each chair type.
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 secure and adjustable movement of the tablet between storage, intermediate, and use positions, preventing pinching and accommodating different chair types, while allowing users to easily switch between vertical and horizontal orientations.
Implementation Method 1
a friction disk is positioned to adjust the amount of friction present during rotation of the tablet
Data Source
AI summary
A movable tablet for use with a chair is disclosed. The movable tablet is part of a mounting assembly that allows the tablet to be used with different types of chairs. The mounting assembly includes a stationary pivot rod and an outer housing that surrounds the pivot rod. A lower bearing is positioned between the outer housing and a mounting plate secured to a back face of the tablet. A guide hub of the lower bearing travels within a guide track on the mounting plate secured to the tablet to limit the pivoting movement of the tablet. An upper bearing is positioned between the mounting plate and the tablet such that the upper and lower bearings are positioned between metallic elements of the mounting assembly. A friction disc is positioned within the mounting assembly to control and adjust the pivoting movement of the tablet relative to the stationary pivot bar.