Tablet Support Arm Counterbalance for Variable Loads and Clean Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting arm structures for screens face challenges in supporting varying loads and positioning screens at different heights, especially in clean environments like hospitals, where maintaining sterility is crucial due to the complexity of integrating power and cabling.
Innovation Solution
The development of a tablet arm system with a core arm that includes a non-adjustable gas spring counterbalance and friction pack for load support, allowing 360-degree rotation with concealed cable routing and snap-fit covers for easy maintenance, and joint rotation stop structures to prevent cable entanglement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If mounting arm structures are used to support screens, then screen support capability is improved, but adaptability to different loads and heights is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting arm structure incorporates adjustable components including height adjustment mechanisms and rotation joints that allow the arm to adapt to different loads and positioning requirements. The gas spring counterbalance system provides dynamic adjustment capabilities while maintaining support strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting arm is divided into multiple segments including core arm, extension arm, and mounting bracket components. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each segment to accommodate different screen sizes, weights, and positioning requirements while maintaining overall structural strength.
2Adaptability or versatility
If power and cabling are connected to support arms, then functionality is improved, but maintaining sterile environment is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Cables and power conduits are routed through hollow channels within the mounting arm structure itself. This nesting approach conceals the cabling within the arm's internal passages, preventing cable entanglement and maintaining a clean, sterile appearance in medical environments while preserving full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting arm structure serves as an intermediary element that provides integrated cable routing channels. This mediator function allows power and data connections to be established while the arm's structure shields and organizes the cabling, preventing it from compromising the sterile environment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rotation range is increased for positioning flexibility, then positioning capability is improved, but cable entanglement risk is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Cables are routed through internal channels within the mounting arm structure, nesting them within the arm's hollow passages. This allows the arm to rotate through a wide range of motion while the cables remain protected and organized, preventing entanglement even during extensive positioning adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting arm acts as an intermediary structure with built-in cable management channels. These channels guide cable movement during rotation, allowing full positioning flexibility while the arm's structure mediates between the rotating components and the cables, preventing entanglement.
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 provides stable support for a range of payloads, maintains a sterile environment by hiding cables, and prevents cable damage through controlled rotation and easy access for maintenance, enhancing usability and cleanliness in medical settings.
Implementation Method 1
a core arm that includes a non-adjustable gas spring counterbalance
Implementation Method 2
friction pack for load support
Data Source
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AI summary
Structures and systems are disclosed for supporting tablets or displays. A core arm extends from a rear end toward a front end, in which the rear end is pivotably mounted either directly to a mount structure, or to an extension arm that is mounted to a mount structure. The front end is pivotably mounted to a front mount structure. The core arm can include a gas spring to provide counterbalance force, and a non-adjustable friction pack element for up/down resistance to support different payloads. The counterbalance can be set within the payload range, while the friction offsets the sink or float that would occur for lighter or heavier payloads. The structures and systems can thus be readily configured for light or heavy configurations, with or without the use of an extension arm, and can conceal cable routing, which is accessible, via snap fit covers, for easy installation and maintenance.