Tablet Support Arm Counterbalance for Flexible Screen Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting arm structures for screens face challenges in supporting different loads and positioning screens at various heights within work environments, particularly in clean environments like hospitals, where maintaining sterility is crucial and rotating or pivoting screens is difficult while managing cables.
Innovation Solution
The development of a tablet arm system with a core arm that includes a non-adjustable gas spring counterbalance and friction elements for load support, allowing 360-degree rotation, and concealed cable routing with snap-fit covers for easy installation and maintenance, ensuring cleanliness and versatility in positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mounting arm structures are used to support screens, then screen support capability is improved, but adaptability to support different loads and positioning at various heights deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting arm incorporates adjustable components including height adjustment mechanisms and rotation joints that allow dynamic reconfiguration. The arm can be positioned at multiple heights and rotated to different angles, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to various screen sizes, weights, and positioning requirements while maintaining reliable support.
2Adaptability or versatility
If screens are rotated or pivoted to desired positions, then positioning flexibility is improved, but difficulty in rotating or pivoting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting arm incorporates a counterbalance mechanism that offsets the weight of the screen, reducing the effort required to rotate or pivot the assembly. This counterbalancing system allows smooth rotation and positioning while maintaining the screen at the desired angle without requiring excessive force from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm includes rotation joints with controlled resistance mechanisms that enable easy rotation during positioning but provide stability once positioned. The dynamic characteristics of the joints allow flexible repositioning while preventing unintended movement during use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If power and cabling are connected to support arms, then functionality is improved, but difficulty in establishing and maintaining sterile environment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting arm incorporates flexible cable routing channels and sealed conduits that guide cables through the arm structure. These flexible pathways allow cable installation and maintenance while the sealed design prevents contamination, maintaining sterile environments in medical and dental facilities. The cable management system integrates seamlessly with the arm structure, eliminating exposed cables that could compromise sterility.
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, enables flexible positioning, and maintains a sterile environment by allowing easy cable management and rotation, reducing the risk of cable damage and improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a non-adjustable gas spring counterbalance
Implementation Method 2
friction elements for load support
Data Source
AI summary
Structures and systems are disclosed for supporting tablets or displays. A core arm that is configured to have a range of rotation based on angle length of a track or tunnel, an angle length of a joint rotation stop structure, and an angle length of a floating stop key. The core extends from a rear end to a front end of the structure. The core arm can also include a floating stop key that is movable with the track or tunnel of the core arm structure. 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.