Variable Height Arm with Enclosed 4-Bar Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical arms used in biologically sensitive environments, such as hospitals and medical offices, are prone to contamination due to exposed structures and lack cleanability, and often require excessive friction to maintain position adjustments, which can lead to sloppy screen movement and joint loosening.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical arm structure featuring a gas spring counterbalanced height adjustment system with a pivot adjustment mechanism that allows for adjustable counterbalancing across a range of motion, utilizing a 4-bar linkage and a curved slot for the bias element, ensuring smooth motion and minimal drift, while being enclosed to prevent contamination and facilitate cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If exposed mechanical structures (covers, fasteners, trim, pivots) are used for adjustability, then the arm can be adjusted to different positions, but the structures become readily contaminated and are not highly cleanable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes exposed mechanical structures such as covers, fasteners, trim, and pivots from the mechanical arm design. By eliminating these exposed components that are prone to contamination, the design achieves a cleanable surface without sacrificing adjustability functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs enclosed structures with smooth, continuous surfaces that can be easily cleaned. The design uses sealed housings and enclosed mechanisms that prevent contamination accumulation while maintaining the necessary adjustment capabilities through internal mechanisms.
2Stability of the object's composition
If friction is increased to retain the monitor at desired positions (especially at extreme ranges), then position stability is improved, but screen movement becomes sloppy and joints loosen quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a gas spring counterbalanced height adjustment system that uses a counterbalancing mechanism to offset the weight of the monitor. This allows the arm to maintain position stability through balanced forces rather than relying on high friction, preventing joint loosening and sloppy movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a pivot adjustment mechanism that allows for adjustable counterbalancing across the range of motion. By changing the pivot position parameter, the system optimizes the counterbalancing effect at different angles, maintaining stability without excessive friction throughout the entire range of motion.
3Device complexity
If conventional gas spring pivot is mounted on a screw or bolt, then the structure is simple, but the leverage changes for different weights and loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static screw or bolt mounting to a dynamic pivot adjustment mechanism. This mechanism allows the pivot position to be changed based on the weight and load requirements, providing adaptable counterbalancing while maintaining relative structural simplicity through a straightforward adjustment design.
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 mechanical arm provides high adjustability without requiring excessive friction, maintains position stability under varying loads, and is easily cleanable, reducing the risk of contamination and extending the arm's lifespan through regular use and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
gas spring counterbalanced height adjustment system
Implementation Method 2
gas spring counterbalanced height adjustment system
Implementation Method 3
allows for adjustable counterbalancing across a range of motion
Data Source
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AI summary
Enhanced variable-height mounting arms comprise structures that allow any of improved cleanability and/or improved adjustment of height or counterbalancing. An exemplary enhanced variable-height arm comprises an upper shell structure that substantially extends over the upper and side regions of the mounting arm, forming a four-bar linkage. A lower cover is mounted to the upper cover across the bottom side of the arm, and defines holes therethrough for extension of the opposing ends of the arm. The variable-height arm further comprises a bias element, wherein one end of the bias element is adjustably fixable in relation to a defined curve, non-linear path or slot, such as within a curved slot. The variable-height arm may preferably further comprise a mechanism for adjusting any of the height or counterbalance for the structure.