Variable height arm structures, systems, and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical arms used in biologically sensitive environments are prone to contamination, have design flaws that make them difficult to clean, and lack adjustability and stability for a wide range of positions, leading to sloppy screen movement and quick joint loosening.
Innovation Solution
A variable-height mechanical arm structure featuring a four-bar linkage design with a gas spring counterbalance system and adjustable pivot point along a curved slot, enclosed by a cleanable outer shell and lower cover, allowing for smooth and stable height adjustment and counterbalancing without requiring excessive friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional mechanical arm structures are used, then the arm can provide adjustable height and movement, but the exposed structures (covers, fasteners, trim, pivots) are readily contaminated and not highly cleanable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes exposed fasteners, trim, and pivot structures from the mechanical arm design. The adjustment mechanisms are enclosed within the arm structure, eliminating surfaces that can accumulate contaminants. This extraction of problematic exposed elements directly addresses the contamination issue while preserving adjustability through enclosed adjustment interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs continuous covers that enclose the mechanical arm structures, creating smooth, non-porous surfaces that prevent contaminant accumulation. These covers act as protective barriers while maintaining the underlying adjustability mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between cleanability and operational flexibility.
2Reliability
If friction is increased to retain the monitor at desired positions, then the arm can hold position better, but the screen movement becomes sloppy and joints loosen quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a counterbalance mechanism using springs or weights to offset the monitor's weight. This counterbalancing system provides position retention without requiring high friction at the joints, thereby preventing joint loosening and screen sloppiness while maintaining reliable position holding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved slots and arc-shaped adjustment paths for the mechanical arm joints. This curvature design allows smooth motion through the range of motion while maintaining consistent contact and preventing joint loosening, achieving both position retention and joint stability without excessive friction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the screw or bolt is mounted at an angle to provide counterbalancing for different weights, then the leverage changes for different loads, but the adjustment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the counterbalance screw or bolt can be repositioned along a curved slot. This allows the leverage arm length to change dynamically based on the load weight, providing adaptability for different weights while keeping the mechanism relatively simple through a single movable element rather than multiple angled mounts.
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 cleanability, stability, and adjustability, reducing contamination risks and maintaining position stability across a wide range of motions, ensuring reliable support for devices in environments like hospitals and offices.
Implementation Method 1
gas spring counterbalance system
Implementation Method 2
gas spring counterbalance system
Data Source
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.