Watchmaker's bench and forearm support for a watchmaker's bench
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watchmaker's benches with forearm supports lack adjustability and ergonomics, leading to working discomfort and potential musculoskeletal disorders due to limited configuration options and difficulty in finding a comfortable working posture.
Innovation Solution
A forearm support system for watchmaker's benches featuring ball joints and sliding links that allow for three degrees of freedom in position adjustment, combined with a mounting rail system for modular work modules, enabling easy and ergonomic configuration of the workstation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional forearm supports are used, then the structure is simple, but the adjustability and ergonomics are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The forearm support employs a dynamic articulation system with two ball joints that allow continuous adjustment of the support angle and position. The first ball joint connects the support arm to the bench, enabling angular adjustment, while the second ball joint connects the support pad to the arm, allowing positional adjustment along the arm. This dynamic configuration enables the operator to adapt the forearm support to various working positions and ergonomic requirements.
2Ease of operation
If fixed configuration forearm supports are used, then the device complexity is low, but the operator comfort and ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation system with two ball joints provides dynamic adjustability that enhances operator comfort. The first ball joint allows the support arm to be positioned at different angles relative to the bench, while the second ball joint enables the support pad to be adjusted along the arm's length. This dynamic configuration adapts to the operator's body dimensions and working posture requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous change of geometric parameters including the angle of the support arm relative to the bench and the position of the support pad along the arm. These parameter changes allow the operator to optimize the ergonomic configuration for different tasks and personal preferences, thereby improving ease of operation and comfort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable forearm supports are implemented, then ergonomics improve, but the time to configure the workstation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dual ball joint articulation system enables quick ergonomic configuration through simple manual manipulation. The operator can independently adjust the first ball joint to set the arm angle and the second ball joint to position the pad, without requiring complex mechanisms or multiple steps. This dynamic adjustment capability reduces configuration time while maintaining full ergonomic adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If ball joints are used for articulation, then the degrees of freedom increase, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses two ball joints to provide six degrees of freedom (three at each joint) for comprehensive position and orientation adjustment of the forearm support pad. The first ball joint accommodates angular adjustments of the support arm, while the second ball joint accommodates positional adjustments of the pad along the arm. This dynamic multi-degree-of-freedom system achieves maximum adaptability with a relatively simple mechanical implementation.
Data Source
AI summary
Watchmaker's bench, comprising:a work table arranged to receive timepieces,a frame supporting the work table, defining at least one work face or a work station on the work table for an operator and arranged to rest on a workshop floor,characterized in that the watchmaker's bench comprises at least one mounting rail, particularly arranged below the working table and facing the work face or the work station, and arranged to receive at least one work module to be coupled to the watchmaker's bench in a position that is adjustable along said at least one mounting rail.