Watchmaker's Workbench with Adjustable Ball-Joint Forearm Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watchmaker's workbenches with forearm supports lack adjustability and ergonomics, leading to operator discomfort and potential musculoskeletal disorders due to limited configuration options and difficulty in setting up a comfortable working posture.
Innovation Solution
A forearm support system with a coupling portion, first and second arms, and a forearm support pallet, featuring a ball joint articulation system allowing three degrees of freedom, along with a sliding connection and motorized assistance for precise adjustments, and a locking device for secure positioning, integrated with a watchmaker's workbench having an adjustable fixing rail for modular work modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional forearm supports are used with fixed or limited adjustment mechanisms, then the structure remains simple and robust, but the adjustability and ergonomics are insufficient, leading to operator discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The forearm support system employs a dynamic articulation mechanism with two ball joints that allow continuous adjustment of the support position and orientation. The first ball joint connects the first arm to the coupling portion, enabling angular adjustment, while the second ball joint connects the second arm to the first arm, allowing further positioning flexibility. This dynamic system transforms a static, fixed-position support into an adaptable structure that can be configured to match various operator needs and work scenarios.
2Ease of operation
If multiple ball joints are added to enable free positioning of the forearm support pallet, then the adjustability and ergonomics are significantly improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation system is divided into distinct modular segments: a coupling portion for mounting to the workbench, a first arm with a first ball joint, a second arm with a second ball joint, and a forearm support pallet. Each segment can be manufactured independently using standard ball joint components and arm structures, simplifying the overall manufacturing process. This segmentation allows for easier assembly, maintenance, and replacement of individual components without affecting the entire system.
3Reliability
If fixed forearm supports are used, then the structure remains robust and simple, but operator comfort decreases and musculoskeletal disorders may occur due to inability to adjust to comfortable postures
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous adjustment of multiple geometric parameters including the position of the forearm support pallet in three-dimensional space, the orientation angles through two ball joints, and the relative positioning of the first and second arms. These parameter changes allow the support to adapt to different operator body types, working positions, and task requirements, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of fixed, uncomfortable postures while maintaining structural reliability through robust joint connections.
Data Source
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AI summary
A watchmaker's workbench, comprising: - a work table (21), arranged to receive watch parts, - a frame (20), supporting the work table (21), defining at least one work face or workspace on the work table (21) for an operator and arranged to rest on a workshop floor, characterized in that the watchmaker's workbench includes at least one fixing rail (22), in particular arranged under the work table (21) and opposite the work face or workspace, and arranged to receive at least one work module to be coupled to the watchmaker's workbench according to an adjustable position along said at least one fixing rail (22).