Cam balance mechanism systems and methods
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A lift mechanism, comprising:
- a base;
a support column coupled to the base;
a mounting portion movably coupled to the support column;
an energy storage member coupled to the support column;
a balance mechanism coupled to the support column and connecting the energy storage member and the mounting portion, the balance mechanism comprising;
a first cam having a radius, a first end, a second end, and a first cam surface that winds about a first axis of rotation and between the first and second ends of the first cam, wherein the radius of the first cam decreases as the first cam surface winds between the second end and the first end of the first cam;
a second cam having a radius, a first end, a second end, and a second cam surface,wherein the second cam is fixedly attached to the first cam,wherein the second cam winds about the first axis of rotation and between the first and second ends of the second cam,wherein the radius of the second cam decreases as the second cam surface winds between the second end and the first end of the second cam,wherein the second end of the first cam is adjacent the second end of the second cam; and
a pulley system comprising a first cam pulley, a second cam pulley and an energy storage member pulley, wherein the first cam pulley, the second cam pulley, and the energy storage member pulley are fixedly attached to each other, and wherein the pulley system winds about a second axis of rotation that does not coincide with the first axis of rotation.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Embodiments include a balance mechanism having a first cam and a second cam configured to convert a variable force exerted by the energy storage member into a substantially constant force applied to a mounting portion. The balance mechanism may be useful for balancing forces such that a user can set the height of an electronic display and/or other equipment attached to the balance mechanism at a number of heights within the range of travel allowed by the mechanism. Lift mechanisms, display positioning apparatuses, and height adjustable desks incorporating a multi-cam balance mechanism are also provided. A method of positioning a display is also provided.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A lift mechanism, comprising:
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a base; a support column coupled to the base; a mounting portion movably coupled to the support column; an energy storage member coupled to the support column; a balance mechanism coupled to the support column and connecting the energy storage member and the mounting portion, the balance mechanism comprising; a first cam having a radius, a first end, a second end, and a first cam surface that winds about a first axis of rotation and between the first and second ends of the first cam, wherein the radius of the first cam decreases as the first cam surface winds between the second end and the first end of the first cam; a second cam having a radius, a first end, a second end, and a second cam surface, wherein the second cam is fixedly attached to the first cam, wherein the second cam winds about the first axis of rotation and between the first and second ends of the second cam, wherein the radius of the second cam decreases as the second cam surface winds between the second end and the first end of the second cam, wherein the second end of the first cam is adjacent the second end of the second cam; and a pulley system comprising a first cam pulley, a second cam pulley and an energy storage member pulley, wherein the first cam pulley, the second cam pulley, and the energy storage member pulley are fixedly attached to each other, and wherein the pulley system winds about a second axis of rotation that does not coincide with the first axis of rotation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A display positioning apparatus comprising:
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a base; a support column coupled to the base; a mounting portion movably coupled to the support column, the mounting portion comprising a display mount for attaching an electronic display; an energy storage member coupled to the support column; a balance mechanism coupled to the support column and connecting the energy storage member and the mounting portion, the balance mechanism comprising; a first cam having a radius, a first end, a second end, and a first cam surface that winds about a first axis of rotation and between the first and second ends of the first cam, wherein the radius of the first cam decreases as the first cam surface winds between the second end and the first end of the first cam; a second cam having a radius, a first end, a second end, and a second cam surface, wherein the second cam is fixedly attached to the first cam, wherein the second cam that winds about the first axis of rotation and between the first and second ends of the second cam, wherein the radius of the second cam decreases as the second cam surface winds between the second end and the first end of the second cam, wherein the second end of the first cam is adjacent the second end of the second cam; and a pulley system comprising a first cam pulley, a second cam pulley and an energy storage member pulley, wherein the first cam pulley, the second cam pulley, and the energy storage member pulley are fixedly attached to each other, and wherein the pulley system winds about a second axis of rotation that does not coincide with the first axis of rotation. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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Specification