Counterbalancing lift mechanisms and methods

摘要

Embodiments provide a counterbalancing lift mechanism for raising and lowering an electronic display. The lift mechanism includes a moving bracket in sliding engagement with a support bracket. As the moving bracket moves relative to the support bracket, a spring assembly deflects to provide a force to offset the weight of the load. A transition assembly manages the deflection of the spring assembly relative to movement of the moving bracket such that the necessary range of deflection is shorter than the moving bracket's desired range of travel. The lift mechanism also includes a cam assembly to convert the variable force from the spring assembly to a substantially constant force. In some cases the spring assembly, transition assembly, and cam assembly are all mounted to the moving bracket and move with the display. Methods for positioning an electronic display are also provided.

主权项

1. A counterbalancing lift mechanism for raising and lowering an electronic display, comprising:
a support bracket configured to be coupled to a support member; a moving bracket configured to be coupled to an electronic display; a sliding mechanism coupled between the support bracket and the moving bracket, providing the moving bracket with a range of travel relative to the support bracket including a low position and a high position; a spring assembly mounted to the moving bracket, the spring assembly configured to generate a first force for countering a second force corresponding to a weight of the electronic display coupled to the moving bracket, the spring assembly having a first end coupled to the moving bracket and a second end that moves through a range of deflection as the moving bracket moves through the range of travel; a transition assembly configured to deflect the spring assembly a shorter length than the length of a corresponding movement of the moving bracket along the range of travel, wherein the transition assembly comprises a first transition pulley and a second transition pulley, the first and second transition pulleys being rotationally fixed relative to one another and configured to provide a first travel multiplier for transitioning between deflections of the spring assembly and corresponding movements of the moving bracket; a cam assembly comprising a cam and a wheel; and a plurality of cables operatively coupling the moving bracket to the support bracket in combination with the spring assembly, the transition assembly, and the cam assembly.