Support arm and method with variable counterbalance

摘要

A support arm includes an arm having a proximal arm pivot joint that provides a range of elevational rotation of the arm. The arm further includes a distal component mount. The support arm further includes a biasing device adapted to provide an increasing force with increasing displacement. A flexible element is coupled between the biasing device and the arm with a linkage therebetween. At least a portion of the flexible element forms a segment between the arm and the linkage. The segment is at an angle relative to the arm, and the angle varies during rotation of the arm. An arm end location of the segment is fixed in relation to the arm during rotation of the arm. A linkage end location of the segment changes in relation to the pivot joint during rotation of the arm.