Monitor arms that would mount on the client's X-ray detection units. The arm had a base that would fit onto their existing units and also hold the entire weight of the arm over a long span. The arm also supports the monitor while being adjustable to the user with a calibrated force so that the user feels little to no resistance in movement. The arm had stops built into the arm itself so that cables running to and from the monitor and keyboard wouldn't clinch. There is also strong hinges at the monitor mounting location to allow the unit to close, like a laptop lid.
The main challenge in the arm was the fact it had to span over a long distance. This span put a lot of pressure on the joint locations of the arm, and additional consideration had to be put so that the bolts do not loosen during usage. Along with that fact the entire arm had to have the stops built internally so that the user does not see any external mechanisms.
Within the arm joints are locking pins that allow each joint to rotate up to a certain angle. The joint at the end had to be reinforced because of the amount of weight it had to withstand over the entire span. Also, to reduce the force on the bolt's threading at the joints, a shoulder bolt, brass Oilite bushing, and Loctite assembly were used.
This project had extensive consideration to be put into the tolerance and sizing of components. Inside the joint, a slight gap in contact between the large PTFE bushing would add stress to the shoulder point, putting more pressure on one side. Additionally, the first few units were made in a local machine shop, and it was found that slight vibration from a loose carriage bolt was enough to make an issue. With Go-no-go gauges and strict quality control, the initial batches were resolved till the components could be made externally.
Picture of the Arm in Inventor Showing the rear components of the monitor arm
Zoom in of the Monitor Arm Rear
Mid Stopping Mechanism
Rear Joint Stopping Mechanism
Testing Rig on Wall for Assembly and testing
Photo of Rear of Monitor along with the spring hinge used
Inside of the rear cone joint
Masking Shown to prevent paint getting into threading
Picture of Keyboard Assembly
