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The latest project is this TFT monitor extension arm. I had a spare monitor and wanted to mount it to the wall in front op my bed, to use as a TV. But because it is only a 15" monitor I wanted the monitor to be closer. The first idea was a mounting bracket to have it fixed in front of the wall. |
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The problem with this is that it could be in the way. Therefore I came up with this movable arm. First I wanted to use an old movable Desk lamp with springs and mount that to the wall and the monitor. But after some quick calculations I thought that these won't hold the weight of the monitor. |
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The Monitor can move in different directions.
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The Rods have two hinges, one at the wall and one in the middle of the extension arm. The hinges are made of nylon bearings with a fit made metal rod with thread on the end to keep it in place. The Rods themselves are made of aluminum, 15x15mm. Two rods near the wall and one on the end. |
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| The reason for this the two rods above each other is that I wanted as less vertical movement in the system as possible with the least possible tools. The farther away from the mass the more friction will get on the hinges. The advantage was that I could have three connection points to the wall plate, which allowed me to use a thinner plate, 1,5mm. |
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| I use massive rods, no hollow ones. Therefore I couldn't guide the cables through and it is harder to keep the cables out of sight. But the massive rods were needed, not for the overall strength but to have enough stability at the hinges. |
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As can be seen on these pictures, the complete setup and usage of this project. The distance between eyes and TFT is about 70cm. The arm can move from the right side to the left side of the bed. When folded back, the TFT is nearly completely against the wall, so it doesn't bring any inconvenience. |
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Before I realized this project I made a 3D CAD model of it in Solidworks 2005. I used this CAD file to test the strengths with the Cosmos Works Suite. Due to this testing I have changed the thickness of the bar from 10mm to 15mm. |
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Another advantage of making a CAD model is that you can very easily create work drawings from with the program. This saves a lot of time in the workplace and the possibility of miscalculation. I really enjoyed working on this project and I am very satisfied with the result. I use this product nearly every day now! |
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