Any Mechanical Engineers Here?

[Roowilliams]

I have mocked up a sketch in a physics environment called Algodoo, of a linkage for a desk that turns into a table. The linkage appears to do its job but is quite ugly in appearance.

See a video of the movement here: https://www.box.net/shared/6f0be2dc673a55190cbf

Download the Algodoo file here: https://www.box.net/shared/e7a3e4950a6d2e27fe18

Anyone know if it would be possible to:

1. simplify this and still have the same movement and/or

2. have the supporting beams parallel to each other when in the 'up' state for a cleaner aesthetic

3. have the moving surface stay completely horizontal throughout the movement - not such a priority but would be nice.

I know linkages can be calculated with formulas but I am not smart enough/don't know to do that. This was sketched up through trial and error!

If no one can help then at least download Algodoo (some might remember it as Phun) and have a play, it's fun and handy for mocking up kinetic stuff! :)

Best

- Roo

[Andrew Delamare]

It could be simplified but for me if also depends on the look feel you are trying to achieve.

 

You could do this mechanism with in an angle poise lamp style with damped springs.. you could do it with a larger solid alu pivot on a cam.

 

So you need to think about the aesthetics of the piece and then work out also the space constrains behind the unit (does it have to fit flush against a wall for example?). What weight does the loaded part need to be able to take? 15KG monitor or a 70kg Plasma? Is the mechanism lockable?

 

Just some thoughts for the brain to help the juices flowJ

 

Andrew