Adjustable Sling Bar Assembly With Self-Locking Span Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sling bars for subject lifting systems are limited in size, requiring caregivers to maintain multiple varieties to accommodate different sized subjects and accessories, leading to inefficiencies in stocking and usage.
Innovation Solution
The development of adjustable sling bar assemblies with movable sling bar members that can be locked or unlocked to adjust the span laterally, allowing for compatibility with various subject and accessory sizes, and incorporating features like lateral governors and biasing members for expansion and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed-size sling bars are used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but multiple varieties must be maintained for different subject sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The sling bar members are made movable relative to each other through a sliding mechanism, allowing the span to be dynamically adjusted. The members can be repositioned between locked and unlocked states, enabling the device to adapt to different subject sizes while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The sling bar is divided into multiple segments (first and second sling bar members) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each member to be adjusted to different positions, providing versatility for different subject sizes while keeping each individual component relatively simple.
2Productivity
If multiple varieties of sling bars are maintained for different subjects, then each sling bar can be optimized for its specific size, but stocking and maintenance becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
A single sling bar assembly with adjustable span can replace multiple fixed-size sling bars. The ability to adjust the span allows one device to perform the function of several different sized sling bars, reducing the quantity of equipment needed in care facilities and improving stocking and maintenance efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sling bar members are made movable to adjust span, then versatility is improved, but the locking mechanism adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically lock the sling bar members when force is applied during subject lifting. The system self-regulates by allowing movement during adjustment but automatically restricting movement when load is applied, eliminating the need for complex manual locking operations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A sling bar assembly (100) comprises a lift engagement member (102) for selectively coupling to a subject support lift; a first sling bar member (120A); and an opposing second sling bar member (120B). The first sling bar member (120A) comprises: a first sling hook (124A) positioned at an outboard end of the first sling bar member (120A) in a lateral direction; and a first cavity (130A) extending into the first sling bar member (120A), the first cavity (130A) defining a first guide portion (142A) and a first plurality of slots (136A). The second sling bar member (120B) comprises: a second sling hook (124B) positioned at an outboard end of the second sling bar member (120B) in the lateral direction; and a second engagement member (144B) selectively positionable within the first plurality of slots (136A) of the first sling bar member (120A). The first sling bar member (120A) and the second sling bar member (120B) are slidably engaged with the lift engagement member (102).