Adjustable Support Apparatus with Spring-Loaded Cam Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgeons, dentists, and industrial workers often experience back, neck, and shoulder strain due to prolonged standing or sitting in fixed positions, necessitating flexible operating room furniture adjustments while maintaining a sterile environment.
Innovation Solution
A hands-free adjustable support apparatus with a base, hinged clamp assembly, pivot, and support member, allowing for ergonomic support and position adjustment by applying or releasing external forces, such as weight, to switch between unlocked and locked positions without contaminating the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If fixed position support is used, then structural stability is improved, but ergonomic adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus employs a dynamic locking mechanism that allows the structure to transition between fixed and adjustable states. The spring-loaded pin with cam surface enables the support arm to be locked at multiple angular positions, providing both stability when locked and adaptability when adjusted, thus resolving the contradiction between structural stability and ergonomic adaptability.
2Measurement precision
If manual adjustment mechanism is used, then adjustment precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism utilizes the user's body weight applied to the release lever to automatically actuate the spring-loaded pin and cam surface, providing hands-free adjustment. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual manipulation while maintaining precise positioning through the cam surface geometry, thereby improving ease of operation without sacrificing adjustment precision.
3Ease of operation
If hands-free adjustment is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release lever acts as an intermediary that translates the user's simple downward motion into the complex sequence of spring compression, pin displacement, and cam surface engagement required for hands-free adjustment. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the user interface while managing the inherent complexity internally, thus improving ease of operation without requiring the user to understand or manage the complex mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable components are added, then ergonomic adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus is divided into modular segments including the base, support arm, adjustable support surface, and locking mechanism. Each segment can be independently adjusted or positioned, providing ergonomic adaptability while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through modular design. The segmentation allows for localized adjustment without requiring complex integrated systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus effectively mitigates lower back, neck, and shoulder pain by providing ergonomic support and preventing fatigue, while allowing for hands-free adjustments to maintain a sterile environment during prolonged tasks.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded pin and cam surface for automatic locking and unlocking
Implementation Method 2
exerting a downward force due to weight on the apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable support apparatus used to support a person in a specific position over an extended period of time, and method of using the same. The apparatus has a base, an adjustable plate clamp assembly with upper and lower plates, a pivot within the apertures of the plates and adjustably retained between the plates, and a support member attached to the pivot and adapted to support a load. The adjustable plate clamp assembly has upper and lower plates. The upper plate has a central upper aperture, a first end pivotally attached to the base, and a second end. The lower plate has a central lower aperture, a first end, and a second end pivotally attached to the second end of the upper plate. The first end of the lower plate bears against the base, the plates together form an acute angle, and the apertures are aligned with one another.