Angled Yoke Geometry for Lighter, Easier Medical Lamp Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical lamps with suspension systems using yokes with 90-degree rotating joints face issues such as hidden control interfaces, increased weight due to steel construction, and higher manufacturing costs due to the need for different yokes with varying radii to adjust the lamp's center of gravity.
Innovation Solution
A yoke with a rigid member featuring revolving joints with rotation axes intersecting at an angle between 15 and 75 degrees, a hollow cross-section for reduced weight, and integrated electrical equipment, along with a brake device, allowing for easier operation and modular design, and the use of hydroforming for complex shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the yoke is made of steel for strength reasons, then the strength is improved, but the weight increases hampering easy positioning of the lamp body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining aluminum (lightweight) with steel reinforcement elements (strong) to create a yoke that achieves both reduced weight and sufficient strength. The aluminum base structure provides lightweight properties while integrated steel components maintain the required mechanical strength for supporting the lamp body.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two yokes with 90-degree rotation axes are used to reach any spatial angle, then the positioning flexibility is improved, but the control interfaces become hidden when the lamp body is in horizontal posture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the rotation angle between yokes adjustable rather than fixed at 90 degrees. The second yoke can be positioned at different angles (including 0-45 degrees) relative to the first yoke, allowing dynamic adaptation of the suspension system configuration to prevent control interfaces from being hidden while maintaining positioning flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If two different yokes are used to adjust the center of gravity into the center of rotational movement, then the operational balance is improved, but the manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing both yokes with identical structures, rotation axes, and mounting interfaces. The same yoke design can be used in various positions and configurations to achieve center of gravity adjustment, eliminating the need for different yoke types and reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the yoke structure is extended to provide stable support, then the stability is improved, but the weight increases further
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials to achieve stable support with reduced weight. The aluminum construction provides sufficient structural stability while being significantly lighter than steel, and the optimized geometry of the composite structure maintains mechanical stability without requiring excessive material.
Data Source
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AI summary
A yoke (1) for a suspension system (13) for a medical lamp (12) comprises a rigid yoke member (2) having a first end (3) and a second end (4), a first revolving joint-component (5) fixed to the first end (3), wherein the first revolving joint has a first rotation axis (6), and a second revolving joint-component (7) fixed to the second end (4), wherein the second revolving joint has a second rotation axis (8). The first rotation axis (6) is included in a plane (11) and the second rotation axis (8) intersects the plane (11) or is included in the plane (11), and the first rotation axis (6) and a projection, onto the plane, of the second rotation axis (8) intersecting the plane (11) or the second rotation axis (8) included in the plane (11) enclose an angle (a) of more than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees.