Articulating Arm Assembly for Adjustable Dispensing Cart Interfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Medical dispensing devices in hospital settings often lack adjustability, compromising user interface accessibility and workspace efficiency due to rigidly attached computers, which limits their usability for various tasks such as administering treatment, recording vital signs, and managing inventory.
Innovation Solution
An articulating arm assembly is integrated with the dispensing device, providing the user interface with three degrees of translational freedom and one degree of rotational freedom relative to the cabinet, allowing it to be adjusted for optimal positioning and minimizing device size while maintaining functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the computer is rigidly attached to the dispensing device, then the computer can be transported with the device, but the computer cannot be adjusted relative to the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the rigid, fixed mounting structure with an articulating arm assembly that provides dynamic adjustability. The articulating arm includes multiple segments connected by joints that allow the computer to be positioned at various angles and locations while maintaining a secure connection to the dispensing device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the computer is rigidly attached to the dispensing device, then the computer is securely mounted, but the device size increases and interferes with other components
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating arm assembly is designed to fold against the dispensing device when not in use, allowing the computer to be nested within the overall device footprint. This nesting capability enables the system to maintain a compact form factor while providing full adjustability when needed.
3Ease of operation
If the computer is rigidly attached to the top surface of the device, then the computer is easily transported with the device, but workspace efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into multiple independent components: the articulating arm with its multiple segments, the joints connecting these segments, and the mounting interface with the dispensing device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing the desired adjustability and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
It may be advantageous to equip a medication dispensing cart with an adjustable user interface. An exemplary dispensing device may include a cabinet having one or more compartments for dispensing health care supplies to one or more patients. The dispensing device may also include a control system that provides various operational functions related to dispensing the health care supplies. A user interface may be communicatively coupled with the control system and may be configured to receive input from a user and provide output to the user. An articulating arm assembly may couple the user interface with the cabinet to provide the user interface with one or more translational degrees of freedom and one or more rotational degrees of freedom relative to the cabinet.