Automatic Reflection Hammer System with Universal Joint and Motor Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual operation of the reflection hammer in neurological examinations leads to inconsistent force application, potentially causing discomfort or failure to elicit knee reflex responses due to reliance on physician experience and fatigue.

Innovation Solution

An automatic reflection hammer system comprising a reflective hammer chassis, universal joint, vertical height adjustment mechanism, and circuit control system, allowing for precise angle, direction, and force adjustments through a motor transmission system and pulley mechanism, ensuring consistent force application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual operation of reflection hammer is used, then the examination can be performed with simple device structure, but the force application becomes inconsistent due to reliance on physician experience and fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsistency of force applicationVSAvoidcomplexity of automatic control system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of the reflection hammer with an automated mechanical system. The automatic control system uses a motor-driven transmission mechanism to replace the physician's hand operation, ensuring consistent force application while eliminating fatigue and experience-dependent variability. The system maintains mechanical simplicity where possible while introducing automation only where needed for force consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automatic reflection hammer system is introduced, then consistent force application is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of neurological examinationVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single automated device. The reflection hammer system combines force application, angle adjustment, and direction control in one unified mechanism. The universal joint and adjustable mechanisms allow the same device to perform multiple examination functions, improving productivity while managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic adjustment capabilities where the reflection hammer's angle and direction can be modified during operation. The universal joint and adjustment mechanisms allow the system to adapt to different examination requirements dynamically, enabling consistent force application across various anatomical positions and patient conditions without requiring multiple fixed devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed angle and direction of reflection hammer are used, then the device structure remains simple, but the adaptability to different examination positions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of knocking angle and directionVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the reflection hammer system into separable adjustment components. The universal joint is implemented as a distinct module that can be independently adjusted from the main hammer mechanism. This segmentation allows each adjustment function (angle, direction, height) to be modified separately without affecting the entire system, enhancing adaptability while managing complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds multiple degrees of freedom to the reflection hammer by incorporating a universal joint and adjustment mechanisms that operate in different spatial dimensions. The system can adjust not only the knocking angle but also the height and directional orientation, transforming a single-dimension fixed device into a multi-dimensional adjustable system that adapts to various examination positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 system enables consistent and automatic force application during knee reflex examinations, reducing the risk of discomfort and ensuring accurate results regardless of operator experience or fatigue, meeting the demand for efficient neurological assessments.

Implementation Method 1

a pulley (2041)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulley: Pulley

Implementation Method 2

a universal joint (21)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUniversal joint: Gimbal

Implementation Method 3

a motor transmission system (203)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMotor transmission: Linear Motor

Data Source

PatentUS11653903B2Automatic reflection hammer system

Publication Date: 2023.05.23 CHANG GUNG UNIVERSITY

AI summary

The invention relates to an automatic reflection hammer system, which comprises the following components: a reflective hammer chassis, an outer side having a detachable reflection hammer head, and a pulley, a universal joint, a vertical height adjustment mechanism, and a fixing bracket. Wherein, the reflection hammer chassis links with the universal joint, the universal joint links to the vertical height adjustment mechanism, and the vertical height adjustment mechanism links with the fixing bracket.