Medical Equipment Carrier Hook-Latch Locking for Tool-Free Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical equipment carriers are not easily adaptable to new tasks, require complex assembly, and lack efficient locking mechanisms for secure attachment and detachment, making them cumbersome to modify and maintain.

Innovation Solution

A carrying device with an engagement hook and latch system that allows for quick attachment and secure locking to an equipment carrier, enabling easy modification and adaptation without tools, featuring a safety device for tactile or acoustic feedback during locking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If existing medical equipment carriers use complex assembly structures, then connection strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidease of assembly and disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into separate functional components: engagement hooks for attachment, latches for locking, and safety devices for securing. This segmentation allows each component to be simple and easy to operate individually, while collectively providing strong and secure connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The latch mechanism is designed to automatically engage with the engagement hook when brought together, and the safety device automatically locks the latch in position. This self-service design eliminates the need for complex manual assembly procedures while maintaining strong connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing medical equipment carriers lack adaptable carrying devices, then structural simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to new tasksVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement hooks and latches are designed as universal components that can be used with various types of carrying devices and storage elements. The standardized interface allows different carrying devices to be attached to the same equipment carrier framework, providing adaptability without requiring complex specialized mechanisms for each application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If existing medical equipment carriers use tool-based locking mechanisms, then connection security is improved, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism automatically engages with the engagement hook when the carrying device is attached to the equipment carrier. The safety device then automatically locks the latch in position through a simple manual action, eliminating the need for tools. This self-service design maintains secure connections while dramatically increasing assembly speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual tool-based locking mechanism is replaced with a mechanical latch and safety device system that operates through simple manual manipulation. The latch uses spring-loaded or cam-based mechanics to automatically secure the connection, substituting complex tool operations with simple hand movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If existing medical equipment carriers lack feedback mechanisms, then device simplicity is improved, but reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The safety device incorporates a feedback mechanism that provides tactile and/or visual confirmation when the latch is properly locked. This feedback ensures the user knows the connection is secure without adding complex electronic or mechanical systems. The feedback is integrated into the basic locking mechanism structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2907470B1Device trolley
Publication Date: 2018.05.02 KARL STORZ SE & CO KG
  • EP2907470B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2907470B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2907470B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A carrying device (80, 90) for detachable connection to a device carrier (10) and for carrying a medical device, a medical instrument or other payload comprises an engagement hook (81, 91) for engaging an opening (72) on a device carrier (10) and a latch (86, 106) for locking a connection between the engagement hook (81, 91) and an opening (72) into which the engagement hook (81, 91) engages.