Chain Stabilizing Apparatus for Hyperthermo-Treatment Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bed type hyperthermo-therapeutic apparatuses experience chain extension issues due to curved rails, leading to increased tension and user discomfort during prolonged use, which existing solutions fail to adequately address.

Innovation Solution

A chain stabilizing device comprising a chain stabilization control unit with rotatable rollers and level control rods, and a chain-tension control unit with free and level control pulleys, maintains constant chain tension and level during upward/downward movements, using minimal components and reducing motor load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If curved rails are used to conform to human vertebral regions, then the apparatus can provide better therapeutic treatment, but the chain gradually extends and tension increases during prolonged use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to vertebral regionsVSAvoidchain stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamic chain stabilization system that actively compensates for chain extension during operation. The stabilization control unit includes a motor that rotates to adjust chain tension in real-time, and a control unit that detects chain position and tension to dynamically regulate the stabilization mechanism, preventing chain sagging while maintaining curved rail functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback control system where the control unit continuously monitors chain position and tension during apparatus operation. Based on this feedback, the control unit adjusts the stabilization motor's rotation angle to maintain optimal chain tension, ensuring reliable operation throughout the treatment session without chain extension

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the chain is stabilized during vertical movement, then chain extension is prevented, but additional control mechanisms and components are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechain stabilityVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilization control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it stabilizes the chain during vertical movement, maintains chain tension, and coordinates with the existing motor and control system. By integrating the stabilization function into the existing apparatus architecture rather than adding a completely separate system, the patent reduces overall complexity while achieving chain stability

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

Solution Approach 2:

The chain stabilization system is designed to automatically maintain chain tension without requiring manual intervention. The control unit continuously monitors chain position and adjusts the stabilization motor accordingly, creating a self-regulating system that prevents chain extension through automated feedback control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If existing curved rails are used, then the apparatus structure is simplified, but chain tension increases and motor load increases during prolonged use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverail structure simplicityVSAvoidmotor load
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilization control unit acts as a counterbalancing mechanism that compensates for the increasing tension in the chain caused by curved rail movement. The stabilization motor generates opposing force to counteract the chain extension and tension buildup, effectively reducing the net motor load required to move the apparatus along the curved rails during prolonged use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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

Prevents chain extension, simplifies construction, reduces material usage, and allows efficient operation with existing curved rails, ensuring stable and prolonged apparatus performance.

Implementation Method 1

rollers (112, 146) engaged with the linear rails (54) and/or curved rails (62), respectively

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a first hinge shaft (110) having rotatable rollers (112) provided at both side ends thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Implementation Method 3

level control rods (120) each of which has one end hingedly coupled to the first hinge shaft (110) and the other end hingedly coupled to a second hinge shaft (130)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical linkage: Four-Bar Linkage

Implementation Method 4

a level control pulley (154) located above and in front of the free pulley (152) so as to adjust a level of the chain (52) to positions of the chain-coupling sections (114)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPulley: Pulley

Data Source

PatentEP2004113B1Chain stabilizing apparatus in hyperthermo-treatment device
Publication Date: 2016.03.30 CERAGEM CO LTD
  • EP2004113B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2004113B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2004113B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a chain stabilizing device in a hyperthermo- therapeutic apparatus and a method of using the same. Instead of a conventional feeding means with a complicated structure, the present invention comprises a first hinge shaft with a simple structure, level control rods each of which has one end hingedly coupled to the first hinge shaft and the other hingedly coupled end, a second hinge shaft to which the other ends of the level control rods are hingedly coupled, and a hyperthermo-therapeutic unit support hingedly coupled to the second hinge shaft. At this time, the first hinge shaft has rollers installed at both side ends thereof and engaged with linear rails, while the hyperthermo-therapeutic unit support has rollers provided at both side ends thereof and rotatably engaged with curved rails. Accordingly, the present invention can simply comprise extremely minimal components, and the hyperthermo-therapeutic unit support can be moved also reciprocated in a linear direction while being moved in an upward/downward direction and, whereas the first hinge shaft is reciprocated in a linear direction.