Composite Frame System for Surgical Consoles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support structures for surgical consoles lack specific design for the equipment and provide inadequate protection for ancillary items, often resulting in structural weaknesses and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A composite frame system with an intermediate frame element, plates, and fastener assemblies that apply compressive force without transmitting it through the frame, using materials with varying yield strengths like plastic and metal, to create a strong and cost-effective structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If simple open support structures with stacked shelves are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but structural strength and protection for equipment are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure combines aluminum extrusions with steel reinforcement bars and end caps to create a composite structure that leverages the corrosion resistance and lightweight properties of aluminum while incorporating the high strength of steel, achieving both ease of manufacture and structural strength
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is divided into modular aluminum extrusion segments that can be easily assembled and configured, with separate reinforcement bars and end caps that are attached to enhance strength without requiring complex integrated manufacturing
2Strength
If metal frames are used to provide strength and rigidity, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a hybrid composite structure where aluminum extrusions serve as the primary frame members for cost-effective manufacturing, while strategic steel reinforcement bars and end caps provide localized strength enhancement, achieving high structural strength without the expense of a complete metal frame
Solution Approach 2:
Steel reinforcement is applied locally at critical stress points such as frame corners and connection areas through end caps and reinforcement bars, rather than using steel throughout the entire frame, optimizing strength where needed while maintaining cost-effectiveness
3Ease of manufacture
If plastic frame materials are used to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but structural strength and rigidity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces pure plastic construction with a composite system using aluminum extrusions as the primary structural members, providing both cost-effectiveness and the necessary structural strength and rigidity for surgical console applications
4Object-affected harmful factors
If solid shelves are used to provide protection, then protection for equipment is improved, but weight and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses wire mesh shelving instead of solid shelves, providing equipment protection through the mesh structure while maintaining lightweight properties and allowing for visibility and airflow, avoiding the weight and cost penalties of solid construction
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes composite frame systems. The internal composite frame system may include at least one composite frame component including an intermediate frame element having a first side and a second side. A first plate may be positioned on the first side, and a second plate may be positioned on the second side. One or more fastener assemblies are operable to couple the first and second plates to the intermediate frame element.