Concealable Ceiling Mirror Linkage for Flush, Debris-Free Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ceiling-mounted mirrors used in birthing rooms face challenges such as difficulty in positioning, space occupation, and mechanical interference, while floor stand mirrors are cumbersome and distracting. Existing ceiling-mounted mirrors have high profiles, allowing debris to enter the patient area and requiring complex motor frames, which are costly and heavy.
Innovation Solution
A concealable mirror system mounted in a suspended ceiling plenum, adjustable for optimal viewing, with a self-locking mechanism and a reversible gear motor actuator, minimizing profile and weight, and enclosed to prevent debris entry, using a four-bar linkage model for smooth operation and reduced mechanical interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional ceiling-mounted mirror with high profile is used, then the mirror can be mounted in the ceiling, but plenum debris can enter the patient area and a robust motor frame is required increasing cost and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the motor assembly from the main mirror housing, placing it in a separate motor housing unit. This allows the motor to be sealed independently, preventing plenum debris from entering the patient area while eliminating the need for a robust sealed motor frame in the main assembly, thereby reducing weight and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the mirror assembly is housed within the ceiling tile, and the motor housing is separately mounted in the plenum space above. This nested arrangement allows the mirror to be concealed within the ceiling when not in use, minimizing profile and preventing debris contamination.
2Ease of operation
If a linear actuator with greased jack screw is used, then the mirror can be actuated, but the profile is higher and a robust motor frame with welding is required increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional linear actuator mechanism with a rotary actuator system that uses a belt and pulley arrangement. This substitution eliminates the need for greased jack screws and robust welded motor frames, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining actuation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic belt-driven mechanism that allows the mirror to move between concealed and visible positions. The belt and pulley system provides smooth actuation with minimal mechanical complexity, eliminating the need for heavy-duty welded structures required by traditional linear actuators.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ceiling-mounted mirrors with higher profile are used, then the mirror mechanism can operate, but installation is restricted to ceiling locations with sufficient vertical clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the motor housing from the vertical space within the ceiling tile to the plenum space above the ceiling. This dimensional shift allows the mirror mechanism to operate with minimal vertical profile within the ceiling, enabling installation in locations with limited vertical clearance while maintaining full functionality.
4Ease of operation
If floor stand mirrors are used, then the mirror can be positioned for viewing, but valuable floor space is occupied and the mirror creates distraction during procedure setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the mirror from a floor-standing position to a ceiling-mounted position, utilizing the vertical dimension and ceiling space instead of floor space. This allows the mirror to be positioned for optimal viewing angles while eliminating floor space occupation and reducing visual distraction during procedure setup.
Data Source
AI summary
A concealable mirror comprises motor housing 110, motor 111, motor shaft 112, pivot arm 131, link arm 140, frame 210, hinge 212, cover deck 220, mirror frame 301, mirror 310, remote control device 400, and clevis assembly 502.