Caster Assembly With Crossed Support Bars For Medical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in simultaneously achieving miniaturization of the main body and enlargement of the display device in transportable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses, as the small-sized main body struggles to stably carry a large-sized display device, requiring either a larger main body or a smaller display device, which compromises mobility and space-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A caster assembly featuring crossed support bars with a joint shaft and thrust bearings, allowing the support bars to pivot and interlock, enabling stable support of both small-sized and large-sized ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses by maintaining consistent caster spacing, thus enhancing mobility and space-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the main body is miniaturized to improve mobility and space-effectiveness, then the main body size is reduced, but the main body cannot stably carry a large-sized display device
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple support bars (first support bar and second support bar) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the display device to be distributed across multiple support points, enhancing stability even when the main body is miniaturized.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bars are configured to extend in different directions (first support bar in first direction, second support bar in second direction perpendicular to the first), creating a three-dimensional support structure. This dimensional arrangement provides stable support for the display device without requiring a larger main body volume.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the main body size is increased to stably carry a large-sized display device, then the stability is improved, but mobility and space-effectiveness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support bars are designed to be movable and adjustable rather than fixed. The first support bar can be moved along the first direction and the second support bar along the second direction, allowing dynamic adaptation to different display device sizes and configurations without increasing the main body volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple functions: it supports the display device, allows adjustment for different configurations, and maintains stability without requiring a larger main body. The universal design accommodates various display device sizes through the adjustable support bars.
3Volume of moving object
If the display device size is reduced to match the miniaturized main body, then space-effectiveness is improved, but the display quality and information provision are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure segments the load-bearing function across multiple support bars, allowing a larger display device to be supported by distributing its weight across multiple points. This enables the display device to maintain a larger size for better quality while the main body remains miniaturized.
4Device complexity
If fixed-position casters are used, then the structure is simple, but the apparatus cannot be flexibly positioned or oriented during transport and installation
Solution Approach 1:
The caster assembly incorporates movable support bars that can be adjusted along their respective directions. This dynamic capability allows the apparatus to be flexibly positioned and oriented during transport and installation, while the caster structure itself remains relatively simple in design.
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 caster assembly provides stable support for both miniaturized and enlarged ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses, improving mobility and space-effectiveness by allowing the apparatus to be transported and installed in narrower spaces, while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
thrust bearings disposed between one end of the joint shaft and a bottom side of the other of the two support bars
Data Source
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AI summary
A caster assembly 100 for use with a medical imaging equipment is disclosed in one embodiment in accordance with the disclosure as including two support bars 110a, 110b and casters 120 coupled to opposite ends of each of the support bars 110a, 110b. The support bars 110a, 11 0b are configured to pivotally mount a bottom side of a main body of the medical imaging equipment. One of the two support bars 110a, 110b includes a bridge portion. The bridge portion 113 is configured to allow a portion of the other of the two support bars 110a, 110b to extend therethrough and to pivot therein. One of the support bars 110a, 110b has an engagement pin 131 provided thereon. A link bar 132 is pivotally coupled to the other of the support bars 110a, 110b at its one end thereof. The link bar 132 has a portion 132a for engagement to the engagement pin 131 at its opposite end.