Electric Cylinder Quick-Release Warning via Sliding Block Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric cylinders in devices like hospital beds can rapidly fall during quick-release, causing panic due to the lack of an early warning mechanism, posing safety concerns during emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
An electric cylinder with a reminder function and quick-release structure that includes a pullable part driving a sliding block through a linkage rod component, a position sensor sensing the block's movement to generate a displacement signal, and an alarm sending a warning before the quick-release occurs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a quick-release structure is used to quickly release the electric cylinder, then the release speed is improved, but the patient may experience panic due to rapid falling
Solution Approach 1:
The alarm device is activated before the quick-release operation to warn patients in advance. The sliding block moves along the guide rail before disconnecting the clutch plate from the clutch, and the position sensor detects this preliminary movement to trigger the alarm, allowing patients to prepare mentally for the upcoming rapid movement.
Solution Approach 2:
A position sensor detects the position of the sliding block in real-time during the quick-release process. When the sliding block reaches a predetermined position indicating that quick-release is about to occur, the sensor sends a signal to activate the alarm device, providing feedback about the system's state and triggering the warning function.
2Reliability
If a position sensor and alarm system are added to the quick-release structure, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding block serves multiple functions: it transmits mechanical force to disconnect the clutch plate from the clutch during quick-release, and simultaneously acts as a trigger for the position sensor to activate the alarm system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The position sensor acts as an intermediary between the mechanical sliding block and the alarm system. It converts the mechanical position information into an electrical signal that triggers the alarm, providing a simple and reliable interface between the mechanical quick-release mechanism and the warning system without requiring complex integration.
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 solution provides an early warning mechanism that prevents rapid falls by alerting users before the quick-release, enhancing safety and reducing panic during emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
a position sensor, disposed corresponding to the sliding block, and configured to sense a movement of the sliding block and generate a displacement signal
Data Source
AI summary
An electric cylinder (10) with a reminder function and a quick-release structure (2) thereof. The electric cylinder (10) includes a worm wheel (21). The quick-release structure (2) includes a clutch (22), a clutch plate (23), a linkage rod component (3), a position sensor (4), and an alarm (5). The clutch plate (23) is connected to the worm wheel (21). The linkage rod component (3) includes a pullable part (31) disposed on one end thereof. The linkage rod component (3) includes a sliding block (32) disposed between the pullable part (31) and the clutch plate (23). The position sensor (4) is disposed corresponding to the sliding block (32), and configured to sense a movement of the sliding block (32) and generate a displacement signal. The alarm (5) is configured to receive the displacement signal and send a warning.