Dialysis Machine Door Handle Locking for Rigid Push Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical appliances for extracorporeal blood treatment, such as dialysis machines, face challenges in maintaining a secure and non-deformable door handle that also serves as a pushing handle, as existing handles yield under force, compromising the device's quality impression and sealing integrity due to manufacturing tolerances and cost-effective sheet-metal constructions.
Innovation Solution
A handle mechanism with form-fit units, including tapered spigots and conical receptacles, and spring means, such as disk springs, ensures defined positioning and force transmission without handle displacement, compensating manufacturing tolerances and maintaining a rigid feel, while allowing secure door closure and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple sheet-metal construction with conventional door handle is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the handle yields under pushing force compromising quality impression and sealing integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The door assembly is segmented into multiple components: the door itself, the door handle, and a locking mechanism with form-fit units. This segmentation allows the simple sheet-metal door to be combined with a more robust locking mechanism that prevents handle yielding while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism with form-fit units is engaged before the door is fully closed, preliminarily securing the door handle to the door in a defined position. This preliminary action prevents the handle from yielding under subsequent pushing forces, maintaining both quality impression and sealing integrity
2Device complexity
If manufacturing tolerances are accommodated in simple sheet-metal construction, then production complexity is reduced, but door positioning accuracy and sealing quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The form-fit units employ tapered geometry (spigot and receptacle with complementary angles) that converts positional tolerances into radial clearance variations. This parameter change allows the locking mechanism to accommodate manufacturing tolerances in simple sheet-metal construction while maintaining precise door positioning and sealing contact
3Device complexity
If the door handle is used for both opening/closing and pushing the device, then component quantity is reduced, but the handle experiences conflicting functional requirements causing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The door handle is designed as a universal component serving both door operation (opening/closing) and device movement (pushing). The locking mechanism with form-fit units enables this multi-functionality by securing the handle in a defined position that withstands pushing forces while allowing normal door operation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism preliminarily secures the door handle to the door body through engaged form-fit units before any pushing force is applied. This preliminary securing action prevents handle deformation during device movement while maintaining the same component for both door operation and pushing functions
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 a secure, non-deformable handle that transmits thrust forces effectively to the housing, ensuring a positive user experience and maintaining seal integrity, while allowing for simple and cost-effective construction.
Implementation Method 1
spring means, such as disk springs
Implementation Method 2
form-fit units, including tapered spigots and conical receptacles
Data Source
AI summary
A medical appliance, in particular an apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment, has a housing including a door and with a handle mechanism arranged at the door, via which the door can be locked with the housing via a locking mechanism. A part of the locking mechanism is formed at the handle mechanism in a part thereof that protrudes into the housing. A form-fit unit includes at least one form-fit element and at least one form-fit element counterpart, such that on locking and/or closing the door, the at least one form-fit element at least partly engages in the at least one form-fit element counterpart.