Electromagnetism Torque Balancing Truckle for Medical Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large-scale or heavy medical image diagnostic devices are difficult to move due to high friction and weight, requiring significant operator strength, especially on soft floors, and existing designs struggle to meet the requirement of low push force while ensuring mobility and maneuverability.

Innovation Solution

Integration of electromagnetism torque balancing motors on truckles, which are powered by a handle-mounted switch and adjusted based on floor friction, providing a stall torque that balances friction torque, reducing the starting and rolling push forces needed to move the devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the device weight is increased to meet market demands for high-energy components, then the device functionality is improved, but the friction and difficulty to move the device increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidpush force

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical pushing system with an electromechanical system. Electromagnetism torque balancing motors are integrated into the truckle assembly, converting electrical energy to mechanical torque to balance friction forces. This substitution allows the heavy device to be moved with minimal push force, resolving the contradiction between device weight and mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetism torque balancing motors generate counter-torque that balances the friction torque produced by the device weight. The motor torque acts as a counterbalancing force against the gravitational and frictional loads, enabling easy movement of heavy medical imaging equipment without requiring operators to overcome the full weight-induced friction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Power

If the device weight is increased to include more driving motors and high-energy components, then the device performance is improved, but the friction coefficient effect becomes more significant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice performanceVSAvoidfriction effect

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes manual mechanical pushing with an electromagnetic torque balancing system. The electromagnetism motors detect and counterbalance friction forces automatically, eliminating the harmful friction effect from the operator's perspective while allowing the device to maintain high performance with heavy components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the device is designed for frequent movement and positioning, then the device mobility is improved, but the operating physical force requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning speedVSAvoidoperating force

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual force application with an automated electromechanical system. The electromagnetism torque balancing motors automatically compensate for friction during movement and positioning operations, enabling fast repositioning without requiring operators to apply significant physical force repeatedly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetism torque balancing system provides self-service by automatically detecting and counterbalancing friction forces during movement. The system serves itself by generating the necessary counter-torque without external intervention, allowing the device to be repositioned easily and frequently without increasing operator burden.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 significantly reduces the starting and rolling push forces required to move medical devices, enhancing mobility, maneuverability, and flexibility by adapting to different floor types through adjustable motor power, thus facilitating easier positioning and operation.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetism torque balancing motor is mounted on the truckle to balance out the friction generated by the truckle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetism: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8760088B2Electromagnetism-torque friction-balancing truckle for mobile medical devices

Publication Date: 2014.06.24 GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY CO LLC

AI summary

A truckle for a mobile medical device is provided. The truckle includes at least one electromagnetism torque balancing motor mounted on the truckle and configured to balance out friction generated by the truckle.