Extension Arm Rotation Mechanism With Floating Stop Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical device suspension systems often limit the rotation of extension arms to less than 360 degrees, requiring multiple components that increase the volumetric footprint and complicate integration, restricting flexibility and access in medical settings.
Innovation Solution
A rotational control mechanism featuring a guide channel member with an elongated cavity and a floating stop, allowing at least 360-degree rotation of the extension arm by combining a first and second rotation range, while reducing the number of components and footprint, facilitating efficient assembly and service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple stacked components are used to control rotation, then rotational control is achieved, but the volumetric footprint increases and integration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple rotational control components into a single integrated floating stop mechanism that performs both rotation limiting and positioning functions, eliminating the need for multiple stacked components and reducing the volumetric footprint in the hub assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The floating stop serves multiple functions simultaneously: it limits rotation to prevent collision, provides detent positioning for stable angular placement, and allows 360-degree rotation capability, replacing what would traditionally require separate dedicated components for each function
2Ease of operation
If multiple stacked components are used to control rotation, then rotational control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple rotational control functions into a single floating stop component that combines rotation limiting features with detent positioning mechanisms, eliminating the need for multiple stacked components and simplifying the overall hub assembly structure
Solution Approach 2:
The floating stop is designed with radially inner and outer portions that independently engage with different features (cavity walls and hub features), allowing complex rotational control behavior to be achieved through simple geometric segmentation rather than multiple separate components
3Object-affected harmful factors
If rotation is limited to below 360 degrees, then collision prevention is achieved, but installation flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic rotation control system where the floating stop allows the extension arm to rotate freely through at least 360 degrees, and only limits rotation when collision risk is detected, providing both flexibility for installation and protection against harmful collisions
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device support system including a shaft, extension arm, and floating stop. A guide channel member is fixed to the shaft and includes an elongated cavity that defines first and second contact faces at its opposite ends. A hub of the extension arm is pivotably mounted for a range of at least 360 degrees rotation about a rotation axis of the shaft. The at least 360 degrees rotation range is based on a compound of a first rotation range and a second rotation range. The first rotation range is defined by a fixed stop of the hub configured to move between first and second contact faces of a radially outer portion of the floating stop. The second rotation range is defined by a radially inner portion of the floating stop configured to move between the first and second contact faces of the elongated cavity of the guide channel member.