Extension Arm Rotational Control Ring for Full 360° Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical device suspension systems often limit the rotation of extension arms to less than 360 degrees, and existing rotational control mechanisms are bulky, complicating integration and increasing the volumetric footprint, which can restrict access and strain electrical or communication lines.
Innovation Solution
A rotational control mechanism featuring a free rotating ring that allows at least 360 degrees of rotation by combining a first and second rotation range, defined by the interaction between the hub's fixed stop and radially outward protruding member with the shaft's elongated peripheral cavity, enabling efficient assembly and service while preventing over-rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed feature on the hub contacts a fixed feature on the shaft to limit rotation, then rotation is controlled to prevent collision and strain, but the rotation range is limited to below 360 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing static fixed features with a dynamic free-rotating ring mechanism. The ring can rotate freely during the first rotation range (0-360 degrees) allowing full rotational access, then engages with the shaft's elongated peripheral cavity to define stop positions for the second rotation range, providing both full rotation capability and controlled limitations when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the rotation control into two distinct ranges: the first rotation range (0-360 degrees) where the ring rotates freely without engagement, and the second rotation range where the ring engages with the shaft's elongated peripheral cavity to define stop positions. This segmentation allows the system to provide both full rotational freedom and controlled limitations as needed.
2Ease of operation
If multiple stacked components are used in the rotational control mechanism, then rotation control is achieved, but the volumetric footprint increases and integration is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the free-rotating ring component, which simultaneously serves as the rotational control element, the engagement mechanism with the shaft, and the stop position definer. The ring integrates the functionality of what would traditionally require multiple stacked components, reducing the volumetric footprint and simplifying integration into the hub.
Solution Approach 2:
The free-rotating ring is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: enabling full 360-degree rotation, defining stop positions through engagement with the shaft's elongated peripheral cavity, and preventing over-rotation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate stacked components, reducing overall volume.
3Ease of operation
If a fixed feature on the hub contacts a fixed feature on the shaft, then rotational control is provided, but the mechanism is complex and assembly/service is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rotational control functionality from a complex multi-component stacked mechanism and implements it through a simplified free-rotating ring that engages with the shaft's elongated peripheral cavity. This extraction eliminates unnecessary intermediate components, making the mechanism simpler to manufacture, assemble, and service.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic free-rotating ring mechanism replaces static fixed-feature contact, allowing the ring to rotate freely during normal operation and only engage with the shaft's cavity at stop positions. This dynamic approach simplifies the mechanism compared to permanent fixed features, easing manufacturing and assembly while maintaining rotational control.
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical device support system including a shaft, an extension arm, and a free rotating ring. The shaft includes an elongated peripheral cavity that defines first and second contact faces at opposite peripheral 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 outward protruding member of the free rotating ring. The second rotation range is defined by a radially inward protruding member of the free rotating ring configured to move between the first and second contact faces of the elongated peripheral cavity of the shaft.