Fixation Lock Tab Mechanism for Secure Raised Tightening Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixation devices for medical modules, such as syringe pushers, face difficulties in securely locking the tightening means in a raised position, often requiring excessive force or leading to unintended folding, and typically rely on magnets for retention, which can be inconvenient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A tab mechanism that displaces between stowed and drawn-out positions to block or allow the tightening means' movement, assisted by a spring for automatic locking and a cam-like inclined surface for easy pivoting, eliminating the need for magnets and improving accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock with eccentric portion is used to prevent the tightening means from folding back, then the tightening means are securely locked in raised position, but the locking operation becomes difficult and requires excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
A flat bar is introduced as an intermediary element between the lock and the tightening means. The flat bar transmits the locking force from the lock to the tightening means, allowing secure locking without requiring excessive force on the lock itself. The flat bar acts as a force-distributing mediator that reduces the operational difficulty while maintaining reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional elements: the lock, the flat bar, and the bearing surface on the tightening means. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently - the lock provides the locking action, the flat bar transmits and distributes the force, and the bearing surface provides the locking point. This division reduces the complexity and force requirement of the overall locking operation.
2Ease of operation
If the lock is made to pivot easily, then the locking operation becomes simple, but the tightening means are not securely blocked, leaving play when fixed to holder
Solution Approach 1:
The flat bar serves as a mediator that ensures secure blocking without requiring difficult locking operations. It transmits the locking force evenly and provides a stable bearing surface, ensuring that the tightening means are securely blocked against the holder even when the lock pivots easily.
Solution Approach 2:
The flat bar is positioned in advance between the lock and the tightening means, prepared to receive and transmit the locking force. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the lock pivots, the force is immediately and effectively transmitted to secure the tightening means, preventing any play or movement.
3Reliability
If magnets are used for retaining the tightening means in folded position, then retention is provided, but the device complexity increases and operation becomes less convenient
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic retention system is completely removed from the device. Instead of using magnets to retain the tightening means in the folded position, the invention uses a purely mechanical solution where the flat bar and lock work together to provide both locking and retention functions, simplifying the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking and retention functions are merged into a single mechanical system consisting of the lock, flat bar, and bearing surface. This integrated mechanical solution eliminates the need for separate magnetic retention components, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable retention of the tightening means.
4Device complexity
If the lock is located in the angle formed by platen and tightening means, then the locking mechanism is compact, but the lock becomes difficult to access for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The flat bar extends from the lock area to provide a longer operational lever arm that is more accessible to the user. While the lock itself remains in the compact angle position, the flat bar allows the user to apply force at a more accessible location, making the locking operation easier to perform despite the compact arrangement.
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
Facilitates easy locking of the tightening means in the raised position, provides stable retention without magnets, and allows for convenient operation, ensuring the module remains securely fixed regardless of holder orientation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring which exerts a force in order to return the tab into its initial position
Implementation Method 2
the outer edge of which is equipped with an inclined surface against which said tab can slide during pivoting of the tightening means
Data Source
AI summary
A device for securing an object on a holder includes a platen attached to the object, a tightening element that pivots relative to the platen so that it can be folded back against the platen or raised perpendicularly to the platen. A lock is provided for locking the tightening element in the position perpendicular to the platen. The lock includes a tab that moves between a stowed position in which, when the tightening element is in the raised position, the tab bears against the tightening element and blocks it in this position, and a drawn out position in which the tab allows the tightening element to pivot towards the platen so that, in the folded position of the tightening element, the tab bears against a face of the tightening means different from the inner face.