Head Support Handle Bore Sleeve for Damage-Resistant Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient head support systems are prone to damage and inconsistent immobilization due to close tolerances and mishandling, leading to potential inoperability and reduced flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A sleeve or bushing is retained within the bore of the base unit handle, equipped with ratchet teeth or starburst connectors, providing a secure connection and resistance to the closing force of the lever, allowing for independent rotation and secure locking of the intervening member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If close tolerances are used for the bore and post connection, then sufficient rigidity and immobilization are achieved, but the system becomes vulnerable to damage from inadvertent lever closing and mishandling
Solution Approach 1:
A resilient sleeve is introduced as an intermediary component between the bore and the post. The sleeve absorbs the closing force when the lever is inadvertently closed with an empty bore, preventing permanent distortion of the bore. The sleeve's resilient material allows it to deform elastically under excessive force while maintaining the functional connection when properly assembled.
2Reliability
If the lever closing force is increased to ensure secure locking, then more reliable immobilization is achieved, but the risk of permanently bending the bore casting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient sleeve serves as a pre-positioned cushioning element that protects the bore casting from excessive closing forces. When the lever is closed, the sleeve's resilient material deforms to absorb the force, preventing it from reaching levels that would permanently bend the casting. This cushioning effect occurs automatically before damage can occur.
3Reliability
If very close tolerances are required for the bore-post interface, then proper frictional fit is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient sleeve changes the interface parameters between the bore and post. Instead of requiring very close tolerances for a rigid metal-to-metal fit, the sleeve's resilient material provides compliance that accommodates tolerance variations. The sleeve deforms elastically to maintain contact and frictional fit even when dimensional variations exist within broader tolerance ranges.
4Reliability
If the bore surface finish is made very smooth to ensure proper movement and locking, then consistent surface contact is achieved, but the system becomes more sensitive to contamination and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient sleeve introduces a composite material interface between the rigid bore and post components. The sleeve's material properties combine smooth surface characteristics for consistent contact with inherent contamination resistance. The resilient nature of the material provides self-cleaning effects and tolerance for minor surface imperfections that would be problematic in a rigid metal-to-metal interface.
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 prevents damage to the base unit handle, ensures consistent and repeatable immobilization, and maintains flexibility while reducing reliance on operator instructions, providing a robust and long-lasting connection.
Implementation Method 1
The sleeve is made of resilient material and is sized and shaped so as to provide some resistance to contraction of the bore during closing of the lever
Implementation Method 2
the cam linkage of the lever is capable of exerting such a force on this bore structure that it can permanently bend the casting that defines the bore
Implementation Method 3
This creates frictional force to immobilize the base unit handle and the transition member
Data Source
AI summary
A patient head support system comprises a base unit, a head support, and an intervening member for connecting the base unit and the head support. The base unit includes a handle assembly with an elongated body, a bore at one end thereof, and a lever that moves relative to the body between closed and open positions to contract and to expand the bore, respectively. A sleeve retained within the bore is sized to receive and hold a shaft of the intervening member, so as to hold the intervening member in a fixed position when the lever is closed. The sleeve remains retained in the bore when the transition member is disconnected, to resist contracting of the bore caused by inadvertent closing of the lever when the intervening member is unattached, and to protect against the unwanted intrusion of material into the bore.