Medical Holding Arm Lock State Detection via Force Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical holding arm devices lack operational reliability and safety features, particularly in detecting and informing users of incorrect operating states.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a force sensor to detect forces exerted by the actuator on the lock, with a control unit to monitor and output signals for operating states, ensuring reliable and safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a lock mechanism with actuator is used to lock and release the joint, then the holding arm device gains operational flexibility and positioning capability, but the reliability and safety of operation deteriorates due to lack of feedback on actual lock state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism by placing a force sensor on the transmission element that detects forces exerted by the actuator on the lock. This feedback loop allows the control unit to monitor the actual operating state of the lock (locked or released) and compare it with the commanded state, thereby resolving the reliability issue while maintaining operational flexibility.
2Device complexity
If no force sensor is installed, then the device complexity remains low, but the ability to detect and inform users of incorrect operating states deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor provides real-time information about the lock's operating state by detecting forces on the transmission element. This eliminates information loss about the actual system state, allowing the control unit to detect incorrect operating states and inform users through appropriate signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical observation or complex mechanical indicators with a force sensor that converts mechanical forces into detectable signals. This substitution provides reliable state information while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through electronic sensing and control.
3Reliability
If a force sensor is added to detect actuator forces, then operational safety and reliability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor implements a feedback mechanism that monitors actuator forces to determine lock operating state. This improves operational safety by providing real-time verification of lock engagement, while the complexity increase is justified by the critical safety function performed.
Solution Approach 2:
The force sensor acts as an intermediary element that indirectly measures the lock state by detecting forces on the transmission element. This approach provides reliable safety monitoring without requiring direct observation of the lock mechanism, balancing improved reliability with acceptable complexity through indirect sensing.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical holding arm device for a medical holding arm includes a holding arm segment, a further holding arm segment connected to the holding arm segment, a joint which connects the holding arm segment and the further holding arm segment to one another, a lock associated with the joint which locks the joint in a first operating state and releases it in a second operating state. The lock has a locking element for locking the joint and a transmission element for transmitting a force to the locking element. An actuator actuates the lock by exerting a force to transfer the locking mechanism from one operating state to the other. The medical holding arm device has a force sensor which at least indirectly detects a force exerted by the actuator on the lock in order to detect an operating state of the lock.