User Interface Housing Latch for Secure Adjustable Device Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user interface housings for patient support apparatuses lack a secure and versatile mechanism to accommodate devices of varying sizes and prevent unauthorized removal, particularly in clinical settings where secure mounting of user interfaces like tablets or smartphones is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A user interface housing with a locking body featuring a latch mechanism that includes sloped projections and a flexible body, allowing for adjustable engagement with vertically spaced teeth, and a tool-accessible notch for secure positioning and easy adjustment, ensuring one-directional movement and enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch mechanism with projections and teeth is used to secure the locking body, then security against unwanted removal is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: projections with sloped surfaces that engage with teeth, a flexible body that enables movement, and a latch actuator for controlled operation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall security.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including the flexible body that allows the projections to move between engaged and disengaged states, and the latch actuator that provides controlled operation. This dynamic design enables secure locking when engaged while allowing easy release when needed.
2Ease of operation
If a tool-accessible notch is added for adjusting the latch mechanism, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access notch serves as an intermediary feature that allows a tool to reach the latch actuator through a defined opening. This intermediary access point enables easy adjustment and release of the latch mechanism without requiring direct access to internal components, improving ease of operation while adding minimal structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the locking body is designed to slide within channels defined by ribs, then adaptability to different device sizes is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking body with its sliding design and engagement with vertically spaced teeth creates a universal mounting system that can accommodate different device sizes and positions. The same basic mechanism works across multiple configurations, providing adaptability while using standardized components that can be manufactured with consistent precision.
4Reliability
If sloped surfaces and edges on teeth are used for one-directional movement, then reliability of secure mounting is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The teeth feature asymmetric sloped surfaces and edges designed for one-directional engagement. The sloped surfaces allow easy movement in the locking direction while the opposing edges prevent reverse movement, creating reliable secure mounting through asymmetric geometry that guides the locking body in one direction only.
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 provides a secure and adaptable mounting system that prevents unwanted removal of user interfaces while accommodating devices of different sizes, enhancing security and usability in clinical environments.
Implementation Method 1
The latch mechanism includes a flexible body with first and second body positions laterally spaced from one another and extending along a height of the rear side of the locking body
Data Source
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AI summary
A patient support apparatus (14) includes a frame that has a head end (66) and a foot end (70). A support arm (94) is operably coupled to the head end (66) of the frame. A cord (106) is coupled to the support arm (94). A user interface housing (10) is operably coupled to the cord (106) and configured to retain a user interface (108). The user interface housing (10) includes a locking body (46) coupled to a body (18) of the user interface housing (10) and has a flange (142) configured to engage an edge of the user interface (108). A latch mechanism (50) includes a flexible body (150) coupled to a rear side (154) of the locking body (46). The latch mechanism (50) is configured to selectively secure the locking body (46) in a position. A shelf (130) is coupled to a lower portion (26) of the body (18) of the user interface housing (10). The shelf (130) has stoppers (346) operably coupled to the shelf (130). The stoppers (346) are adjustable along a horizontal plane to define different widths.