Integrated Brake Actuator Assembly for Medical Support Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical device suspension systems face challenges in assembly and field service due to complex component alignment and handling requirements, particularly with separate set screw, plunger, and spring components that need to be individually positioned and aligned, leading to potential misalignment and increased assembly time.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained brake actuator comprising a cap, plunger, and spring that are coupled together, allowing for adjustable mounting to the hub, simplifying assembly and field service by eliminating the need for separate handling and alignment of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate set screw, plunger, and spring components are used in the brake actuator, then the brake mechanism can be adjusted, but the assembly complexity increases and alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the set screw, plunger, and spring into a single integrated actuator assembly that functions as one unit. This merging eliminates the need to handle and align multiple separate components during assembly, directly reducing assembly complexity while preserving the brake adjustment capability through the integrated mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate set screw, plunger, and spring components are used in the brake actuator, then the brake mechanism can be adjusted, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the set screw, plunger, and spring into a single pre-assembled unit, the patent eliminates the need for precise field alignment of multiple components. The integrated design ensures proper alignment is maintained during manufacturing, removing the alignment precision requirement from the assembly process while retaining full brake adjustment functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate set screw, plunger, and spring components are used in the brake actuator, then the brake mechanism can be adjusted, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated actuator assembly consolidates multiple components into a single unit that can be installed in one operation. This merging eliminates the sequential assembly steps and alignment procedures required for separate components, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining the full brake adjustment capability through the unified design.
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 self-contained brake actuator simplifies the assembly and maintenance process by allowing the cap and plunger to be inserted and adjusted as a single assembly, reducing the risk of misalignment and shortening the assembly time while ensuring proper functioning of the brake mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a spring disposed between the cap and the plunger and configured to exert a biasing force against movement of the cap axially toward the plunger
Implementation Method 2
The extension arm can be rotatably adjusted about the column to a desired angular position... A frictional brake is provided near the pivot location of the extension arm that is operable to maintain the extension arm in the desired angular position
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical device support system including a central shaft, an extension arm, a brake clamp assembly, and a brake actuator. The extension arm has a support for a medical device and a hub at its proximal end mounted to the central shaft for pivotable movement about the central shaft. The brake clamp assembly is secured in the hub for rotation therewith and includes first and second clamp portions. The brake actuator includes a cap, a plunger coupled to the cap for reciprocable axial movement relative to the cap, and a spring disposed between the cap and the plunger and configured to exert a biasing force against movement of the cap axially toward the plunger. The cap is adjustably mounted to the hub and coupled to the plunger to selectively urge the first and second clamp portions either toward or away from the central shaft to respectively increase or decrease a frictional braking force to the central shaft.