Knuckle Joint Retaining Clip Design for In-Place Bearing Service
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knuckle joint assemblies in medical device support systems are difficult to service and maintain, as bearings are not easily replaceable in the field, requiring disassembly of the entire extension arm and risking misplacement of retaining clips during servicing.
Innovation Solution
A serviceable cartridge assembly with a rotary bearing and a retaining clip mechanism that allows for simplified servicing and replacement without disassembling the entire system, featuring a non-removable retaining clip and a spring-biased retaining pin to prevent misplacement and improper reinsertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the entire extension arm including knuckle joint assembly is removed for bearing servicing, then the bearings can be properly replaced with appropriate fitting and aligning equipment, but this creates downtime for health treatment facilities and increases servicing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The knuckle joint assembly is segmented from the extension arm, allowing the bearing-containing knuckle joint to be serviced independently without removing the entire extension arm. This segmentation enables the bearing to be accessed and replaced in situ, reducing system downtime while maintaining proper servicing capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If a removable retaining clip is used to release the spring arm spindle, then the spindle can be easily removed for servicing, but the retaining clip can be entirely withdrawn and misplaced or improperly reinserted
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining clip is nested within the knuckle joint assembly structure, specifically positioned within a recess that prevents its complete removal. This nesting arrangement allows the retaining clip to be manipulated for spindle release while ensuring it remains contained within the assembly, eliminating the risk of misplacement or improper reinsertion.
3Ease of operation
If the retaining pin is moved out of the way to allow retaining clip removal, then the spindle can be released, but the retaining clip may be entirely separated from the assembly risking misplacement
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining pin acts as an intermediary mechanism that controls retaining clip accessibility. When the retaining pin is moved, it allows the retaining clip to be accessed and manipulated for spindle release, but the retaining pin's presence and the recess structure ensure the retaining clip cannot be completely separated, thus preventing misplacement while maintaining operational accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Knuckle joint assembly for a medical device support system. The knuckle joint assembly includes a cartridge assembly that includes a cartridge housing and a rotary bearing. The cartridge housing includes a bore having a central axis and a bearing mount in the bore. The rotary bearing is press fitted in the bearing mount and configured to receive axially therethrough a spindle to rotatably support the spindle about the central axis. The knuckle joint assembly includes a retaining clip and a retaining pin. The retaining clip is selectively movable to disengage and engage a groove in a spindle to respectively support or release the spindle along a central axis. The retaining pin is movable between a first position to allow movement of the retaining clip between positions but prevent removal of the retaining clip, and a second position to block movement of the retaining clip from the engaged position.