Patient Lift Connector With Spring-Biased Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient lift systems lack an efficient and convenient method for attaching and detaching lifting bars from load supporting members, which complicates the process of patient transfer and increases the risk of accidental detachment.
Innovation Solution
A patient lift connector system that includes a connector body with a connecting block and a pin holder, along with an attachment latch that moves between open and closed positions to securely attach and detach the lifting bar from the load supporting member, ensuring easy and secure connection and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional connection method is used between lifting bar and load supporting member, then the structure is simple, but the attachment and detachment process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional components: a connector body with a connecting block, a separate pin holder, and an attachment latch. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the attachment/detachment operation while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment latch is designed to move between open and closed positions dynamically. When opened, it allows the pin holder to be inserted; when closed, it secures the connection. This dynamic mechanism enables quick attachment and detachment without complex manual operations.
2Reliability
If a secure connection mechanism is implemented, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the risk of accidental detachment increases due to complex locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment latch is spring-biased to automatically return to the closed (locked) position after being opened. This self-service mechanism ensures that once the pin holder is inserted, the latch automatically secures it, preventing accidental detachment without requiring continuous manual intervention or complex locking procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin holder acts as an intermediary component between the connector body and the load supporting member. It translates the insertion motion into a secure connection that is then locked by the attachment latch, providing a reliable yet simple connection mechanism.
3Productivity
If quick attachment and detachment is enabled, then the efficiency of patient transfer is improved, but the safety against accidental detachment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment latch is pre-positioned in a spring-biased closed state, ready to secure the pin holder immediately upon insertion. This preliminary preparation allows for quick attachment while ensuring safety, as the locking action occurs automatically as part of the insertion process itself, not as a separate step.
4Ease of manufacture
If a simple connector design is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ease of replacement of lifting bars is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the connector into standardized components (connector body, pin holder, latch mechanism), each can be manufactured independently using simple processes. The modular design allows for easy assembly and disassembly, facilitating quick lifting bar replacement without requiring complex manufacturing or specialized tools.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient lift connector for attaching and detaching a patient lifting bar to a load supporting member in a patient lifting system is described. The connector includes a connector body including a connecting block configured to be fixedly attached to the patient lifting bar. The connector also includes a pin holder coupled to the load supporting member and configured to be inserted through the connector body and into the connecting block, and an attachment latch secured to the connector body and configured to move between an open position and a closed position within the connector body. When the attachment latch moves from the closed position to the open position, the pin holder is allowed to be inserted into the connecting block and thereby allow the lifting bar to be attached to the load supporting member.