Lifting Column Slide Element Mounting Using Curable Sealing Compound
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting columns for medical devices, such as operating tables, face challenges in assembly complexity and the need for readjustment of slide elements, which are laborious and prone to wear, especially due to the difficulty in accessing and machining the inner surfaces of column elements.
Innovation Solution
A lifting column design featuring column elements with a slide element secured on the inner surface of one column, utilizing a sealing compound to ensure even pressing against the outer surface of another column element, allowing for simplified assembly and stable, durable operation without the need for readjustment, using a carrying frame and sliding layer with a composite material for optimal sliding and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If slide elements are mounted on inner surfaces of column elements, then sliding functionality is achieved, but assembly becomes laborious and requires readjustment
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing compound is introduced as an intermediary substance between the slide element and the inner surface of the first column element. The sealing compound is cured to secure the slide element, eliminating the need for complex mechanical fastening while ensuring reliable sliding functionality and preventing wear particles from entering the sliding interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, clips, or other rigid mounting mechanisms) with a chemical bonding approach using curing sealing compound. This substitution simplifies assembly by eliminating complex mechanical attachment while maintaining secure mounting of the slide element.
2Volume of moving object
If inner surfaces of column elements are used for mounting, then space is utilized, but machining precision is reduced due to accessibility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing compound acts as a compensating intermediary layer between the slide element and the relatively rough inner surface. This layer fills in surface imperfections and machining variations, allowing the slide element to be securely mounted even on surfaces that are difficult to machine with high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the sealing compound from liquid (during application) to solid (after curing) to adapt to surface irregularities. This parameter change allows the sealing compound to conform to the rough inner surface while providing secure mounting, effectively compensating for reduced machining precision.
3Ease of operation
If traditional slide elements are used, then sliding is achieved, but wear increases over time requiring readjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing compound serves as a protective intermediary that seals the interface between the slide element and the column element. This sealing prevents wear particles from contaminating the sliding surface and reduces friction, thereby extending the service life of the sliding mechanism without requiring readjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of surface roughness and wear into a benefit by using the sealing compound to fill irregularities and create a smooth, protected sliding interface. The sealing compound transforms the rough inner surface into an effective sliding surface that reduces wear and extends component life.
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 simplifies assembly, enhances stability and durability by using a sealing compound to secure the slide element, reducing friction and wear, and eliminates the need for laborious readjustments, ensuring precise and reliable height adjustments without tilting.
Implementation Method 1
A sealing compound may be cured (e.g., a curable sealing compound is disposed) in a space between the slide surface of the slide element and the inner surface of the first column element.
Implementation Method 2
The sealed space may prevent particles from entering a sliding interface between the slide element and the second column element.
Implementation Method 3
The slide element may have a slide surface which is mounted sliding on an outer surface of a second of the two column elements directed toward the inner surface of the first column element.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first operating table column member, a second operating table column member that is movable relative to the first operating table member in a longitudinal direction, and a slide member that is attached to an inner surface of the first operating table column member, the slide member having a slide surface. The slide surface is slidably mounted on an outer surface of the second operating table column member, the outer surface of the second operating table column member facing the inner surface of the first operating table column member. A curable sealing compound is disposed in a space between the slide surface of the slide member and the inner surface of the first operating table column member.