Load Balancing Arm Parallelism Adjustment for Axis Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load balancing arms in medical device support systems face alignment issues due to manufacturing tolerances, causing the axis of the distal end to go out of parallel with the proximal end, which affects the proper orientation of medical devices.
Innovation Solution
A parallelism adjustment mechanism is introduced, utilizing arc shape slot openings and serrated flange screws to pivotally adjust the distal hub relative to the distal end vertical block, ensuring the axis D-D becomes parallel to axis P-P, compensating for manufacturing tolerances and maintaining alignment during device rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a four bar linkage construction is used for the load balancing arm, then the structural stability is improved, but the manufacturing tolerance accumulation causes the distal end axis to go out of parallel with the proximal end axis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adjustable mechanism at the distal end outer hub that allows dynamic adjustment of the distal hub's angular position relative to the distal end vertical block. This adjustment capability compensates for manufacturing tolerance accumulation in the four bar linkage, enabling the system to adapt to varying assembly conditions while maintaining axis parallelism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides a mechanism to change the angular parameter of the distal hub relative to the distal end vertical block. By adjusting this angular parameter, the system can compensate for deviations in manufacturing tolerances and ensure that the distal end axis remains parallel to the proximal end axis, thereby resolving the precision issue without compromising structural stability.
2Manufacturing precision
If manufacturing tolerances are tight, then the axis parallelism is improved, but the assembly complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an adjustable mechanism during the assembly process that allows for preliminary alignment adjustment. This preliminary action enables operators to compensate for manufacturing tolerances without requiring extremely tight tolerances in the first place, thereby reducing assembly complexity and cost while maintaining axis parallelism.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable mechanism at the distal end outer hub provides a self-aligning capability that allows the system to self-correct minor misalignments. This self-service feature reduces the need for complex precision alignment procedures during assembly, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision.
3Device complexity
If the distal hub is fixed relative to the distal end vertical block, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to compensate for manufacturing tolerances is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed connection between the distal hub and distal end vertical block into a dynamic, adjustable connection. This allows the system to adapt to manufacturing tolerance variations while maintaining relatively simple overall device complexity through the use of a straightforward adjustment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable mechanism allows for preliminary alignment compensation during assembly, ensuring reliable axis parallelism without requiring complex mechanisms. The adjustment capability is built into the basic structure, maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A load balancing arm for a medical device support system includes a proximal hub, a support arm, a link, and a distal end vertical block. The components together may form a four bar linkage. The proximal hub is configured for pivotable movement about an axis P-P. The distal hub is configured to support a medical device load for pivotable movement about an axis D-D. The distal hub is mounted to the distal end vertical block for pivotable movement between a first position in which the axis D-D is at a first angle relative to the axis P-P and a second position in which the axis D-D is at a second angle relative to the axis P-P, wherein the first angle is different than the second angle. A parallelism adjustment mechanism enables the axis D-D to be adjusted so as to be substantially parallel to the axis P-P.