Load-Balancing Arm Linkage for Stable Medical Device Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical device support systems with load balancing arms have suboptimal force transmission due to short links, leading to inefficient counterbalancing and increased spring travel, which affects the stability and positioning of medical devices.
Innovation Solution
A load balancing arm design featuring a link that connects to the distal end of a counterbalancing spring, allowing for a longer link length and improved force transmission, with adjustable bearing elements and pivot axes to optimize the balance and positioning of medical devices throughout their pivotable range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a short link is used in the load balancing arm, then the device complexity is reduced, but the force transmission efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of link length from short to long. By extending the link length, the force transmission efficiency is improved while maintaining the overall simplicity of the structure. The longer link provides better mechanical advantage and force distribution throughout the pivotable range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent attaches the link to the distal end of the spring rather than the proximal end, effectively utilizing the full length of the spring. This dimensional change in attachment position enables the link to operate at an optimal length for force transmission while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a short link is used in the load balancing arm, then the manufacturing is easier, but the spring travel increases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the link length parameter to be longer, the spring travel distance is reduced. The longer link creates a more favorable mechanical geometry that limits the required spring compression and extension travel while maintaining ease of assembly through standard hinge connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an adjustable bearing element that allows dynamic optimization of the pivot axis position. This adjustment capability enables the system to maintain optimal spring travel characteristics throughout the pivotable range while keeping the link assembly simple to manufacture.
3Volume of moving object
If a short link is used in the load balancing arm, then the structure is more compact, but the load balancing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the link length parameter to achieve better load balancing performance. The longer link provides improved force transmission characteristics that enhance balancing stability throughout the pivotable range, while the adjustable bearing element allows fine-tuning of the pivot axis to maximize performance within the available space.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable bearing element provides dynamic optimization capability, allowing the pivot axis position to be adjusted to achieve optimal load balancing performance for different configurations. This ensures reliable and stable balancing across the full range of motion without requiring excessive space.
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
This design enhances force transmission and reduces spring travel, resulting in a more balanced and stable load balancing arm that effectively counters the moment generated by medical device loads, improving the overall performance and usability of medical device support systems.
Implementation Method 1
a spring extending within a cavity of the support arm and mounted to exert a biasing force between the main pivot axis and a distal end of the spring
Data Source
AI summary
A load balancing arm for a medical device support system. The load balancing arm includes a proximal hub, an adjustable bearing element, a support arm, a spring and a link. A distal end of the support arm is configured to support a medical device load and a proximal end is pivotably mounted to a main bearing element for pivotable movement about a main pivot axis. The spring extends within a cavity of the support arm and is mounted to exert a biasing force between the main pivot axis and a distal end of the spring. The link has a proximal end pivotably mounted to the adjustable bearing element for pivotable movement about an adjustable pivot axis, and a distal end pivotably mounted to the distal end of the spring such that the biasing force exerted by the spring is transmitted through the link to the adjustable bearing element.