Lockable Medical Supply Adapters for Tool-Free Rail Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical supply units in intensive care and surgery require flexible and secure attachment options for medical devices, but existing solutions necessitate tool-use for adjustments, leading to hygiene issues due to overhanging cables and limited mobility.
Innovation Solution
A medical supply unit with a carrier featuring a hollow rail and conductor rails, including a positioning rail and a locking mechanism that allows adapters to be securely attached and adjusted manually without tools, ensuring ergonomic positioning and improved hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adapters are secured using screws and sliding blocks in T-slots, then secure attachment is achieved, but tool-use is required for adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the screw-based mechanical fastening system with a spring-loaded clamping mechanism. The spring element automatically applies clamping force when the adapter is inserted, eliminating the need for screws and tools while maintaining secure attachment through elastic mechanical action.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded clamping mechanism is designed to automatically engage and secure the adapter upon insertion without requiring manual intervention for fastening. The system serves itself by using the insertion motion to compress the spring, which then automatically applies the clamping force to hold the adapter in place.
2Ease of operation
If control elements are relocated to improve ergonomics, then ease of operation is improved, but cable management and hygiene deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the positioning parameter of control elements by making them height-adjustable along the vertical rail. This allows the control panel to be positioned at optimal ergonomic heights while keeping cables contained within the structured system, preventing them from overhanging and compromising hygiene.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical rail system serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables height adjustment for ergonomic positioning, and acts as a cable management conduit. This multi-functionality allows ergonomic optimization without creating hygiene issues from exposed cables.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed platforms are used for medical devices, then stability is improved, but flexibility and mobility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from fixed platforms to a dynamic system where adapters can be easily repositioned along the vertical rail. The spring-loaded clamping mechanism allows adapters to be quickly removed and repositioned to different heights, providing configurability while maintaining stability during use through secure clamping.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the medical supply unit into modular components (adapters, control panels, devices) that can be independently positioned and reconfigured along the vertical rail. This segmentation enables flexible arrangement while each component maintains its own stability through the clamping mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical supply unit (1) is provided, which has at least one carrier (17) equipped with coupling devices (9) and mounting rails (21). Fastening elements (29) of an adapter (11) engage positively in the mounting rails (21) and are locked in the mounting rail (21) by means of a locking device (30) operated by a manually actuated actuator (32).