Automatic Balancing Structure for Medical Stand
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical balancing stands require complex operations and large equipment, including encoders and computers, to balance multi-joint arms, making them cumbersome and difficult to adjust independently.
Innovation Solution
An automatic balancing structure using a lever with a strain sensor that detects imbalance-induced torque and adjusts a counterweight via a motor to balance the arm without the need for encoders or computers, employing a clutch unit to lock the turn plate and a strain sensor to correct imbalances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an encoder and computer are used to detect turn angles and adjust counterweights, then balancing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the turn angle detection function from the complex encoder-computer system and replaces it with a simple lever mechanism that directly translates angular position into linear displacement. The lever is positioned such that its displacement directly corresponds to the turn shaft angle, eliminating the need for encoders and computers while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for balancing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic detection system (encoder and computer) with a purely mechanical lever mechanism. The lever mechanically converts rotational movement of the turn shaft into linear displacement that can be directly sensed by a simple sensor, substituting complex electronic measurement with simple mechanical amplification and transmission.
2Measurement precision
If encoders and computers are used for balancing operations, then balancing accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lever mechanism automatically performs the detection and measurement functions that would otherwise require complex electronic systems and operator intervention. The lever self-adjusts its position based on the turn shaft angle and automatically provides the measurement signal, making the system self-servicing and eliminating complicated operating procedures.
3Measurement precision
If a multi-joint arm with multiple turn shafts is balanced using encoders and computers, then balancing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the multi-joint arm into separate segments, each with its own turn shaft and corresponding lever mechanism. Each joint is balanced independently using its own lever, allowing modular implementation where each segment can be balanced separately without requiring a complex centralized control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as a mechanical amplifier, a position sensor, and a signal transmitter all in one component. This universal mechanism can be applied to each turn shaft in a multi-joint system, providing consistent functionality without increasing overall system complexity.
4Measurement precision
If encoders and computers are used for balancing, then balancing accuracy is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex electronic components (encoders and computers) with simple, inexpensive mechanical components (levers). The lever mechanism is easy to manufacture, requires minimal precision machining, and can be produced at low cost, making the overall system more manufacturable and economically viable.
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 solution simplifies the balancing process, allows for independent balancing of each turn shaft, reduces equipment size, and stabilizes the balancing stand, enabling easy and reliable operation even with multi-joint arms.
Implementation Method 1
a strain sensor that is arranged on the lever, detects a strain occurring on the lever, and according to the detected strain, outputs a signal to the adjustment unit to balance the second arm
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic balancing structure of a medical balancing stand has stoppers arranged on a turn plate. In a normal state, the stoppers are in contact with and hold a contact part of a lever so that the lever and turn plate follow a rotative motion of a lateral arm. If the lateral arm causes an imbalance, a strain occurs on the lever to which a strain sensor is attached. The strain sensor detects the strain and outputs a signal to an adjustment unit so as to cancel the imbalance of the lateral arm. The strain sensor helps downsizing the automatic balancing structure and making the balance adjustment easier.