Guided Docking Mechanism for Medical Imaging Bed Connectors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical imaging apparatus beds require complex mechanical and electrical connections for docking with the apparatus main body, making electrical docking cumbersome and prone to connector pin damage due to the need for manual connection of large-sized connectors.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging apparatus with coupling mechanisms featuring a coupling plate and a holding member that includes electric connectors, allowing for simultaneous mechanical and electrical docking while preventing connector pin damage through a guided alignment and coupling mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual connection of large-sized connectors is used for electrical docking, then electrical connection can be established, but the operation becomes cumbersome and connector pins are prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical docking and electrical connector connection into a single integrated docking mechanism. When the bed is mechanically docked with the apparatus main body, the electric connectors are automatically aligned and connected through the integrated docking structure, eliminating the need for separate manual connector handling and reducing the risk of pin damage while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The docking mechanism is designed to automatically align and connect the electric connectors through the mechanical docking action itself. The guide structure and positioning features enable the connectors to self-align and engage without requiring manual intervention, making the system perform the connection task automatically as part of the docking process
2Productivity
If the bed is separated from the apparatus main body for mobility, then the bed can be moved manually to reduce transfer times, but precise positioning and connection during docking become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual positioning operations with a mechanical guide structure integrated into the docking mechanism. The guide rails, positioning pins, and alignment features automatically guide the bed into the correct position during docking, eliminating the need for precise manual positioning while maintaining high positioning accuracy and enabling fast docking operations that improve examination throughput
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a medical imaging apparatus that, while preventing damage of connector pins, can simultaneously connect electric connectors when a bed is mechanically docked with an apparatus main body. One coupling mechanism either on an apparatus main body side or on a bed side includes a coupling plate, and the other coupling mechanism includes a holding member that holds a coupling plate that, during coupling, respectively contacts both side surfaces of the coupling plate at two or more points, and sandwiches and holds the coupling plate from both sides. A first electric connector is mounted on the coupling plate, a second electric connector is mounted on the holding member, and an electric connector coupling mechanism that couples the first and second electric connectors is mounted on at least one of the coupling plate and the holding member in a state where the coupling plate is held by the holding member.