Medical Fluid Regulator Locking Knob Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical fluid suction and supply systems face the issue of accidental rotation of the regulation knob, leading to unintended changes in operating parameters, particularly in continuous regulation systems where the knob is free to move and can be knocked out of position.
Innovation Solution
A regulator unit with a regulation knob that can be linearly moved between a locked and unlocked configuration, featuring internal and external toothing and radial projections, along with a circumferential ring, to securely lock the knob in place without limiting continuous regulation, and an internal bush for stability, ensuring the knob remains fixed despite angular position changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the regulation knob is made freely movable to allow continuous regulation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to accidental rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions between two dynamic states: locked and unlocked. The knob can be freely rotated when unlocked for continuous regulation, and securely locked when locked to prevent accidental rotation. This dynamic state change allows the system to adapt between ease of operation and reliability based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism changes the rotational parameter of the knob from free rotation to locked position through linear movement of the locking component. When the locking component moves linearly, it engages or disengages the toothing, thereby changing the rotational freedom parameter of the knob between two extreme states.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental rotation, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the existing regulation knob structure. The locking component is integrated into the knob assembly, and the toothing is incorporated into the main body structure. This merging approach allows the locking function to be added without requiring a completely separate mechanism, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking component acts as an intermediary element between the regulation knob and the main body. It mediates the interaction by providing the locking function through linear movement and engagement with the toothing, rather than requiring direct complex mechanical linkages between the knob and main body.
3Reliability
If the regulation knob is locked in position, then the reliability is improved by preventing accidental changes, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to limited adjustability
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between locked and unlocked states based on operational requirements. When adjustment is needed, the knob is unlocked for free rotation. When parameter stability is required, the knob is locked. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation by allowing both states as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism provides preliminary anti-action by preventing accidental rotation before it can occur. The user can lock the knob in the desired position, and the mechanism proactively prevents any unintended changes, thereby maintaining parameter stability without requiring constant monitoring or adjustment.
Data Source
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AI summary
Regulator unit (1) for fluid suction and/or supply systems for medical use, comprising a main body (2) provided internally with at least one regulating valve which performs continuous regulation of a parameter of said fluid suction and/or supply system; and a regulation knob (3) which can be accessed from the outside of the main body (2) and is designed to control said regulating valve; said regulation knob (3) being movable linearly along its axis between a regulating configuration, where it is rotationally movable with respect to the main body (2) and controls the regulating valve, and a locking configuration, where it is rotationally locked with respect to the main body (2).