Medical Supply Unit Adapter Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical supply units in intensive-care and surgery settings face challenges in adjusting the position of medical apparatuses and accessories without tools, leading to insecure attachment and compromised hygiene due to exposed and lengthy signal cables.
Innovation Solution
A medical supply unit with a carrier featuring a hollow rail and conductive conductor rails, including a fixing rail between the hollow rail and conductor rails, allows for tool-free positioning and secure attachment of adapters using a hand-operable locking device with resilient contacts, preventing accidental disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adapters are positioned using tools to ensure secure fastening, then attachment security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed with an integrated locking mechanism that automatically engages with the coupling device when the adapter is inserted. The resilient contact element automatically locks the adapter in position without requiring external tools, enabling the system to secure itself through the simple act of insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, clamps, tools) with an electrical contact-based locking mechanism. The resilient contact element establishes an electrical connection that simultaneously serves as the locking mechanism, substituting complex mechanical fastening with a simpler electrical contact system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If operating elements are positioned with longer cable ranges to increase adjustability, then adaptability is improved, but hygiene deteriorates due to exposed cables
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the signal cable from the visible and exposed external environment by routing it through the hollow rail structure. The cable is concealed within the coupling device's internal cavity, removing the hygiene problem of exposed cables while preserving the full positioning range of operating elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal cable is nested within the hollow rail structure of the coupling device. The cable runs through the internal cavity of the hollow rail, which is itself nested within the adapter assembly, creating a hierarchical nesting that conceals the cable while maintaining system functionality.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed holders are used to secure operating elements, then stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed with a dynamic locking mechanism that transitions from an unlocked state (allowing free movement and repositioning) to a locked state (providing stable fixation). The resilient contact element can be actuated to engage or disengage the locking feature, enabling the holder to switch between stable and repositionable states as needed.
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
Enables secure, tool-free positioning and attachment of medical apparatuses and accessories, improving hygiene by minimizing cable exposure and preventing accidental disengagement, thus enhancing operational flexibility and cleanliness.
Implementation Method 1
at least one resilient contact element which, in a locked state, establishes electrical contact with the conductor rail
Data Source
AI summary
A medical supply unit is provided including at least one carrier provided with coupling devices with fixing rails. In the fixing rails, fixing elements of an adapter engage, which are locked in the fixing rail by an operating means actuated by hand by means of a locking means.