Modular Load-Balancing Arm Adapters for Multi-Interface Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Load balancing arms in medical device support systems often have dedicated interfaces, making them incompatible with different extension arms and accessories, leading to the need for unique components and mounting methods, limiting their versatility across various medical device support systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of modular adapters, including interchangeable drop tube adapters and bearing support adapters, allows load balancing arms to connect with multiple extension arms and accessories, providing flexibility by enabling different connection interfaces and sizes, thus eliminating the need for system-specific components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If load balancing arms have dedicated proximal and distal end interfaces that are integrally part of the load balancing arm structure, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to different extension arms and accessories is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The interface structure is divided into two separate components: the load balancing arm with its hub structure, and a separate adapter assembly comprising a proximal end adapter and distal end adapter. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed and manufactured, enabling the adapters to be customized for different interface requirements while keeping the load balancing arm structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly serves multiple functions: it provides different proximal end interfaces for compatibility with various extension arms, different distal end interfaces for compatibility with various accessories, and maintains the load-bearing functionality. By making the adapter universal rather than the entire load balancing arm, the system achieves multi-functionality without excessive complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If different load balancing arms require different components and mounting methods, then each system is optimized for its specific application, but the quantity of components and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the standardized load balancing arm from the customized adapter assembly, the patent enables standardization of the core load-bearing component while allowing customization at the adapter level. This segmentation means that the load balancing arm can be manufactured once and reused across multiple applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly acts as an intermediary component that bridges the standardized load balancing arm and the various extension arms or accessories. Instead of modifying the load balancing arm for each application, the adapter serves as a mediator that provides the necessary interface customization, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If accessories are compatible with the distal end of one load balancing arm, then the design is simplified, but compatibility with different load balancing arms is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The distal end interface is extracted from the load balancing arm structure and placed into a separate distal end adapter. This extraction allows the interface design to be independent of the load balancing arm, enabling accessories to be compatible with any load balancing arm through the use of appropriate adapters, without increasing the complexity of the load balancing arm itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal end adapter serves as an intermediary between the standardized load balancing arm and various accessories. It provides the necessary interface customization to ensure accessory compatibility across different load balancing arm models, while keeping the load balancing arm design simple and standardized.
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical device support system adapter for connection to a load balancing arm of a medical device support system. The adapter includes a body having a central axis, a connection component at one end of the body and an interface at an opposite end of the body. The body is rotatably connectable to another component of the medical device support system. The interface is connectable to a hub of the load balancing arm of the medical device support system. The interface has at least two mounting bolt holes equally angularly spaced apart about the central axis such that the body is connectable to the hub of the load balancing arm in at least two different angular positions of the body about the central axis.