Modular Medical Device Locking Mechanism with Rotating Bar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical device arrangement systems, such as those for infusion pumps, face issues with stability, space efficiency, and ease of use due to complex locking mechanisms and high storage costs, which can lead to instability and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A modular arrangement system with a first housing part featuring a coupling structure on diametrically opposed sides and a second housing part with a rotatably or slidably mounted bar for secure locking, allowing for quick, intuitive, and space-saving connection of multiple modules, enabling easy assembly and disassembly with single-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a complex locking mechanism with hooks and integrated electrical connections is used, then the connection stability is improved, but the device complexity and cleaning time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a simplified hook element and a distinct locking element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining connection stability. The hook element provides the anchoring function while the locking element provides the securing function, eliminating the need for integrated complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted from the hook element and implemented as a separate locking element that can be independently actuated. This extraction simplifies the overall mechanism by removing unnecessary integration complexity and allows for easier cleaning and maintenance of individual components.
2Volume of moving object
If a narrow hook design is used to save space, then the storage space is reduced, but the stability of the connection is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism utilizes rotational movement in a third dimension to achieve effective locking with minimal space occupation. The locking element rotates about an axis to engage and disengage from the hook element, providing stable connection while maintaining a compact footprint. This dimensional approach allows the mechanism to function effectively without requiring extensive linear space.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual placement and locking of modules is required, then the connection precision is improved, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hook element and locking element are pre-positioned on the modules in a ready-to-engage configuration. This preliminary arrangement allows for rapid assembly by simply bringing the modules together, as the locking components are already in the correct positions to engage automatically, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustment while maintaining precision.
4Ease of operation
If the locking mechanism is made accessible for manual operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of hand entrapment increases
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary actuating element is introduced between the user's hand and the locking mechanism. This intermediary component allows manual operation of the locking element while preventing direct contact with hazardous areas, thereby reducing the risk of hand entrapment while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular arrangement system for arranging medical devices, in particular infusion pumps, and a device having a housing which forms the modular arrangement system. The system has at least two arrangement modules which can be mechanically connected to one another. A first arrangement module has a first housing part with a first coupling structure arranged on at least two diametrically opposed sides. A second arrangement module has a second housing part adapted to be mounted on, below or laterally to the first housing part. The second housing part has a bar rotatably or slidably mounted in the second housing part for locking the two housing parts. The bar is designed in such a way that, by a singular actuation, it engages into the first coupling structure on at least two diametrically opposite sides of the first housing part, preferably simultaneously in an undercutting manner.