Mounting Plate Layout for Flexible Auxiliary Spindle Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Medical device suspension systems face limitations in the number of auxiliary spindle mounts due to standardized hexagon mounting patterns and space constraints, restricting the versatility and flexibility of auxiliary arm mounting options.
Innovation Solution
A mounting plate with a hexagon pattern that includes four auxiliary spindle mounting positions, allowing for increased versatility and flexibility in auxiliary arm mounting, with the option to reconfigure spindle positions without reorienting the plate, and incorporating both hexagon and square mounting patterns for universal compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standardized hexagon mounting pattern is used, then universal compatibility and structural stability are improved, but the number of auxiliary spindle mounting positions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate is segmented into multiple functional zones: a central region with primary spindle mounting positions arranged in a hexagon pattern, and four peripheral regions with auxiliary spindle mounting positions. This segmentation allows the plate to accommodate both standardized mounting requirements and additional auxiliary positions without compromising the integrity of either function.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a two-dimensional hexagon pattern to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement by utilizing radial positions at different distances from the center. The auxiliary spindle positions are arranged radially outward from the central hexagon, effectively using the radial dimension to increase mounting capacity without increasing the plate's footprint area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mounting plate size is increased to accommodate more auxiliary spindle positions, then mounting versatility is improved, but space constraints in healthcare settings are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of expanding the mounting plate area horizontally, the design utilizes the radial dimension perpendicular to the plate surface. Auxiliary spindle positions are arranged at different radial distances from the center, allowing four additional mounting positions to be accommodated within the same plate diameter without increasing the overall footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate is designed with multi-functionality to serve both primary and auxiliary mounting purposes. The same plate structure provides both the standardized hexagon pattern for primary spindles and additional radial positions for auxiliary spindles, eliminating the need for separate mounting plates or additional ceiling space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If auxiliary spindle positions are added to the mounting plate, then reconfiguration flexibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate employs asymmetric positioning of the four auxiliary spindle locations relative to the central hexagon pattern. This asymmetric radial arrangement allows for flexible reconfiguration of auxiliary arms while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through consistent radial spacing and standardized hole patterns that can be produced using conventional machining processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting plate for a medical device support system includes opposed major surfaces in a thickness direction. A group of plate mounting orifices is arranged in a hexagon pattern and extends through the opposed major surfaces and defines a perimeter of an area at the major surfaces. A primary orifice extends through the opposed major surfaces, and a group of primary spindle mounting orifices surround the primary orifice and extend through the opposed major surfaces, the primary orifice and the primary spindle mounting orifices located within the defined area. An auxiliary orifice extends through the opposed major surfaces and a group of auxiliary spindle mounting orifices surrounds the auxiliary orifice and extend through the opposed major surfaces, the group of auxiliary spindle mounting orifices defining a perimeter of an auxiliary spindle mounting area at the major surfaces, one of the plate mounting orifices located within the auxiliary spindle mounting area.