Movable Stopper Coupling for Secure Repositionable Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for mounting devices to a support structure face challenges such as difficulty in connecting and disconnecting, complexity that hinders use in medical environments, and a need for secure attachment during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device featuring a base member with a body, stopper, and actuation mechanism, allowing for quick and easy connection and disconnection between the base and plate members, while enabling rotational movement and facilitating cleaning and disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the coupling device uses a fixed stopper position, then the connection is secure, but the device cannot be adjusted or repositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is made movable between a neutral position (allowing plate member removal and repositioning) and a locked position (securing the plate member to the base member). This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by providing both adjustment capability and connection security at different operational stages.
2Reliability
If the coupling device has multiple components for secure connection, then the connection reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper integrates multiple functions: it acts as a positioning element, a locking mechanism, and a guide for plate member insertion. By combining these functions into a single component rather than using separate elements for each function, the design achieves reliable connection while minimizing component count and simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper serves multiple purposes within the coupling device: guiding the plate member during insertion, securing the connection in the locked position, and allowing adjustment when in the neutral position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If the coupling device requires precise alignment for connection, then the connection accuracy improves, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is pre-positioned in the neutral position with its leading end extending toward the opening of the plate member before connection occurs. This preliminary positioning guides the plate member into correct alignment during insertion, ensuring accurate connection without requiring the operator to manually align components, thereby maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper acts as an intermediary element between the base member and the plate member during the connection process. Its leading end protrudes to engage with the plate member opening, facilitating smooth alignment and insertion while ensuring precise final positioning, thus bridging the gap between ease of operation and connection accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device includes base and plate members that are connectable to one another. The base member has a body with a coupling face, a stopper connected to the body and moveable between neutral and locked positions, and an actuation mechanism for moving the stopper. In a connected mode of the coupling device, a contact portion of the coupling face contacts a contact face of the plate member, and an alignment area of the contact portion corresponds to a position of an opening of the plate member. In the neutral position, the stopper is aligned with the alignment area and can be received in the opening thereby permitting removal of the plate member from the base member. In the locked position, the stopper is misaligned with the alignment area, and extends over a part of the plate member to restrict movement of the plate member away from the base member.