Non-Ferrous Locking Clutch for MRI Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current locking clutches for medical imaging systems are impractically large and often made of ferrous materials, which are problematic in magnetic resonance imaging contexts, and it is challenging for operators to access and utilize locking mechanisms, especially when requiring lockability in one direction but not in another.
Innovation Solution
A clutch assembly comprising an inner hub, an outer hub, a roller bearing, and a control collar, where the roller bearing is positioned between the hubs and moved between locked and unlocked states by the control collar, allowing rotation in one direction while inhibiting it in another, and utilizing non-ferrous materials to avoid magnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locking clutches are used to meet loading requirements for medical imaging systems, then the locking function is achieved, but the clutch size becomes impractically large
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch assembly is divided into distinct functional components: an inner hub, an outer hub, a roller bearing, and a control collar. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall size while maintaining locking reliability through the coordinated interaction of these smaller elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller bearing is nested between the inner and outer hubs, with the control collar positioned to move the roller bearing radially. This nested arrangement compactly integrates multiple functional elements within a small volume, achieving the locking function without requiring a large clutch assembly.
2Strength
If ferrous materials are used in the clutch assembly, then structural strength is achieved, but magnetic interference occurs in MRI environments
Solution Approach 1:
The material composition parameter is changed from ferrous to non-ferrous materials. This substitution eliminates magnetic interference in MRI environments while the non-ferrous materials (such as aluminum alloys or titanium) provide sufficient structural strength to meet loading requirements for medical imaging systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a locking mechanism is designed to lock in one direction, then directional control is achieved, but accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control collar serves multiple functions: it moves the roller bearing to engage or disengage the locking mechanism, and it can be accessed from different positions. This multi-functional design allows the locking mechanism to provide directional control while maintaining ease of operation and accessibility for operators.
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
The solution provides a compact, lightweight, and cost-effective locking clutch that is suitable for medical imaging systems, ensuring rotation is inhibited in the locked direction while allowing it in the unlocked direction, and is safe for use in MRI environments due to the absence of ferrous materials.
Implementation Method 1
The inner hub includes a cam surface having a peak and a bottom. The roller bearing is coupled to the inner hub at a predetermined position relative to the peak. The control collar is configured to move the roller bearing between a locked position and an unlocked position.
Implementation Method 2
In the locked position, the roller bearing is proximate the peak, wherein rotation of the inner hub relative to the outer hub is inhibited in a locked direction
Data Source
AI summary
A clutch assembly includes an inner hub, an outer hub, a roller bearing, and a control collar. The inner hub includes a cam surface having a peak and a bottom. The roller bearing is interposed between the inner and outer hub and coupled to the inner hub at a predetermined position relative to the peak. In a locked position, the roller bearing is proximate the peak, wherein rotation of the inner hub relative to the outer hub is inhibited in a locked direction. In the unlocked position, the roller bearing is disposed a greater distance from the peak relative to the locked position, wherein rotation of the inner hub relative to the outer hub is not inhibited in the locked direction.