Operating Light Suspension Mounting Using Compressive Set Screws
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing mounting systems for operating lights in operating rooms are prone to screw breakage under heavy loads due to tension stress, leading to instability and oscillation, which is inconvenient for personnel and requires frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The system uses set screws that apply compression stress instead of tension, eliminating screw elongation and breakage, and includes anti-loosening screws and protective caps to prevent loosening and ensure stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If assembly screws are used to fix the operating light suspension to the anchor tube, then the suspension can be mounted, but the screws experience tensile stress and can break due to fatigue under heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the stress state of the fixing screws from tensile stress to compressive stress. Instead of using assembly screws that work in tension, the patent employs pressure screws that are tightened in compression against the anchor tube. This inversion eliminates screw elongation and breakage, as compressive stress does not cause the same fatigue failures as tensile stress.
2Ease of operation
If the operating light suspension is fixed to the anchor tube with clearance, then assembly is easier, but the suspension oscillates within the tube when force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the stress state parameter of the fixing screws from tensile to compressive. By tightening the pressure screws in compression against the anchor tube, the suspension is firmly held in position without oscillation. The compressive force eliminates the clearance and prevents lateral or rotational movement, while the modular design maintains ease of assembly.
3Stability of the object's composition
If maintenance technicians tighten the loose screws to eliminate play, then the oscillation is reduced, but the screws break due to over-tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the stress state from tensile to compressive, fundamentally changing how the screws interact with the anchor tube. Pressure screws are designed to be tightened in compression, which eliminates the risk of over-tightening failures. The compressive stress state is inherently more forgiving and does not lead to screw breakage even when firmly tightened to eliminate play.
4Ease of manufacture
If assembly screws working in tension are used, then the suspension can be attached, but the screws undergo elongation and can break under heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the stress state of the fixing screws from tensile to compressive. Pressure screws are tightened in compression against the anchor tube, which eliminates screw elongation and breakage. This design maintains ease of manufacture while fundamentally improving screw strength and reliability under heavy loads.
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 more reliable and stable mounting system by preventing screw breakage and oscillation, reducing maintenance needs and ensuring secure attachment of the operating light.
Implementation Method 1
each fixing screw is a pressure screw designed to secure the operating light suspension to the anchor tube by compressive force
Implementation Method 2
each fixing screw comprising a threaded body and a clamping head, each fixing screw being designed to be screwed with its threaded body into one of the fixing threads
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a system (300) for mounting surgical lighting on the ceiling of an operating area, comprising: an anchoring tube (310) for anchoring the surgical lighting to the ceiling, the anchoring tube (310) comprising fixing boreholes (315); a surgical lighting suspension (320) for carrying said lighting and to be fixed to said tube (310), comprising a fixing section (323) with fixing internal threads (324); and fixing screws (330) comprising a threaded body and a securing head, each screw being designed to be screwed with the threaded body thereof into one of said internal threads (324) and to be received with the securing head thereof in one of the fixing boreholes (315). Each fixing screw is a set screw (330) provided for ensuring the fixing of the surgical lighting suspension (320) to the anchoring tube (310) by compression.