Operating Table Attachment Device Pivot Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hooking devices for operating tables require significant axial bulk and rely solely on locking mechanisms for security, making them cumbersome and less ergonomic, especially when space is limited.
Innovation Solution
A hooking device with a pivot connection using snap-fastening means and elastic return mechanisms, allowing for a compact design with enhanced ergonomics and secure attachment, featuring a push member for easy unlocking and automatic return to the locked position, along with display means for verification of correct engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional hooking device with locking latch and cone mechanism is used, then reliable locking is achieved, but significant axial bulk is required
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is divided into two separate parts: a first part with a female member and a second part with a male member. This segmentation allows each component to be compact while together forming a complete pivot connection, reducing the overall axial bulk compared to a single integrated locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a conventional locking latch that slides along a cone, the invention inverts the approach by using snap-fastening means where the male and female parts engage directly through complementary geometries. The male part features a projection that snaps into a recess in the female part, eliminating the need for a bulky cone and latch assembly.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact design with reduced footprint is implemented, then space efficiency is improved, but locking reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The male and female members incorporate curved engagement surfaces that guide the snapping action. The projection on the male part fits into the recess of the female part with complementary curvature, ensuring reliable engagement while maintaining a compact footprint. The curved surfaces distribute forces evenly during attachment and detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-fastening mechanism is designed to lock automatically when the first and second parts are brought into the determined angular position. The elastic return means in the female part automatically pushes the projection into the recess without requiring additional actuation, providing self-locking functionality in a compact design.
3Ease of operation
If manual actuation of locking mechanism is required, then operational control is maintained, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device automatically locks when the first and second parts are positioned at the determined angular relationship. The elastic return means in the female part automatically engages the projection on the male part, eliminating the need for manual actuation of a latch or locking mechanism. This self-locking feature greatly simplifies operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical locking system with multiple moving parts is replaced by a simple snap-fit mechanism based on elastic deformation. The elastic return means provides the locking force through material elasticity rather than through a complex system of levers, springs, and latches, reducing overall device complexity.
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 device enables quick, secure, and ergonomic attachment and detachment of elements with a reduced footprint, ensuring reliable operation and ease of use, even with heavy loads, while maintaining safety through natural locking via gravity and elastic return.
Implementation Method 1
latching means comprise elastic return means capable of moving the male part or the female part towards a locking position
Implementation Method 2
due to gravity, the latching means can come to lock naturally
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fastening device with a first element on a second element comprising a first part (1) intended to be mounted on the first element and a second part (2) intended to be mounted on the second element. The second part (2) comprises a male member (38) intended to be removably engaged in a female member (10) of the first part (1) so as to form together a pivot joint, the first and second parts (1, 2) further comprising latching means (23, 40) capable of locking together when the first part (1) is brought into a predetermined angular position relative to the second part (2), said device further comprising unlocking means (15) for unlocking the latching means (23, 40).