Patient Lift Quick-Release Coupling for Secure Rotating Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional overhead lift systems face issues with incorrect mounting of cassettes and spreader bars, leading to potential operational failures due to complex security systems that can be misleading and time-consuming to troubleshoot.
Innovation Solution
A lift assembly with a quick release coupling system using bayonet-type attachment members, allowing for secure and easy attachment of a hoist to a cart/trolley or spreader bar, featuring spring-loaded resistance plates to ensure proper locking and unlocking, reducing the risk of unintentional release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex security system with microswitches is used to prevent incorrect mounting, then mounting safety is improved, but device complexity and troubleshooting difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex microswitch-based security system and replaces it with a purely mechanical bayonet coupling system. The coupling mechanism itself provides the safety function through its geometric design, eliminating the need for separate detection devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bayonet coupling system is self-checking through its mechanical design. The asymmetric geometry automatically prevents incorrect mounting attempts, and the locked/unlocked states are self-evident through the position of the coupling elements, requiring no additional sensors or control systems.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a microswitch-based security system is implemented, then mounting correctness can be detected, but troubleshooting time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual indicators (different colors or markings on male and female coupling parts) to immediately show the correct orientation for coupling. This eliminates the need for electronic detection systems and allows users to quickly identify correct mounting orientation at a glance.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical bayonet coupling provides self-evident feedback through its physical state. When correctly coupled, the mechanism is locked in a specific position that is visually and tactilely apparent, eliminating the need for electronic sensors or complex status indicators.
3Ease of operation
If a bayonet-type quick coupling system is used, then ease of attachment and detachment is improved, but risk of unintentional release may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bayonet coupling uses asymmetric geometry where the male part has protrusions that must align with slots in the female part. This asymmetric design allows easy coupling in the correct orientation while preventing coupling in incorrect orientations, and the locked position is mechanically secure against unintentional release.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating quarter-turn motion of the bayonet coupling creates a smooth, continuous locking action. The curved paths of the coupling elements during rotation ensure gradual engagement and secure locking, making unintentional release during normal operation highly unlikely.
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 system provides a reliable and efficient attachment mechanism that minimizes the risk of incorrect mounting, simplifies troubleshooting, and ensures smooth operation of the lift assembly.
Implementation Method 1
spring-loaded resistance plates to ensure proper locking and unlocking, reducing the risk of unintentional release
Data Source
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AI summary
A lift assembly for moving and handling patients, the assembly comprising a track/rail with at least one cart/trolley guided therein, the cart/trolley being provided with an attachment member, a winch provided with at strap with an attachment member on its free end, and at least one spreader bar with an attachment member, the attachment members being part of quick release coupling system, the lift assembly being adapted to be: - in a portable configuration, the strap being attached to the cart/trolley by attachment members, allowing the winch hanging from the strap to run up and down along a vertical axis, and allowing the spreader bar to be attached directly onto the winch, or - in a fixed configuration, the winch being attached to the cart/trolley by attachment members, allowing the strap to run up and down along a vertical axis, and allowing the spreader bar to be mounted on the free end of the strap, characterized in that the attachment member provided at the free end of the strap is movable between - a locked position, before attachment to the cart/trolley in the portable configuration or before attachment to the spreader bar in the fixed configuration, and - a free position, after attachment to the cart/trolley in the portable configuration, the winch being free to rotate around the vertical axis, or after attachment to the spreader bar in the fixed configuration, the spreader bar being free to rotate around the vertical axis.