Pivotable Wall Locking Mechanism for Thermotherapy Hoods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermotherapy devices, particularly those with hoods, require complex and cumbersome locking mechanisms that cannot be easily operated with one hand, posing a challenge for quick access and safety.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting device with a locking element that moves radially and pivots about a pivoting axis, featuring a blocking element and holding module, allowing for simple one-handed operation by transitioning between locked and unlocked positions through a radial motion, enabling secure closure and opening without loose parts or rattling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If simple snap closures are used to lock the side wall, then the locking function is achieved, but the operation requires both hands and multiple actuation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to be movable radially relative to the pivoting axis section, transitioning between locked and unlocked positions through a single radial motion. This dynamic design allows the locking mechanism to be operated with one hand while maintaining security when locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted from complex multi-step mechanisms and integrated into a simplified radial motion system. The locking element can be moved radially away from the pivoting axis section to unlock and radially toward it to lock, eliminating the need for multiple actuation steps.
2Ease of operation
If the side wall is made pivotable for access, then access to the patient is enabled, but the side wall may carry out uncontrolled opening motions when pressed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element acts as an intermediary between the pivotable wall and the thermotherapy device. When the locking element is in the locked position (radially toward the pivoting axis section), it prevents uncontrolled opening motions while allowing controlled access when moved to the unlocked position.
3Ease of operation
If the locking element is moved radially to unlock, then the side wall can be opened, but the blocking element must be pushed between the pivoting axis section and the contact element
Solution Approach 1:
The holding module automatically pushes the blocking element between the pivoting axis section and the contact element when the locking element is moved radially to the unlocked position. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention to position the blocking element.
Data Source
AI summary
A thermotherapy device (1) includes a pivotable wall (2) and a pivoting device (3). The pivoting device (3) has a pivoting axis section (31) connected to the thermotherapy device. A locking element (32) is connected to the pivotable wall (2) and is mounted movably radially to the pivoting axis section (31) and pivotably about the pivoting axis section (31). A blocking element (33) and a holding module (34) for the blocking element (33) are provided. A contact element (35) is permanently connected to the locking element (32) for contacting the blocking element (33). The holding module (34) pushes the blocking element (33) between the pivoting axis section (31) and the contact element (35) when the locking element (32) is moved from a locked position, defined by a first distance to the pivoting axis section (31), into an unlocked position, defined by a second distance to the pivoting axis section (31).