Polyurethane Spring Fixing Device for MR Component Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Achieving precise and secure positioning of components, such as a housing unit relative to a magnet unit in magnetic resonance apparatus, is challenging due to manufacturing tolerances and the need for a precise fixing force, which often requires high assembly effort and specialized tools like torque wrenches.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost fixing device with an adjusting unit featuring a spring element made of polyurethane material, including a sliding layer to reduce friction and a decoupling unit for vibration damping, allowing for easy setting and indication of a maximum fixing force without damaging the components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a torque wrench is used to adjust the fixing force, then a precise fixing force can be achieved, but the assembly effort and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive, specialized torque wrench with a simple, inexpensive adjusting element that can be easily manipulated during assembly. This adjusting element serves as a disposable or single-use component that eliminates the need for costly magnetic resonance compatible torque wrenches while achieving the required fixing force precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting element acts as an intermediary between the fixing element and the components being fixed. It provides a mechanical means to set and indicate the fixing force without requiring complex measurement tools, thereby simplifying the assembly process while maintaining precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If a precise fixing force is set to compensate for manufacturing tolerances, then secure positioning is achieved, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting element is pre-configured with indication features that show the correct fixing force level before assembly begins. This allows the assembler to quickly set the appropriate fixing force without performing complex calculations or measurements during the assembly process, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting element incorporates visual or tactile feedback mechanisms that indicate when the correct fixing force has been applied. This immediate feedback allows assemblers to verify proper positioning without additional measurement steps, reducing assembly time while ensuring manufacturing precision is achieved.
3Ease of operation
If a simple adjusting element is used to reduce assembly complexity, then ease of operation improves, but the ability to set a precise maximum fixing force may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting element incorporates color-coded indicators or markings that correspond to different fixing force levels. These visual indicators allow assemblers to easily select and set the correct fixing force without complex measurements, maintaining both operational simplicity and setting accuracy through intuitive visual guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting element translates the abstract concept of fixing force magnitude into a tangible, dimensional feature such as a marked scale, colored zone, or physical stop. This dimensional representation allows assemblers to set precise fixing forces through simple visual or tactile cues rather than complex measurements, maintaining both ease of operation and precision.
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
Enables secure, time-saving, and precise positioning of components with reduced assembly effort, maintaining component integrity and compensating for manufacturing tolerances, while being compatible with magnetic resonance environments.
Implementation Method 1
The spring element may include the polyurethane material. The adjusting element (e.g., the spring element) includes a foamed polyurethane material. The polyurethane material (e.g., the foamed polyurethane material) forms an elastically deformable, yet dimensionally stable adjusting element that, when subjected to a load (e.g., a compressive load) is able to deform elastically, such that after the load is removed, the adjusting element assumes an original shape once more.
Implementation Method 2
An advantageous assistance for a decoupling between the first component and the second component may be achieved if the at least one adjusting element includes a polyurethane material.
Implementation Method 3
a vibration-damped and/or vibration-decoupled positioning of a housing unit around a magnet unit of a magnetic resonance apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes at least one first component, at least one second component and a fixing device that, in order to secure the at least one second component to the at least one first component, is arranged between the at least one first component and the at least one second component. The fixing device includes an adjusting unit. The adjusting unit includes at least one adjusting element for setting a fixing force.