Rotary Connector With Three-Point Locking for Vibration Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection systems for electromedical devices and equipment carriers are not efficient in providing a quick, safe, and easy method for connecting and disconnecting devices without the risk of slippage or falling, especially for heavier devices.

Innovation Solution

The device connection device employs first and second rotary anchor couplings with a suspension device, forming a three-point hitch that allows for secure coupling and vibration-resistant connections, with pivoted levers for manual operation and non-circular locking members for secure anchoring, enabling easy assembly and disassembly without tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a connection system uses simple insertion without suspension support, then the coupling process is quick, but heavier devices may slip or fall during coupling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling speedVSAvoiddevice stability during coupling
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension device engages in advance to support the device weight before the rotary anchor couplings are fully locked, preventing slippage or falling during the coupling process. This preliminary support action ensures safety before the final locking mechanism is activated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If rotary anchor couplings are used for secure connection, then connection reliability is improved, but the coupling process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidcoupling mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into three independent coupling points: one suspension device and two rotary anchor couplings. Each component performs a specific function (weight support, rotational locking), simplifying the design and assembly of each individual part while achieving overall secure connection through their combination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If multiple coupling points are used to prevent slippage, then connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-slippage capabilityVSAvoidnumber of coupling components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension device and rotary anchor couplings are integrated into a unified three-point hitch system where components work together synergistically. The suspension device provides vertical support while the rotary anchors provide horizontal locking, creating a cohesive connection system that achieves high reliability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If the rotary anchors require precise alignment for locking, then connection reliability is improved, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking accuracyVSAvoidalignment difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary anchor couplings allow dynamic adjustment during the coupling process. The rotatable nature of the anchors enables them to self-align or be easily maneuvered into the correct position by hand, accommodating minor misalignments without requiring precise initial positioning, thus maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable locking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4198322A1Rotary connector
Publication Date: 2023.06.21 ERBE ELEKTROMEDIZIN GMBH
  • EP4198322A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4198322A1 patent drawingFigure 2~5
  • EP4198322A1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

A connecting device (12) according to the invention serves to couple two devices (10, 11) arranged one above the other or to couple a device (10) to a device carrier (55). The device connecting device comprises at least two swivel couplings. Preferably, the two swivel couplings are supplemented by a suspension device, so that the three coupling means are preferably arranged in a horizontal or an inclined plane. The suspension device operates on the hook/eye principle, while the swivel couplings provide a positive locking connection by axially inserting a non-circular swivel anchor into an anchor socket and securing it by rotation. This connection is easy to make and release and is also very vibration-resistant.