Rotatable Connection With Adjustable Stopping Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotatable connections for medical equipment mounts in operating rooms lack flexibility in adjusting rotational angles, limiting the placement and positioning of medical devices within a defined action radius, which can restrict the freedom of movement and adaptability to different room configurations.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable connection with an adjustable stopping mechanism that includes a rotation lock and a coupling part with a form-locking contour, allowing for the establishment of multiple rotational angles or ranges by using a stopping device with an integral stop that can be positioned in various rotational positions to cooperate with the rotation lock, enabling easy adjustment of the rotational angle or range without the need for complex designs or tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed stop is used to limit rotational angle, then the maximum rotational angle is controlled, but the freedom of movement and adaptability of the mount is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the stopping mechanism adjustable rather than fixed. The stop can be repositioned along the circular part to change the rotational angle limit, and the circular part itself can be rotated and secured at different positions. This transforms a static limitation into a dynamic, adaptable system that maintains rotational control while providing flexibility for different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the rotational angle parameter to be modified through adjustment of the stopping mechanism. The stop position along the circular part and the circular part's rotational position can both be changed to define different maximum rotational angles, enabling the system to adapt to various room configurations and medical device placement requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable rotational angle mechanism is implemented, then the freedom of movement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the stopping mechanism into distinct functional components: a circular part with circumferential grooves, a stop element, and a securing bolt. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall simplicity. The circular part provides the adjustment interface, the stop defines the limit position, and the bolt secures the configuration, making the adjustable mechanism easier to manufacture and maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the tool-free adjustment capability. The securing bolt can be loosened and tightened by hand to allow rotation and fixation of the circular part, and the stop can be repositioned along the grooves without requiring special tools. This self-adjusting feature reduces complexity by eliminating the need for complex locking mechanisms or specialized adjustment tools.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rotational angle adjustment is made possible, then the adaptability to room configurations is improved, but the manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the circumferential grooves on the circular part during manufacturing. These grooves are created in advance to guide the stop to precise rotational angle positions, eliminating the need for complex post-manufacturing adjustment mechanisms. The grooves serve as pre-prepared positioning features that ensure accurate and repeatable angular settings while simplifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the circular part as an intermediary element between the stop and the mounting structure. The circular part with its pre-formed grooves acts as a mediator that translates the simple act of moving the stop along the grooves into precise rotational angle positioning. This intermediary component facilitates easy adjustment while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, as the grooves can be standard features molded or machined into the circular part.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotatable connection for a mount device for placement in an operating room includes an adjustable stopping mechanism that can be disposed between a first connection component and a second connection component that is mounted rotatably relative to the first connection component about an axis of rotation. The adjustable stopping mechanism may be adapted to establish at least two different relative rotational angles of the connection components relative to one another or at least two different rotation ranges. The adjustable stopping mechanism includes a rotation lock that can be disposed non-rotatingly at the first connection component and a coupling part that can be disposed non-rotatingly at the second connection component and that has a form-locking contour for establishing individual rotational angle positions, and may include a stopping device with an integral stop. The stopping device may be non-rotatingly positionable. A support system or mount device are also provided.