Rotational Control Ring for 360° Medical Support Arm Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical device suspension systems often limit the rotation of extension arms to less than 360 degrees, requiring multiple components and increasing the volumetric footprint, which complicates integration and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A rotational control mechanism featuring a free rotating ring that allows at least 360-degree rotation of the extension arm about a shaft, with a compound rotation range defined by a combination of a first and second rotation range, using a fixed stop and radially protruding members to prevent over-rotation, while minimizing the number of components and footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed feature in the hub contacts a fixed feature on the shaft to limit rotation, then rotation is controlled to prevent collision and strain, but the rotation range is limited to below 360 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the stop feature dynamic rather than fixed. The stop feature is configured to move between a first position and a second position, allowing the rotation limit to be adjusted. When in the first position, it allows at least 360 degrees of rotation; when in the second position, it limits rotation to less than 360 degrees. This dynamic adjustment mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing both full rotation capability and collision prevention as needed.
2Reliability
If multiple stacked components are used in the rotational control mechanism, then rotational control is achieved, but the volumetric footprint increases and integration is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by integrating multiple functions into a single stop feature component. This stop feature simultaneously provides rotation limiting, adjustable positioning, and collision prevention functions that would traditionally require multiple separate components. The unified design reduces the volumetric footprint and simplifies integration into the hub structure while maintaining reliable rotational control.
3Reliability
If rotation is limited to below 360 degrees, then collision and strain are prevented, but options for installations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the stop feature dynamic rather than fixed. The stop feature is configured to move between a first position and a second position, allowing the rotation limit to be adjusted. When in the first position, it allows at least 360 degrees of rotation; when in the second position, it limits rotation to less than 360 degrees. This dynamic adjustment mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing both full rotation capability and collision prevention as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device support system including a shaft, an extension arm, and a free rotating ring. The shaft includes an elongated peripheral cavity that defines first and second contact faces at opposite peripheral ends. A hub of the extension arm is pivotably mounted for a range of at least 360 degrees rotation about a rotation axis of the shaft. The at least 360 degrees rotation range is based on a compound of a first rotation range and a second rotation range. The first rotation range is defined by a fixed stop of the hub configured to move between first and second contact faces of a radially outward protruding member of the free rotating ring. The second rotation range is defined by a radially inward protruding member of the free rotating ring configured to move between the first and second contact faces of the elongated peripheral cavity of the shaft.