Separable Infinite Rotation Fiber Optic Joint for Suspension Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical device suspension systems face challenges in accommodating wiring for high-definition video, data, and power transfer while allowing for unlimited rotation and easy adjustment of the devices in operating rooms.
Innovation Solution
A medical suspension arm assembly featuring a plurality of suspension arms connected by infinite rotation joints, with cabling including fiber optic cables extending through each joint, enabling the transfer of high-definition video, data, and power across the joints while allowing for unlimited rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rotation of joints is limited using stops to allow wiring to extend fully through supports, then wiring can be protected from excessive twisting, but the range of rotation is limited and data transfer rate is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The joint is divided into a first portion and a second portion that can be separated. The cabling includes a first section and a second section that can be independently routed through the joint portions. This segmentation allows the wiring to be protected while enabling unlimited rotation by separating the mechanical support function from the electrical connection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint acts as an intermediary component between the first suspension arm and the second suspension arm. It mediates the transmission of both mechanical loads and electrical signals while allowing relative rotation. The separable design with independent cabling sections enables the joint to protect wiring from twisting while maintaining full rotatability.
2Ease of operation
If rotation of joints is allowed for a larger range to enable full adjustability, then the suspension arm can be easily positioned, but the wiring is subjected to excessive twisting and data transfer rate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The joint is segmented into separable first and second portions with independent cabling sections. This allows the suspension arm to rotate freely without twisting the wiring, as each cabling section can be routed independently through its respective joint portion, eliminating the harmful twisting effect while maintaining full adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint is designed to be dynamic and separable, allowing it to adapt its configuration during operation. The first and second portions can be separated or connected as needed, enabling the system to maintain both full rotatability for ease of operation and wiring protection from twisting.
3Reliability
If a separable joint design is used to protect wiring, then wiring can be routed independently, but the joint complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joint is divided into a first portion and a second portion that can be separated, with corresponding first and second cabling sections. This segmentation provides wiring protection and independent routing capabilities. The modular design, while increasing structural complexity, enables reliable wiring protection and flexible configuration.
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
The solution allows for a large data transfer rate while enabling the suspension arm assembly to be fully and easily adjustable, supporting the operation of medical devices in operating rooms with enhanced functionality.
Implementation Method 1
Cabling including at least one fiber optic cable extends through each of the suspension arms and each joint. High definition video, data and power can be transferred along each one of the suspension arms through the cabling and across each joint.
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension arm assembly including at least two members relatively rotatable about each other at a joint, with at least one of the joints comprising an infinite rotation joint. The infinite rotation joint allows the members at the infinite rotation joint to have unlimited rotation relative to one another. The infinite rotation joint is configured to pass at least an optical signal therethrough. The infinite rotation joint includes a stator and a rotor. At least two portions of the infinite rotation joint are separable and can automatically form a unit when adjacent arms are connected together such that the infinite rotation joint can be separated into the at least two portions. The at least two portions are configured to be automatically connected to allow the optical signal to pass therethrough once the at least two portions are engaged.