Sliding Joint Assembly for Patient Support Panel Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient support assemblies for medical use, such as in radiation therapy, face challenges in being case-specific, cumbersome to install, and requiring angled movements that can strain healthcare workers due to the need for precise alignment and rotation of extension panels with patient support panels.
Innovation Solution
A joint assembly with a first body member configured to move translationally over a second body member, allowing for a straightforward sliding motion instead of rotational alignment, simplifying the installation process and reducing the need for complex angular movements, thereby enhancing ergonomic conditions for nurses and technical assistants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the joint assembly requires rotational alignment and angled movements for connecting the extension panel to the patient support panel, then the connection can be securely established, but the installation process becomes cumbersome and strains healthcare workers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional rotational connection mechanism into a translational sliding mechanism. Instead of requiring the tab member to rotate into the cavity member, the design allows the tab member to slide directly into the cavity member along the engagement direction, eliminating the need for angled movements and rotational alignment while maintaining secure connection through the latch and attachment member engagement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the extension panel is made relatively long to provide adequate support, then the patient support functionality is improved, but the panel becomes more difficult to maneuver and install due to its length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the engagement mechanism from rotational to translational, allowing the long extension panel to be connected by simple sliding motion rather than requiring complex rotational maneuvers that would be difficult with a long panel. The tab member slides directly into the cavity member along the engagement direction, making it feasible to install even relatively long extension panels without excessive maneuvering difficulty.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the joint assembly requires precise rotational alignment to achieve the locking position, then the connection stability is improved, but the installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the engagement sequence by allowing direct translational insertion of the tab member into the cavity member, eliminating the need for preliminary rotational alignment. The latch and attachment member automatically engage through the sliding motion, achieving stable connection without time-consuming rotational maneuvers and precise alignment procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A joint assembly releasably connecting an extension panel to a patient support panel mounted on a pedestal includes a first body member configured to be coupled to the extension panel and a second body member configured to be coupled to the patient support panel. The first body member has a cavity member extending in an engagement direction and an attachment member. The second body member includes a tab member and a latch. The first body member is engageable with the second body member by moving the cavity member with respect to the tab member and by latching the attachment member with the latch. The cavity member is moveable translatable over the tab member in the engagement direction up to a locking position where the latch latches on the attachment member.