Snap-Fit Brake Liner Assembly for Serviceable Medical Support Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical device suspension systems face challenges in assembly and field service due to the need for manual gluing of brake components, which is costly and not easily replaceable, requiring disassembly and transportation to a service facility.
Innovation Solution
A brake assembly with snap-fitted liners and backing portions that simplify assembly and service by allowing easy installation and removal, using an actuator to adjust frictional braking force through flexural movement of the backing portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If brake liners are glued to backing portions using manual factory processes, then the brake assembly provides reliable frictional braking, but the assembly and servicing become costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding method (glue/adhesive) with a mechanical retention system. The brake liners include retention features such as protrusions that engage with corresponding recesses in the backing portions, creating a mechanical interlock that eliminates the need for manual gluing processes while maintaining reliable frictional braking performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake liner is divided into multiple segments or pieces that can be separately assembled to the backing portion. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly, as the modular components can be independently produced and then mechanically connected through the retention features, reducing the complexity of the overall assembly process.
2Reliability
If brake liners are permanently attached in the factory, then the brake assembly provides stable performance, but field servicing requires complete disassembly and transportation to service facilities
Solution Approach 1:
The brake assembly transitions from a static, permanently attached configuration to a dynamic, adjustable system. The mechanical retention features allow the brake liners to be easily detached and reattached in the field, enabling quick servicing without requiring complete disassembly or transportation to specialized facilities, while maintaining stable braking performance through the secure mechanical interlock.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake liners are designed as replaceable components that can be quickly swapped in the field. Rather than requiring complex repair procedures, the liners can be easily removed and replaced with new ones using the mechanical retention system, reducing downtime and servicing costs while maintaining reliable performance.
3Force
If traditional C-shape clamp assemblies with glued liners are used, then the brake provides necessary frictional force, but the servicing process becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming manual gluing process with a quick mechanical assembly system. The retention features allow brake liners to be rapidly attached and detached without requiring adhesive application, curing time, or specialized tools, significantly reducing service time while maintaining the necessary frictional braking force through the secure mechanical connection.
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
This solution enhances efficiency in factory assembly and field service by allowing quick and cost-effective installation and maintenance of medical device support systems, reducing downtime and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator configured to flex the first and second backing portions to urge the first and second liners toward and away from each other to respectively increase and decrease a frictional braking force
Implementation Method 2
provides necessary frictional force to control the pivotable movement of the arm around the shaft
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical device support system including a central shaft, an extension arm, and a brake assembly. The extension arm has a support for a medical device and a hub at its proximal end mounted to the central shaft for pivotable movement about the central shaft. The brake assembly is secured in the hub for rotation therewith and includes first and second backing portions and first and second liners supported by the backing portions. At least the first liner is supported by the first backing portion by the first liner being snap-fitted to the first backing portion. The brake assembly includes an actuator configured to flex the first and second backing portions to urge the first and second liners toward and away from each other to respectively increase and decrease a frictional braking force to the central shaft.