Split-Collar Mechanical Brake for Surgical Lighting Boom Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceiling-mounted surgical support systems for medical equipment face challenges in maintaining the vertical alignment of booms due to equipment weight, leading to drifting issues, and current brake solutions require frequent adjustments or are complex to operate.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical brake assembly with a split-collar design that adjusts frictional force dynamically, releasing when movement is initiated and reclamping upon reaching a desired position, using a stop mechanism to engage different leg sections based on rotation direction to manage friction engagement with the spindle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If brake pads are tightened and set by mechanical fasteners to maintain position, then positioning stability is improved, but friction during movement increases and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system transitions from a static fastener-tightened state to a dynamic state during movement. When movement force is applied to the boom arm, the collar rotates on the spindle, causing the brake pads to release from the braking surface. This dynamic response allows the system to automatically switch between holding and moving states without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake system performs self-service by automatically releasing when movement is initiated and automatically re-engaging when movement stops. The collar's rotation during movement naturally causes the brake pads to disengage, and when movement ceases, the collar returns to its original position and the pads re-engage, eliminating the need for manual activation or deactivation.
2Reliability
If mechanical fasteners are used to tighten brake pads, then braking reliability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is designed to activate and deactivate automatically based on movement conditions. The collar's position relative to the spindle naturally controls the engagement and disengagement of brake pads, eliminating the need for complex electromechanical control systems while maintaining reliable braking function.
3Measurement precision
If brake pads are held tightly against the spindle, then positioning precision is improved, but friction during movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system dynamically adjusts the contact between brake pads and spindle based on movement conditions. During movement, the collar rotates and the brake pads naturally disengage from the spindle surface, minimizing friction. When movement stops, the pads return to their braking position to maintain precision.
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 brake assembly allows for adjustable and maintenance-friendly operation, ensuring stable positioning of medical equipment by varying frictional force, reducing the need for constant adjustments and preventing drifting once the desired position is reached.
Implementation Method 1
A friction surface is defined along the inner surface of each of the leg sections. An adjustable fastening assembly connects the second ends of the leg sections together and clamps the leg sections to the spindle with the friction surface on the leg sections engaging the outer surface of the spindle.
Implementation Method 2
A stop member is connected to the hub. The stop is disposed to engage a surface of the leg sections, wherein rotation of the spindle in a first direction about the axis causes a surface of one of the leg sections to engage the stop and to reduce frictional engagement of one of the leg sections with the spindle as the spindle moves in the first direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A brake assembly for braking relative rotational movement of a spindle that is moveable about a central axis relative to a hub. The brake assembly is comprised of a collar comprised of a pair of arcuate leg sections, having a first end pivotally linked together to allow pivoting movement of the leg sections. A frictional surface is provided along the inner surface of each of leg section. An adjustable fastening assembly connects second ends of the leg sections together and clamps the leg sections to the spindle with the frictional surface on the leg sections engaging the outer surface of the spindle. A stop member is connected to the hub and is disposed to engage a surface of the leg sections, wherein rotation of the spindle in a first direction about the axis causes a surface of one of the leg sections to engage the stop and to reduce frictional engagement of one of said leg sections by releasing engagement with the spindle as the spindle moves in said first direction.