Spring-Spool Cable Retraction for Vital Signs Monitor Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The management of cables and tubes used in vital sign monitors often results in tangling and damage, posing a challenge for clinical staff who need to quickly and efficiently monitor patients' vital signs.
Innovation Solution
A retraction system utilizing multiple spool assemblies with rotational bias from springs, where a ratcheting stop prevents unwinding and a lever allows controlled rewinding of cables and tubes onto spools, housed in an enclosure with features for secure mounting and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cables and tubes are extended for use, then accessibility and functionality are improved, but tangling and damage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic spool assemblies that rotate to pay out and retract cables and tubes. The spools transition between stationary and rotating states, allowing the cables to be extended when needed and automatically retracted when not in use, preventing tangling and damage through continuous motion control.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded spool assemblies provide self-service retraction functionality. When cables are released from the spools, the springs automatically generate rotational force to rewind and retract the cables back onto the spools without requiring manual intervention, thereby preventing tangling and damage autonomously.
2Loss of time
If sensors are left unsecured for quick access, then response time is reduced, but damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spool assemblies provide dynamic cable management that allows sensors to be quickly deployed and retracted. The rotatable spools enable rapid sensor access while maintaining secure storage when not in use, eliminating the need to choose between quick access and sensor protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool assemblies act as intermediary devices between the sensor storage location and the point of use. They provide a controlled mechanism for sensor deployment and retraction, ensuring sensors are neither left exposed nor difficult to access, but managed through an intermediate rotational storage system.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple cables are managed separately, then organization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple cable management functions into a single integrated enclosure containing multiple spool assemblies. Each spool handles a specific cable, but all are housed together with coordinated release mechanisms, providing organized cable management while consolidating the overall structure rather than using separate standalone systems.
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 system effectively organizes cables and tubes, prevents tangling, and protects sensors by allowing easy extension and retraction, reducing damage and saving time for clinical staff.
Implementation Method 1
a spool rotationally biased by a spring force, the at least one cable or tube mounted on the spool in a variably wound condition such that, as the cable or tubing is extended, the spool is rotated in a first rotational direction against the spring force
Implementation Method 2
A lever attached to the enclosure selectively releases the ratcheting stop to allow the spool to rotate in the second rotational direction by the spring force thereby selectively permitting retraction of the cable or tubing by rewinding at least a portion thereof onto the spool
Implementation Method 3
A ratcheting stop is coupled to the spool selectively preventing rotation of the spool in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction thereby selectively preventing retraction of the cable or tubing
Data Source
AI summary
A cable retraction system, useful at least in vital signs monitoring systems, rolls sensors cables and tubes on rotary spring spools, inside a protective enclosure, for storage. The cables and tubes along with the sensors can easily be pulled out for use and then retracted back into the enclosure as required. This eliminates tangled cables and tubes and provides protection for the sensors by not being on dangling long cables when not in use.