Motor-Driven Stabilizer Wheel Assembly for Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical devices often experience instability due to uneven flooring during procedures, which can lead to catastrophic movements and harm patients, as conventional stabilization methods like stops and wedges are not always effective.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizer wheel assembly comprising a caster, stem, motor assembly, bumper, and stabilizing leg assembly that can be activated to lower and raise a stabilization leg onto a contact surface, providing a predetermined force to stabilize medical devices and prevent movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional stabilization methods (stops and wedges) are used, then the device can be stabilized to some extent, but the device may still move during medical procedures due to uneven flooring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical stabilization methods (stops and wedges) with an automated motor-driven stabilizer wheel assembly that uses electric motors to extend and retract stabilization legs, providing reliable stabilization without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer wheel assembly is self-activating through motor control, automatically adjusting the stabilization legs to contact the uneven floor surface and maintain device stability without requiring continuous manual adjustment by medical personnel
2Stability of the object's composition
If manual stops and wedges are placed to stabilize the device, then some stabilization is achieved, but movement cannot be completely prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the stabilization parameter from static manual placement to dynamic motor-controlled adjustment, allowing the stabilization legs to apply controlled force and adapt to floor variations, thereby completely preventing device movement
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer wheel assembly activates before the medical procedure begins, preliminarily stabilizing the device on uneven flooring so that no movement occurs during the procedure
3Extent of automation
If a motor assembly is added to the stabilizer wheel, then automated stabilization is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor assembly serves multiple functions: it extends the stabilization leg for contact with the floor, retracts the leg for device movement, and can be controlled through existing display interfaces, justifying the added complexity through multi-functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the stabilizer wheel assembly with the caster system and integrates motor control with the existing display interface, combining multiple functions into a unified system rather than adding separate complex controls
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 stabilizer wheel assembly effectively stabilizes medical devices, reducing the risk of sudden movements and enhancing the success of medical procedures by ensuring a stable platform, even on uneven floors.
Implementation Method 1
a motor assembly that may be used to drive the stabilizing leg assembly onto and off of the contact surface
Data Source
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AI summary
Included is a stabilizer wheel assembly that may assist in stabilizing a medical device during a medical procedure. A medical device may comprise a body; and a plurality of stabilizer wheel assemblies coupled to the body, wherein the stabilizer wheel assemblies each comprise a motor assembly and a stabilization leg, wherein the motor assembly is configured to drive the stabilization leg onto a contact surface to stabilize the body.