Support Arm Connection with Counterweight Key for Safe Camera Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ceiling-mounted surgical camera systems with spring-loaded support arms become imbalanced when a camera is removed, potentially causing injury due to rapid recoil.

Innovation Solution

A connection system comprising a first connection section, a second connection section, and a key member with an actuator that allows safe and quick attachment and detachment of devices from the support arm, compensating for the weight imbalance by using a weighted key member to offset the weight lost when a device is detached.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a spring-loaded support arm is used to compensate for camera weight, then the support arm can maintain balance when camera is attached, but when camera is removed the springs cause imbalance and rapid recoil that can injure users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebalance of support armVSAvoidrapid recoil causing injury

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A weighted key member is introduced as a counterweight to offset the imbalance caused by spring activation when the camera is removed. The key member's weight compensates for the lost camera weight, preventing rapid recoil and maintaining support arm balance during device detachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the camera and support arm. It controls the interaction by requiring specific steps (inserting key member, actuating release mechanism) to detach the camera, thereby managing the spring's energy release safely and preventing harmful recoil.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a secure locking mechanism is implemented to prevent accidental detachment, then device security is improved, but the attachment and detachment process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachment of deviceVSAvoidcomplexity of connection system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into distinct functional components: a first connection section attached to the support arm, a second connection section attached to the device, and a keyed portion for alignment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic release state through an actuator mechanism. The actuator allows the second connection section to move between locked and unlocked positions, providing secure attachment during operation while enabling quick detachment when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If a quick-release mechanism is used to enable rapid detachment, then the detachment speed is improved, but the risk of accidental release and user injury increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of detachmentVSAvoidrisk of accidental release and injury

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The key member must be inserted into the keyed portion and the actuator moved to the unlocked position before the device can be detached. This preliminary action sequence ensures intentional detachment while maintaining quick release capability, preventing accidental release by requiring deliberate user action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables safe and rapid attachment and detachment of devices from spring-loaded support arms, preventing user injury and maintaining balance, allowing a single user to manage the process with ease.

Implementation Method 1

The support arm also includes loaded springs therein that are designed to compensate for the weight of the camera

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

allows a single user to safely and quickly attach and detach a device to and from a support arm while supporting the device with the other hand

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS8205847B2Connection system for mounting a device onto a support arm

Publication Date: 2012.06.26 AMERICAN STERILIZER CO

AI summary

The present invention provides a connection system for attaching and detaching a device to and from a support arm. The connection system is comprised of a key member having a keyed portion. A first section is attachable to a support arm. The first section is dimensioned to receive the keyed portion of the key member. A second section is attachable to a device. The second section is dimensioned to attach to the first section. An actuator is operable to move between a first position and a second position. The second section is locked to the first section when the actuator is in the first position. The second section is detachable from the first section when the key member is locked to the first section and the actuator is in the second position.