Medical Support Arm Link Layout for Better Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical device support systems with load balancing arms have suboptimal force transmission due to short links that attach to the proximal end of the counterbalancing spring, leading to inefficient balancing and increased spring travel.
Innovation Solution
A load balancing arm design where the link connects at its proximal end to an adjustment bearing element and at its distal end to the counterbalancing spring, allowing for a longer link and improved force transmission, reducing spring travel and enhancing balance throughout the pivotable range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the link is made shorter and attached to the proximal end of the spring, then the device complexity is reduced, but the force transmission efficiency deteriorates and spring travel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional attachment arrangement by connecting the link to the distal end of the spring instead of the proximal end. This reversal of the attachment point allows the link to be longer while maintaining compact overall dimensions, thereby improving force transmission efficiency without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent reconfigures the spatial arrangement of components by positioning the link-spring connection at the distal end, effectively utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the support arm. This dimensional reorganization enables longer link length for better force transmission while keeping the proximal end attachment points fixed
2Device complexity
If the link is made shorter and attached to the proximal end of the spring, then the device complexity is reduced, but the spring travel increases
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the attachment configuration and connecting the link to the distal end of the spring rather than the proximal end, the patent reduces the required spring travel distance. The longer link provides better mechanical leverage, allowing the spring to achieve the same balancing effect with less travel, thereby reducing the overall movement range required
3Force
If the link is made longer by attaching to the distal end of the spring, then the force transmission improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the inversion principle by reversing the conventional attachment arrangement. Instead of connecting the link to the proximal end of the spring, it connects to the distal end. This simple configuration reversal enables longer link length for improved force transmission without requiring complex additional components or mechanisms
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 design achieves better force transmission and reduced spring travel, resulting in a more balanced load balancing arm, effectively counteracting the moments generated by medical device loads across the pivotable range.
Implementation Method 1
a spring extending within a cavity of the support arm and mounted to exert a biasing force between the main pivot axis and a distal end of the spring
Implementation Method 2
at least one link having a proximal end pivotably mounted to the adjustable bearing element for pivotable movement about the adjustable pivot axis, and a distal end pivotably mounted to the distal end of the spring such that the biasing force exerted by the spring is transmitted through the link
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A load balancing arm for a medical device support system. The load balancing arm includes a proximal hub, an adjustable bearing element, a support arm, a spring and a link. A distal end of the support arm is configured to support a medical device load and a proximal end is pivotably mounted to a main bearing element for pivotable movement about a main pivot axis. The spring extends within a cavity of the support arm and is mounted to exert a biasing force between the main pivot axis and a distal end of the spring. The link has a proximal end pivotably mounted to the adjustable bearing element for pivotable movement about an adjustable pivot axis, and a distal end pivotably mounted to the distal end of the spring such that the biasing force exerted by the spring is transmitted through the link to the adjustable bearing element.