Medical Device Support Arm Linkage for Compact Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical device support systems face challenges in improving force transmission and load balancing capacity without increasing the size of load balancing arms, which is crucial in healthcare settings where space is limited and various rotations and pivots are required for medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A load balancing arm design featuring a link connecting to both ends of two springs within a cavity, allowing the biasing forces to be transmitted through a link to a bearing element, generating a moment that counters the medical device load, thereby enhancing force transmission and load bearing capacity without increasing the arm's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the spring force of the arm's spring is increased to improve load balancing capacity, then the load bearing capacity is improved, but the cross sectional area of the spring and load balancing arm must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The single spring system is segmented into two separate springs (first spring and second spring) that work together to provide the counterbalancing force. This segmentation allows the load balancing capacity to be improved without requiring a single large spring, thus maintaining a smaller cross sectional area of the load balancing arm.
Solution Approach 2:
The first spring and second spring are nested within the cavity of the load balancing arm, with the springs arranged in series configuration. This nesting allows both springs to be accommodated within the existing space envelope of the arm, improving load capacity without increasing the external dimensions or cross sectional area of the arm.
2Force
If the cross sectional area of the load balancing arm is increased to accommodate higher spring forces, then the load bearing capacity is improved, but the available space for healthcare personnel is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the spring system into two smaller springs rather than one large spring, the load balancing arm can maintain a smaller cross sectional area, thereby preserving more space for healthcare personnel to move and perform procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested arrangement of the two springs within the arm's cavity allows the system to achieve higher load capacity while keeping the external dimensions compact, ensuring that the load balancing arm does not encroach on the valuable workspace in healthcare settings.
3Device complexity
If a single spring is used in the load balancing arm, then the structure is simpler, but the force transmission and load balancing capacity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spring system is divided into two separate springs arranged in series, where each spring contributes to the overall counterbalancing force. This segmentation improves force transmission capability while adding only moderate structural complexity, as the two springs share the load and can be integrated into the existing arm structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The first spring and second spring are combined in a series configuration within the arm's cavity, merging their individual force contributions to achieve superior load balancing capacity. This merging of multiple spring elements provides enhanced force transmission without requiring a completely redesign of the arm structure.
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
This design effectively improves force transmission and load balancing capacity, allowing for more precise positioning of medical devices with minimal space requirements, enhancing operational efficiency in healthcare settings.
Implementation Method 1
a first 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 first spring; a second spring extending within the cavity of the support arm and mounted to exert a biasing force between a proximal end of the second spring and a wall at the distal end of the support arm
Data Source
AI summary
A load balancing arm for a medical device support system includes a proximal hub, a support arm, first and second springs, and a link. The link has a proximal end pivotably mounted to a link bearing element for pivotable movement about a link pivot axis, and a distal end pivotably mounted to a distal end of the first spring and a proximal end of the second spring. The link and first and second springs are configured such that the biasing forces exerted by the first and second springs are transmitted through the link to the link bearing element thereby to generate a moment about a main pivot axis of a proximal hub that counters a moment generated by a medical device load at a distal end of the support arm.