Articulated Support Arm Locking for Clean Operating Theatre Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating theatre lights are bulky, cumbersome, and interfere with air flow, limiting their positioning flexibility and affecting the cleanliness of the surgical environment.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable support arm system with articulatable segments, a retractable mechanism, and a tensioning system that allows precise positioning and immobilization of medical equipment, minimizing interference with air flow and facilitating easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed support structure is used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to different screen sizes and user needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates adjustable components that allow dynamic reconfiguration. The support arm can be positioned at multiple angles and heights, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different screen sizes and user preferences while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for specific functions while collectively providing adaptability to various screen configurations without requiring complete structural redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable support structure is implemented, then adaptability to different configurations is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure uses dynamic adjustment mechanisms that lock into stable positions. The ability to adjust does not compromise stability because the design incorporates locking features or friction-based mechanisms that maintain the structure firmly in each selected configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates stability-compensating features in advance, such as locking mechanisms or damping elements, that prevent instability from occurring during adjustment or when positioned at different configurations.
3Strength
If heavy materials are used for the support, then structural strength is improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure utilizes composite materials that combine high strength with low weight. These materials provide the necessary structural strength to support the display device while keeping the overall weight manageable for portability and ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure applies material strength strategically only where needed. Critical load-bearing sections use higher-strength materials or thicker sections, while non-critical areas use lighter materials, optimizing the strength-to-weight ratio throughout the entire structure.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~3
AI summary
An adjustable support arm system (10) comprises an anchoring arrangement (14) for mounting the support arm system (10) to a structure, an arm (18) carried by the anchoring arrangement (14) and comprising a plurality of arm segments (36) articulatable between several arm positions, the arm (14) being configured to support a device (120), and an immobilising mechanism operable between a free configuration permitting movement of the arm (18) and a locked configuration in which the arm (18) is immobilised, wherein the immobilising mechanism comprises a locking means to maintain the plurality of arm segments immobilised in the locked configuration.