Modular Support Arm Socket for Precise Medical Stand Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support systems for medical devices in operating rooms face challenges with complex assembly, material stress, distortion, and corrosion due to welded connections, leading to alignment issues and increased logistical efforts, which complicates the use and repositioning of these systems, especially in long operations.
Innovation Solution
A modular support system with a reversible connection mechanism allows for easy assembly and adjustment of support arms, enabling precise alignment and adaptation, using materials like aluminum or carbon fiber reinforced plastic, without the need for welding, thus avoiding material stress and corrosion concerns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If welded connections are used to connect support arms to joints, then the support system achieves structural stability, but material stresses and distortion occur causing alignment issues and assembly problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful welding process from the assembly method and replaces it with a mechanical connection system consisting of a socket with a receptacle and a support arm with a corresponding protrusion. This eliminates the thermal stress and distortion caused by welding while maintaining structural stability through precise geometric fitting and locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a socket as an intermediary component between the support arm and the joint. This socket contains a receptacle that receives a protrusion from the support arm, creating a controlled interface that ensures precise alignment. The intermediary socket acts as a mediator that guides the support arm into correct positioning before locking, preventing alignment issues that would otherwise require post-assembly machining.
2Strength
If structural steel is used for the support system, then the system achieves high strength, but the weight increases making assembly difficult and requiring expensive joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from heavy structural steel to lighter materials such as aluminum alloys or fiber-reinforced plastics. This parameter change is enabled by the redesigned mechanical connection system, which compensates for the lower strength-to-weight ratio of these materials through optimized geometric fitting and locking mechanisms, achieving the required strength with significantly reduced weight.
3Strength
If structural steel with welded connections is used, then the system achieves structural integrity, but corrosion protection is required increasing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials such as aluminum alloys or fiber-reinforced plastics that inherently resist corrosion without requiring additional protective coatings. These materials maintain structural integrity while eliminating the need for complex corrosion protection processes like powder coating, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
4Stability of the object's composition
If welded support systems are used, then the system achieves structural stability, but repositioning requires considerable effort and parking brakes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic connection system where the support arm can be easily inserted into and removed from the socket's receptacle. The mechanical locking mechanism allows for quick release and repositioning without requiring welding tools or activation of parking brakes, enabling the support system to be dynamically adjusted during operations while maintaining stability when positioned.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
The invention relates to a stand apparatus, which can be built and assembled/disassembled in a modular manner. The invention relates in particular to a bushing (20) for a stand apparatus (1) for arrangement in the operation theatre, comprising a coupling part (21), by means of which the bushing (20) can be mounted on a connecting component (3) of the stand apparatus about a rotational axis (D) and/or along the rotational axis in a height-adjustable manner, in particular on a spindle; and a section on which the bushing (20) can be connected to a support arm (13) of the stand apparatus (1); wherein the section is a mounting section (25), by means of which the bushing (20) can be mounted on the support arm in a reversible manner, in particular by means of one or more fastening means (40). The invention further relates to a support arm (13) for fastening to a bushing (20) and a support system, comprising at least one such bushing (20) and such a support arm (13).