Patient Support Surface Locking Assembly for Auto-Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting devices for patient support surfaces require complex movements and additional force to separate components, especially in non-ergonomic positions or when access is difficult, due to the need to manually unlock and disengage locking elements.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with a locking assembly that automatically separates from the coupling point during unlocking, utilizing a pivotable locking element with a disengagement portion that presses away from the coupling point, assisted by a preload element and resilient components, allowing for easy separation without additional force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking element is designed to automatically lock the connection, then the locking reliability is improved, but the separation complexity increases because additional manual intervention is needed to unlock and separate the components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to automatically press away from the coupling point during unlocking, causing the locking assembly to separate from the coupling point without requiring additional manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the unlocking movement to trigger the automatic separation mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is pre-configured with a disengagement portion that will automatically press away from the coupling point when unlocking occurs. This preliminary arrangement ensures that the separation action is already prepared and will execute automatically upon unlocking
2Device complexity
If the locking assembly remains engaged after unlocking, then the locking structure is simplified, but the separation difficulty increases especially in non-ergonomic positions or difficult access situations
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly automatically separates from the coupling point through the unlocking movement itself. The disengagement portion of the locking element presses against the coupling point during unlocking, which automatically pushes the locking assembly away, eliminating the need for additional separation actions
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed with a disengagement portion positioned to automatically contact and press against the coupling point during the unlocking movement. This preliminary positioning ensures that the separation action is triggered automatically by the unlocking motion itself
3Strength
If manual force is required to separate the components after unlocking, then the locking strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for additional force application
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the unlocking movement itself to generate the separation force. The disengagement portion of the locking element presses against the coupling point during unlocking, automatically generating the force needed to push the locking assembly away without requiring additional manual force
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is pre-configured with a disengagement portion that will automatically press against the coupling point when unlocking occurs. This preliminary arrangement ensures that the separation force is generated automatically by the unlocking motion itself
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 effortless and automatic separation of components, improving ease of use and reducing the complexity of unlocking and disengagement, especially in challenging access situations.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient element, in particular a spring element, which presses the locking element (8) into the engagement position
Implementation Method 2
a preload element (15), in particular in the form of a spring-loaded pin, which is arranged such that it presses against the coupling point (3) with a preload force
Data Source
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AI summary
A connecting device (1) for two components (4, 5) of a patient support surface is provided, said connecting device having a locking assembly (2) that is to be provided on a first component (4), and a coupling point (3) that is to be provided on a second component (5). The first and the second components (4, 5) can be connected to one another and locked in a locking position, the coupling point (3) having a locking receptacle (6) in the form of a recess. The locking assembly (2) has a support (7) that is mounted on the first component (4) and a locking element (8) that is pivotably mounted on the support (7) via a pivot bearing point (9). The locking element (8) has a locking portion (12) that is received in the locking receptacle (6) in the locking position, a bearing portion (10) on which the pivot bearing point (9) is provided, and a disengagement portion (13) that is on a different side from the locking portion (12) in relation to the bearing portion (10). The locking assembly (2) is configured such that the locking portion (12) situated in the locking receptacle (6) can be brought out of engagement with the locking receptacle (6) in an unlocking process and the disengagement portion (13) presses against an end face (14) of the coupling point (3) in the process.