Surgical Light Suspension Anti-Twist Coupling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspensions for devices like operating room lights face challenges in preventing excessive rotation, which can lead to electrical supply line damage, and require complex mechanisms to limit pivoting range, often compromising on compactness and hygiene.
Innovation Solution
A compact anti-twist device is implemented using a coupling element, such as a rotary ring, that rotates independently of the boom, with a window for the stop and shock absorbers to absorb impacts, allowing adjustable pivoting range and a single locking mechanism, enhancing structural simplicity and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a direct stop mechanism is provided between the boom and holding element to limit rotation, then the pivoting range is limited, but the device becomes more complex and less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling element as an intermediary component between the boom and holding element. This coupling element incorporates the stop mechanism independently, allowing it to limit rotation without complicating the direct connection between boom and holding element. The coupling element acts as a mediator that provides the anti-twist function while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the stop mechanism into a separate coupling element that can rotate independently about the holding element. This segmentation allows the stop function to be provided without requiring a complex direct connection between the boom and holding element, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a complex stop mechanism is used to limit pivoting range, then rotation is effectively limited, but the design becomes less compact and more costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the stop mechanism with the coupling element, combining multiple functions (rotation independent of boom, stop provision, and anti-twist protection) into a single integrated component. This merging eliminates the need for separate complex mechanisms, achieving effective pivoting range limitation while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element serves multiple functions: it allows independent rotation about the holding element, provides the stop mechanism to limit pivoting range, and offers anti-twist protection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, resulting in a simpler overall structure that is both compact and cost-effective.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple openings and bores are provided in the housing for stop mechanisms, then adjustment flexibility is improved, but cleaning difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing multiple openings in the housing for adjustment, the patent inverts the approach by making the coupling element itself rotatable and independent. The stop mechanism is integrated into the coupling element, allowing adjustment of pivoting range without requiring multiple openings in the housing. This maintains adaptability while significantly improving ease of cleaning, as the housing requires minimal openings.
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 solution effectively limits the boom's rotation, prevents electrical supply line damage, and maintains a compact, cost-effective design suitable for operating room use, while ensuring easy cleaning and reducing shock transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a shock absorber, for example a body made of elastic solid material, can be provided in the window on both sides of the stop protruding into it
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A suspension has a retaining element to which a boom is rotatably attached, wherein a coupling element is provided which is rotatable around the retaining element independently of the boom and which forms a rotation lock.