Articulated Suspension Brake Control for Smooth Medical Device Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension systems for medical devices in operating rooms require significant operator effort and attention to reposition loads due to unpredictable movement caused by internal and external forces, making it difficult to achieve smooth and intuitive movement of medical devices.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system with dynamically adjustable brake moments for its articulated arms, using sensors and control devices to measure and adjust friction based on the geometry and rotation of the arms, allowing for smooth movement in any direction with minimal operator effort, and includes modes for stationary, move, and hold positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If sensor devices are used to detect external forces and control brake devices, then the suspension system can automatically adjust movement, but the system becomes complex and unpredictable due to internal and external forces making it difficult to clarify user intentions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex force detection and interpretation functions from the system, keeping only the essential position measurement. By using simple position sensors instead of complex force sensors, the system avoids the complexity of interpreting user intentions from force data while still achieving automatic brake control based on position changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from force detection to position measurement. By monitoring position changes of the articulated arm rather than detecting external forces, the system achieves automatic brake control with simpler sensors and more predictable behavior, avoiding the complexity of force interpretation.
2Ease of operation
If brake devices are controlled based on measured forces, then the system can respond to external forces, but the movement becomes unpredictable and difficult to control in the desired direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the relationship between arm position and required brake moment in lookup tables. This allows the control system to quickly determine the appropriate brake moment based on measured position without complex real-time force analysis, ensuring predictable and reliable movement in the desired direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously measuring the position of the articulated arm and adjusting the brake moment accordingly. The position measurement feedback, combined with pre-stored relationship data, ensures the system responds predictably to user input while maintaining control reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the suspension system uses fixed brake moments, then the system is simple to control, but the operator must exert significant effort to reposition loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the brake moment variable rather than fixed. The brake moment automatically adjusts based on the measured position of the articulated arm, reducing operator effort during movement while maintaining stability when stationary. This dynamic adjustment is achieved through position-based control with pre-stored brake moment relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically adjusting brake moments based on position measurements without requiring manual intervention. The control system autonomously determines the appropriate brake moment for each position, eliminating the need for operator adjustment while reducing effort through intelligent brake control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system allows free rotation of articulated arms, then movement is smooth and flexible, but unintended movement and collisions may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the brake moment parameter dynamically based on position and movement state. During stationary periods, higher brake moments prevent unintended movement and collisions. During active repositioning, reduced brake moments allow smooth and flexible rotation. This parameter change approach maintains both safety and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses position feedback to continuously adjust brake moments. When the arm is stationary or moving slowly, the system applies higher brake moments to prevent unintended movement. During active repositioning with sufficient velocity, the brake moments are reduced to allow smooth movement, thus preventing collisions while maintaining flexibility.
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 smooth and controlled repositioning of medical devices with minimal operator force, preventing unintended movement and collisions, while maintaining stability and reducing operator workload.
Implementation Method 1
each of the first and second rotation connection (104, 107) comprises a brake device (106, 109) for limiting the rotation of the articulated arm (103)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a suspension system, or pendant unit, intended for attachment to an upper structure at a selectable height for suspending a load wherein the load may comprise a carrier for the one or more medical devices or one or more devices, such as for instance a (target) lighting, monitor, camera or a medical device.The problem of the known suspension system is that during the entire repositioning the user has to react on the behavior of the system due to a variety of internal and external forces.It is an object of the invention to provide an alternative suspension system for the known suspension system wherein this problem is addressed.