Swivel Knuckle Assembly for Sealed 360° Motor Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor connections in surgical and other operations lack a mechanism that allows for 360° rotational movement of the motor housing relative to the supply line without twisting or rotating the supply line, while maintaining a sealed connection to prevent fluid leakage.
Innovation Solution
A swivel knuckle assembly with bearing members and sealing mechanisms that allow the motor housing to rotate relative to the supply line, featuring a mono-piece annular bearing member to reduce friction and maintain a sealed connection, ensuring fluid does not escape during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid connection is used between the supply line and motor housing, then the connection is simple and strong, but the motor housing cannot rotate relative to the supply line
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly is divided into separate rotatable sections (first knuckle section, second knuckle section) that can rotate relative to each other, allowing the motor housing to rotate relative to the supply line while maintaining a sealed connection
Solution Approach 2:
A sealed connection mechanism with bearing members acts as an intermediary between the supply line and motor housing, enabling rotational movement while maintaining fluid sealing. The bearing members facilitate rotation without compromising the seal
2Reliability
If a sealed connection is provided to prevent fluid leakage, then fluid containment is reliable, but friction increases during rotational movement
Solution Approach 1:
Bearing members are introduced as intermediary elements between the sealing components, reducing friction during rotational movement while maintaining the sealed connection. The bearings allow smooth rotation without compromising fluid containment
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate bearing members are used to allow rotation, then rotational movement is enabled, but the number of parts and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple bearing members are combined into a single integrated bearing assembly that rotates as one unit. This reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies assembly while still enabling the required rotational movement between the knuckle sections
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 360° rotational movement of the motor housing relative to the supply line with reduced friction and sealed fluid pathways, preventing leakage and maintaining operational integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The bearing member may have a coefficient of friction relative to other materials in the knuckle to reduce friction during movement and contact between the two portions of the knuckle assembly
Implementation Method 2
Selected sealing members may also be provided to seal the connection of the supply line and tubing to the motor housing
Data Source
AI summary
A swivel knuckle assembly for interconnecting a motor and a supply line. The knuckle assembly may include a bearing member to reduce a coefficient of friction. A locking mechanism is disclosed to connect members of the knuckle assembly.