Telescopic Column Drive With Segmented Linear Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current healthcare bed systems with single drive units for telescopic columns are time-consuming, limited in height range, and complex, failing to achieve rapid and sufficient vertical movement, especially in medical settings like obstetrics and oncology where precise and extensive height adjustments are necessary.
Innovation Solution
A column drive system with at least three successive linear drives and two connecting elements, where each linear drive is connected to enable a greater range of motion, allowing for rapid and efficient vertical movement of medical devices, with the option for remote control and lockable mechanisms for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single drive unit is used for telescopic column, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning speed and height range are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The column is divided into multiple telescopic segments (at least three segments), each equipped with its own linear drive unit. This segmentation allows each segment to move independently, enabling faster and more extensive height adjustments compared to a single drive unit system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static single drive unit to a dynamic multi-drive configuration where each linear drive can be controlled independently. This allows for variable positioning speeds and ranges by coordinating the movement of different segments, achieving both speed and flexibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single drive unit is used for telescopic column, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but height adjustment range is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The column is divided into multiple telescopic segments (at least three segments), each equipped with its own linear drive unit. This segmentation allows each segment to move independently, enabling faster and more extensive height adjustments compared to a single drive unit system.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic segments are designed to nest within each other, with each segment containing the next smaller segment. This nested configuration maximizes the height adjustment range while minimizing the space required when retracted, and allows for compact manufacturing.
3Speed
If multiple linear drives are used in successive order, then height adjustment range and speed are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple linear drives are combined within the telescopic column structure, with each drive integrated into its respective segment. The drives work in coordination rather than isolation, merging their functions to achieve rapid vertical movement while sharing common structural support and control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Each linear drive unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a positioning mechanism and as a structural component of the telescopic segment. This reduces overall system complexity by eliminating separate structural elements and integrating multiple functions into unified components.
4Volume of moving object
If telescopic segments are positioned to achieve minimum height, then space utilization is improved, but mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic segments are designed to nest within each other, with each segment containing the next smaller segment. This nested configuration maximizes the height adjustment range while minimizing the space required when retracted, and allows for compact manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting elements are designed to automatically align and lock the telescopic segments in their minimum position without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms. The segments self-organize into a compact nested configuration, reducing the complexity of the positioning system.
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
This configuration allows for a wider range of height adjustments, reducing operational time and complexity, enhancing ease of use and maintenance while ensuring safety and ergonomic positioning for both patients and medical staff.
Implementation Method 1
The linear drive (1, 2, 3) converts a rotary movement into a linear tensile or compressive movement
Data Source
AI summary
The subject of this invention is a column (13) of a medical device such as a gynecological examination table or a birthing bed. The aim of the invention is to provide a method of vertical movement of the medical device quickly and with sufficient range. This is achieved by mounting a column drive by at least three successive linear drives and two connecting elements. The connecting elements enable connecting the successive linear drives off-level so that all the drives abut close to each other in the lowest position and a lower possible minimum position is achieved. The advantage of the telescopic column solution according to the present invention is also that it is able to achieve a higher maximum position by means of providing each two segments with their own linear drive. This also ensures much more efficient and faster vertical shift.