Thrombelastography Bracket With Point Contact for Low Rotational Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Thrombelastography devices face high rotational resistance due to multiple contact points or surfaces, which hampers the accuracy and sensitivity of blood coagulation measurements.

Innovation Solution

A bracket system with a fixed and movable support part connected via a point contact mechanism, utilizing jewel bearings or magnets to reduce frictional forces, allowing the supported object to rotate with minimal resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If multiple contact points or surfaces are used to support the movable support part, then the structural stability is improved, but the rotational resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidrotational resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The contact interface is segmented into multiple discrete point contacts rather than continuous surface contacts. The fixed support structure includes multiple support points that contact the movable support part at distinct locations, distributing the load while minimizing frictional resistance at each contact point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection part incorporates spherical or curved contact surfaces (such as jewel bearings) that enable smooth rotation with minimal friction. The movable support part features a spherical contact surface that rolls over the fixed support points, converting sliding friction into rolling friction and significantly reducing rotational resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Force

If point contact mechanism with jewel bearings is used, then the rotational resistance is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Jewel bearings are introduced as intermediary elements between the fixed support structure and the movable support part. These precision-manufactured bearing components serve as the contact interface, absorbing the manufacturing precision requirements into standardized, replaceable parts rather than requiring high precision across the entire support structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact geometry is optimized with specifically designed spherical surfaces and contact point configurations. By carefully controlling the radius of curvature and contact point positions within tight tolerances, the system achieves low rotational resistance while concentrating precision requirements on critical dimensions that can be manufactured and measured more easily.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Force

If magnets are used to reduce frictional forces, then the rotational resistance is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrictional forceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Magnetic fields are used to replace or supplement mechanical contact elements. Magnets are positioned to create magnetic levitation or magnetic cushioning effects that reduce direct physical contact and friction between the fixed and movable support parts, allowing rotation with minimal frictional resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The support system combines multiple materials and mechanisms: jewel bearings provide precision mechanical contact, while magnets provide non-contact magnetic support. This composite approach leverages the advantages of both mechanical precision and magnetic friction reduction, creating a hybrid system that achieves low rotational resistance through the synergistic combination of different physical principles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 reduced frictional force enhances the sensitivity and accuracy of blood coagulation measurements by minimizing rotational resistance, improving the overall performance of thrombelastography devices.

Implementation Method 1

the first fixing connection member and the second fixing connection member in the connection part are connected together in point contact fashion... the reduced frictional force enhances the sensitivity and accuracy of blood coagulation measurements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the bracket comprises at least a pair of magnets... the magnetic force is directed away from the connection part in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the rotational shaft, the magnetic force being adapted to reduce contact pressure between the first fixing connection member and the second fixing connection member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3450982B1Bracket, thrombelastography device, and support system
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 HAEMONETICS CORP
  • EP3450982B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3450982B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3450982B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

A bracket, a thrombelastography device, and a support system are disclosed. The bracket comprises: a fixed support part (101), a movable support part (102), and a connection part (103). The connection part comprises a first fixing connection member (1031) and a second fixing connection member (1032). The first fixing connection member is fixedly connected to the fixed support part; the second fixing connection member is fixedly connected to the movable support part; the first fixing connection member is connected to the second fixing connection member in point contact fashion, such that the first fixing connection member and the second fixing connection member can rotate relative to each other; the movable support part is fixedly connected to a supported object; when driven by the supported object, the movable support part rotates relative to the fixed support part by means of the point contact between the first fixing connection member and the second fixing connection member. The thrombelastography device comprises a rotational shaft and a bracket. The rotational resistance to the supported object when it rotates can be reduced.