CPC A61G 7/1063 (2013.01) [A61G 7/1042 (2013.01); F16D 63/006 (2013.01); F16D 2121/32 (2013.01); F16D 2127/06 (2013.01)] | 25 Claims |
1. A locking arrangement for a patient lift configured to selectively lock the vertical movement of a patient support mounting device connected to a lifting device of the patient lift via a load bearing member,
the locking arrangement comprising a shape memory alloy element and a locking device, the shape memory alloy element being connected to the locking device and arranged to selectively actuate said locking device to control a locking force on an engagement member mechanically connected to a motor and the load bearing member of the patient lift, the motor being arranged to raise and lower the patient support mounting device, the locking arrangement being configured to operate in:
an engaged mode wherein the shape memory alloy element is in a first configuration and the locking device is in an engaged position in relation to the engagement member for exerting a locking force on the engagement member thereby preventing vertical movement of the patient support mounting device;
a disengaged mode wherein the shape memory alloy element is in a second configuration actuating the locking device to a disengaged position in relation to the engagement member thereby enabling vertical movement of the patient support mounting device
wherein the shape memory alloy element is arranged to be electrically connected to at least one power source for selectively transitioning between the first and second configuration.
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