Method and system for connecting devices
By designing a connecting device including coupling elements, fixtures and multiple bristles, the problem of rapid connection and stable movement of equipment in medical environments is solved, and stable energy transmission and movement between devices is achieved, which is suitable for high-pressure medical environments.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411628607.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-11-28
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-14
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-30
AI Technical Summary
In a healthcare environment, healthcare workers need to complete tasks faster to improve patient health outcomes due to staff shortages and increased patient populations, and existing connected devices are difficult to meet the needs of fast moving and stable connections.
A connecting device is designed, the device including a coupling element coupled to the first device at the first end and clamped to the second device at the second end by a clamp and a plurality of bristles, and the tether extends from the first end to the second end to ensure stable connection and movement of the device.
The stable energy transmission and movement between the first device and the second device is realized, the rapid connection and stability of the medical device are improved, and it is suitable for rapid task completion in high-stress medical environments.
Smart Images
Figure CN120073436A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein relate to connection devices, and more particularly to connection devices for devices in a medical environment. Background Art
[0002] Hospitals, infirmaries, and other healthcare institutions are under great stress due to a lack of staff and an increasing number of patients. Healthcare workers may need to perform tasks previously carried out by multiple people individually. Additionally, healthcare workers may need to work faster in order to complete various tasks and improve patient health outcomes. Summary of the Invention
[0003] In one example, a system includes a first device, a second device, and a connection device that is coupled at a first end to a coupling element mounted on the first device and clamped at a second end to the second device, wherein the connection device further includes a tether extending from the first end to the second end.
[0004] It should be understood that the above summary is provided to introduce in a simplified form selected concepts that are further described in the detailed description. This is not meant to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is uniquely defined by the claims that follow the detailed description. Moreover, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure. Brief Description of the Drawings
[0005] The present invention will be better understood by reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0006] Figure 1 is an example of a connection device that couples a first device to a second device;
[0007] Figure 2A is an embodiment of the connection device;
[0008] Figure 2B is a cross-section of the tether of the connection device;
[0009] Figure 3 is the pin end of the connection device that engages with the pins received by the first device;
[0010] Figure 4 is an embodiment of the connection device that is clamped to the second device and coupled to the first device;
[0011] Figure 5A is an embodiment of the storage location of the connection device on the first device;
[0012] Figure 5Bis an embodiment of a connection device extending from a first side of a first device; and
[0013] Figure 5C is an embodiment of a connection device extending from a second side of a first device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] The following description relates to various embodiments of a connection device. The connection device includes a tether that includes a brush clamp at a first end and a pin at a second end, where the pin engages a pin hole of a first device and the brush clamp clamps onto a tube of a second device. The pin hole may be disposed on a quick-connect device mounted to the first device. The quick-connect can be one of a plurality of quick-connect devices mounted at different locations on the first device.
[0015] Figure 1 is an example of a connection device that couples a first device to a second device. Figure 2A is an embodiment of a connection device. Figure 2B is a cross-section of a tether of a connection device. Figure 3 is a pin end of a connection device that engages a pin coupler of a first device. Figure 4 is an embodiment of a connection device that clamps onto a second device and couples to a first device. Figure 5A is an embodiment of a storage location of a connection device on a first device. Figure 5B is an embodiment of a connection device extending from a first side of a first device. Figure 5C is an embodiment of a connection device extending from a second side of a first device.
[0016] Now turning to Figure 1 , which shows an embodiment 100 of a first device 110, a second device 120, and a connection device 130. A coordinate system 190 is shown as including three axes, namely an x-axis parallel to a lateral direction, a y-axis parallel to a vertical direction, and a z-axis parallel to a longitudinal direction. The direction of gravity may be opposite to the positive direction of the y-axis.
[0017] The first device 110 may include a platform 112 coupled to a body 116. A pad 114 may be disposed on the platform 112. A patient may lie on the pad 114 while a healthcare worker pushes the first device 110 through a medical environment. A plurality of wheels 118 may be coupled to the body 116. In one example, the platform 112 is disposed on top of the body 116, and the plurality of wheels 118 are disposed at the bottom of the body 116, where the bottom is opposite the top relative to the direction of gravity. In one example, the first device 110 is a gurney.
[0018] The second device 120 may include a body 122. In one example, the body 122 is a tube. A plurality of wheels 124 may be coupled to the bottom of the body 122. A plurality of hooks 126 may be coupled to the top of the body 122, where the top is opposite the bottom. In one example, the plurality of hooks 126 may be coupled to a bag, such as an intravenous (IV) fluid bag. In one example, the second device 120 is a rolling IV pole.
[0019] The connecting device 130 may be coupled to the first device 110 at a first end and to the second device 120 at a second end. The connecting device 130 may transfer energy from the first device 110 to the second device 120. Thus, when the first device 110 is pushed and rolled on the ground on which the first device 110 is arranged, the second device 120 may move together with the first device 110. In one example, the connecting device 130 may extend in a direction at an angle to the direction of gravity. For example, the connecting device 130 may extend perpendicular to gravity when coupled to the first device 110 and the second device 120.
[0020] Now turning to Figure 2A , which shows an embodiment 200 of the connecting device 130. The connecting device 130 may include a first end 202 and a second end 204. The first end 202 may be opposite the second end 204.
[0021] A clamp body 210 may be disposed at the first end. The clamp body 210 may include a U-shaped shape having a first arm 211 and a second arm 213 extending from a body 212. In one example, the clamp body 210 is symmetric. The clamp body 210 may be a brush clamp.
[0022] The first arm 211 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the body 212, and the second arm 213 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the body 212. The first arm 211 and the second arm 213 may be the same in size and shape. The first arm 211 and the second arm 213 may include a "d" shape. In other words, the first arm 211 and the second arm 213 may include a first portion having a first width extending from the body 212 and a second portion having a second width extending from the first portion. The second width is greater than the first width. In one example, the first arm 211 and the second arm 213 include a curved asymmetric shape.
[0023] The first arm 211 and the second arm 213 may be spaced apart from each other by an opening 214 and a slot 218. A plurality of bristles 216 may extend across the opening 214 and control devices (such as Figure 1enter and exit the slot 218. The plurality of bristles 216 may be physically coupled to one of the first arm 211 or the second arm 213 and extend toward the opposite arm. In one example, the plurality of bristles 216 are physically coupled to the second arm 213 and extend the entire distance of the opening 214 toward the first arm 211 and contact the first arm.
[0024] The plurality of bristles 216 may include a thickness and density configured to maintain the second device 120 within the slot 218 when the first device 110 is rolled, while also allowing a healthcare worker to quickly and easily force the second device 120 past the plurality of bristles 216 and into the slot 218. Each bristle may include a diameter between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the diameter of each bristle may be between 0.3 mm and 0.4 mm. In one example, the diameter of each bristle is 0.36 mm.
[0025] The density of the plurality of bristles 216 may include between 150 and 250 bristles per centimeter, or between 175 and 225 bristles per centimeter, or between 190 and 210 bristles per centimeter. In one example, the plurality of bristles 216 includes 200 bristles per centimeter.
[0026] The slot 218 may be larger than the opening 214. In one example, the distance of the slot 218 measured along its longitudinal axis 299 extends beyond the distance of the opening 214 measured along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis 299. By doing so, the second device 120 may be disposed at the end of the slot 218 and misaligned with the opening 214. In this manner, the first arm 211 and / or the second arm 213 together with the plurality of bristles 216 may hold the second device 120 within the slot 218.
[0027] The second end 204 may include a pin 220. The pin 220 may include a first body 222 and a second body 224. The first body 222 may include a cylindrical shape with a first diameter. The second body 224 may include a cylindrical shape with a second diameter, where the second diameter is greater than the first diameter.
[0028] A third body 226 may be disposed between the first body 222 and the second body 224. The third body 226 may include a linear portion combined with a curved portion. In one example, the third body 226 includes a square shape with a curved corner. Additionally or alternatively, the third body 226 may include a square with a 90° angle.
[0029] The arm 230 can be coupled to each of the fixture body 210 and the pin 220. The arm 230 can include a first connector 232 that couples a first cap 234 of the arm 230 to the fixture 210. In one example, the first connector 232 is physically coupled to the body 212 via a fastener, where the fastener is hidden via the first connector 232. The fastener can be accessed from the slot 218.
[0030] The second cap 236 can be disposed at the second end 204. In one example, the second cap 236 is integrally formed with the second body 224. The first cap 234 and the second cap 236 can extend over an outer layer 238 of the arm 230. The first cap 234 and the second cap 236 can be fixedly coupled to the arm 230 via one or more of adhesive, welding, fusing, and compression fitting.
[0031] The arm 230 can be flexible. The arm 230 can include a single wire surrounded by an outer layer 238, where the wire is configured to bend, twist, kink, and perform other actions deviating from a straight line. The length of the arm 230 can be fixed. In one example, the arm 230 can be rigid along its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the axis 299 and flexible (e.g., adjustable) along its short axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the radius of the arm 230.
[0032] Now turning to Figure 2B , which shows a cross-section 250 of the arm 230 taken along a cutting plane 2B of Figure 2A . In the example of Figure 2B , the outer layer 238 can surround a plurality of stranded wires 252. In one example, the outer layer 238 is a single continuous layer including nylon or another material. The plurality of stranded wires 252 can be copper, aluminum, or other materials. In this way, the arm 230 can include a single wire or a plurality of wires.
[0033] In one example, the arm 230 is a tether, cord, or other similar device. The diameter of the arm 230 can be between 5 mm and 10 mm, between 6 mm and 9 mm, or between 7 mm and 8 mm. In one example, the diameter of the arm 230 is exactly equal to 7.3 mm and includes 1 gauge (e.g., 1 American Wire Gauge (AWG)).
[0034] Now turning to Figure 3 , which shows an embodiment 300 of the pin 220 pointing to the coupling element 310. Herein, the coupling element 310 is referred to as the quick connect 310. The quick connect 310 can be physically coupled to the first device 110 via a plurality of fasteners 312. The plurality of fasteners 312 can be screwed into mounting through-holes. The mounting through-holes can be positioned deeper than the platform (e.g., Figure 1The platform 112) is closer to the plurality of wheels 118. By mounting the quick-connect 310 to the lower region, the stability of the second device coupled to the first device 110 via the connecting device 130 can be increased relative to a higher mounting point.
[0035] Additionally or alternatively, the quick-connect 310 can be coupled to the first device 110 via welding, fusing, adhesives, tapes, and other similar elements. The first device 110 can include a plurality of mounting points, each configured to receive and maintain the quick-connect 310 in a fixed position.
[0036] The quick-connect 310 can include a first opening 314 and a second opening 316. The first opening 314 can be larger than the second opening 316. In one example, the first body 222 can engage a surface that forms the second opening 316, and the third body 226 can engage a surface that forms the first opening 314. Thus, the first opening 314 can include a linear portion that complementarily mates with a linear portion of the third body 226. The first body 222 can be held in the second opening 316 via one or more of a spring arm, a ball spring, or other retaining mechanisms.
[0037] Now turning to Figure 4 , which shows a detailed view 400 of the connecting device 130 coupled to the first device 110 and the second device 120. The second body 224 is exposed, and the first and third bodies of the pin 220 are inserted into the quick-connect 310.
[0038] The clamp 210 is coupled to the body 122. In one example, the body 122 can be forced through a plurality of bristles 216 and into the slot 218. The clamp 210 can be rotated such that the longitudinal axis 299 of the slot 218 can be parallel to the travel direction 490. The travel direction 490 can indicate the direction in which the first device 110 is pushed and the second device 120 rolls. The second device 120 can be capable of moving within the slot 218. The second device 120 can move along the longitudinal axis 299 and / or rotate within the slot 218.
[0039] In one example, the second device 120 can be positioned within the slot 218 and pressed against one of the first arms 211 of the second arm 213. In one example, the second device 120 can be pressed against the first arm 211 when traveling in a first direction that is the same as the travel direction 490, and pressed against the second arm 213 when traveling in a second direction that is opposite to the travel direction 490.
[0040] Now turning to Figure 5A , which shows the storage position 500 of the connecting device 130. The connecting device 130 can be stored on the first device 110. The pin (e.g., Figure 2APin 220) can be coupled to the quick-connect 310, and the fixture 210 can be arranged on a hook, pin, or other device. As shown, the connection device 130 can extend from the rear side 502 of the first device 110 to an intermediate portion of the first device 110 that is between the rear side 502 and the front side 504. In one example, the fixture 210 is stored at the intermediate portion, and the quick-connect 310 is mounted adjacent to the rear side 502.
[0041] In one example, the stiffness of the arm 230 can include where the arm 230 is configured to maintain a position previously defined by the user. For example, if the arm 230 is positioned in the storage position 500, the arm 230 can maintain the connection device 130 in the storage position 500 until a further force (excluding gravity) is applied to the arm 230. Similarly, the arm 230 can maintain the connection position, as Figure 5B and Figure 5C shown and described, until an additional force is applied to the arm 230. In this way, the position of the arm 230 does not change without input. Additionally or alternatively, the connection device 130 can be wound, retracted, or stored in another way when in the storage position.
[0042] Now turning to Figure 5B , which shows the first connection position 525. The connection device 130 is coupled to the quick-connect 310 arranged at the rear side 502 of the first device 110. The fixture 210 of the connection device 130 extends away from the first device 110 and is coupled to the second device 120.
[0043] Now turning to Figure 5C , which shows the second connection position 550. The second connection position 550 can be different from the first connection position 525 in that the pin of the connection device 130 is coupled to the quick-connect 310 arranged at the front side 504 of the first device 110. Thus, the first device 110 can include multiple mounting points for multiple quick-connects. By doing so, multiple connection devices can be used to transport multiple other devices together with the first device 110.
[0044] In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the quick-connect 310 can be mounted to a track coupled to the first device 110. The quick-connect 310 can be slidably and fixedly coupled to the track based on the actuation of a fixture or other locking mechanism. For example, when in the disengaged position, the quick-connect 310 can be coupled to the track and capable of moving along the track. Before locking the quick-connect 310 in the engaged position, the user can move the quick-connect 310 along the track to a determined position. When in the engaged position, the quick-connect 310 cannot move along the track. The track can extend along the entire perimeter of the first device 110 or along the entire length of one side of the first device 110.
[0045] The present disclosure provides support for a system that includes a first device, a second device, and a connecting device that is coupled at a first end to a coupling element mounted on the first device and clamped at a second end to the second device, wherein the connecting device further includes a tether extending from the first end to the second end. A first example of the system further includes wherein the connecting device includes pins at the first end and a clamp at the second end, the first end being opposite the second end. A second example of the system (optionally including the first example) further includes wherein the tether includes at least one wire disposed within an outer layer. A third example of the system (optionally including one or more of the foregoing examples) further includes wherein the tether includes a fixed length along its longitudinal axis. A fourth example of the system (optionally including one or more of the foregoing examples) further includes wherein the tether is flexible about its radius. A fifth example of the system (optionally including one or more of the foregoing examples) further includes wherein the connecting device includes a clamp, and wherein the clamp includes a slot and a plurality of bristles disposed in an opening. A sixth example of the system (optionally including one or more of the foregoing examples) further includes wherein the length of the slot measured along its longitudinal axis is longer than the length of the opening. A seventh example of the system (optionally including one or more of the foregoing examples) further includes wherein the clamp is capable of rotating about the second device. An eighth example of the system (optionally including one or more of the foregoing examples) further includes wherein the second device is disposed within the slot and is capable of moving within the slot.
[0046] The present disclosure provides additional support for a connecting device that includes: a clamp configured to couple to a tube, wherein the clamp includes a U-shaped body, an opening, and a slot; and a plurality of bristles extending between a first arm and a second arm of the clamp, wherein the plurality of bristles move in response to a threshold force. A first example of the connecting device further includes wherein the clamp is disposed at a first end of the connecting device, and the connecting device further includes a pin disposed at a second end of the connecting device opposite the first end, wherein the pin engages a coupling element spaced apart from the tube. A second example of the connecting device (optionally including the first example) further includes wherein the tube is a rod of an intravenous fluid (IV) pole. A third example of the connecting device (optionally including one or more of the foregoing examples) further includes a tether extending from the clamp to the pin, wherein the tether includes at least one wire received within an outer layer. A fourth example of the connecting device (optionally including one or more of the foregoing examples) further includes wherein the plurality of wires are flexible in a radial direction of the tether. A fifth example of the connecting device (optionally including one or more of the foregoing examples) further includes wherein the size of the slot is greater than the size of the opening.
[0047] The present disclosure provides further support for a connection device configured to couple to a first device and a second device, the connection device including: a clamp configured to couple to a rod of the second device, the clamp including a U-shaped body, an opening, and a slot; a plurality of bristles extending between a first arm and a second arm of the clamp, the plurality of bristles moving in response to a threshold force; and a pin disposed at an opposite end of the connection device relative to the clamp, the pin engaging a coupling element of the first device. A first example of the connection device further includes where the connection device is stored on the first device. A second example of the connection device (optionally including the first example) further includes where the coupling element is one of a plurality of coupling elements mounted to the first device. A third example of the connection device (optionally including one or more of the foregoing examples) further includes where the first device is a bed frame and the second device is an intravenous (IV) pole. A fourth example of the connection device (optionally including one or more of the foregoing examples) further includes where a flexible tether extends between the clamp and the pin.
[0048] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the term "about" is understood to mean ±5% of that range.
[0049] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding a plurality of the recited elements or steps, unless expressly stated to the contrary. Moreover, a reference to "one embodiment" of the present invention is not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, an embodiment "comprising," "including," or "having" an element or elements with a particular property may include additional such elements that do not have that property. The terms "comprising" and "in which" are used as the plain-language equivalents of the respective terms "including" and "wherein." Further, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements or a particular positional order on their objects.
[0050] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also enables one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The scope of the invention that can be patented is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. If such other examples have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims, then such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A system, comprising: A first device (110); A second device (120); and A connection device (130) coupled at a first end to a coupling element (310) mounted on the first device (110) and clamped to the second device (120) at a second end, wherein the connection device (130) further includes a tether (230) extending from the first end to the second end.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the connection device (130) comprises a pin (220) at the first end and a clamp (210) at the second end, the first end being opposite to the second end.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the tether (230) comprises at least one wire (252) disposed within an outer layer.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the tether (230) comprises a fixed length along its longitudinal axis.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the tether (230) is flexible about its radius.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the attachment device (130) comprises a clamp (210), wherein the clamp (210) comprises a slot (218) and a plurality of bristles (216) disposed in an opening (214).
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the length of the slot (218) measured along its longitudinal axis is longer than the length of the opening (214).
8. The system of claim 6, wherein the fixture (210) is rotatable about the second device (120).
9. The system of claim 6, wherein the second device (120) is disposed within the slot (218) and is movable within the slot.
10. A connection device (130), comprising: a clamp (210) configured to be coupled to a tube (122), wherein the clamp (210) includes a U-shaped body, an opening (214), and a slot (218); and A plurality of bristles (216) extend between the first arm (211) and the second arm (213) of the clamp (210), wherein the plurality of bristles (216) move in response to a threshold force.
11. A connection device (130) according to claim 10, wherein the clamp (210) is arranged at a first end of the connection device (130), and the connection device also includes a pin (220) arranged at a second end of the connection device (130) opposite to the first end, wherein the pin (220) engages with a coupling element (310) spaced away from the tube (122).
12. The connection device (130) of claim 10, wherein the tube (122) is a pole of an intravenous fluid (IV) pole (120).
13. The connection device (130) of claim 10, further comprising a tether (230) extending from the clamp (210) to the pin (220), wherein the tether (230) comprises at least one wire (252) housed within an outer layer (238).
14. The connection device (130) of claim 13, wherein the at least one wire (252) is flexible in a radial direction of the tether (230).
15. The connection device (130) of claim 10, wherein a size of the slot (218) is larger than a size of the opening (214).
16. A connection device (130), the connection device being configured to be coupled to a first device (110) and a second device (120), the connection device (130) comprising: a clamp (210) configured to be coupled to the rod (122) of the second device (120), wherein the clamp (210) includes a U-shaped body, an opening (214), and a slot (218); a plurality of bristles (216) extending between a first arm (211) and a second arm (213) of the clamp (210), wherein the plurality of bristles (216) move in response to a threshold force; and A pin (220) is arranged at an opposite end of the connection device (130) relative to the fixture (210), wherein the pin (220) engages with a coupling element (310) of the first device (110).
17. The connection device (130) of claim 16, wherein the connection device (130) is stored on the first device (110).
18. The connection device (130) of claim 16, wherein the coupling element (310) is one coupling element among a plurality of coupling elements mounted to the first device (110).
19. The connection device (130) of claim 16, wherein the first device (110) is a bed frame and the second device (120) is an intravenous fluid (IV) pole.
20. The connection device (130) of claim 16, wherein a flexible tether (230) extends between the clamp (210) and the pin (220).