Adjustable Rail Clamp with Cam Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical retractor systems are cumbersome and time-consuming to adjust during procedures, requiring additional personnel and increasing surgical complexity due to fixed positioning mechanisms, which hinders versatility and sterilization efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable surgical retractor system featuring a clamping mechanism with a releasable locking device and reversible ratchet assembly, allowing for quick height adjustments and easy positioning of retractor blades, facilitated by a slide lock mechanism and cam tightened clamp locking device for enhanced flexibility and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed positioning mechanism is used to secure the retractor to the post, then the retractor remains stable during surgery, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and requires additional personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed with a dynamic locking mechanism that transitions from a fixed clamping state during surgery to a quickly releasable state for adjustment. The spring-loaded jaw and release button enable the clamp to maintain stable gripping force during use while allowing rapid release when the button is pressed, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and adjustment speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp incorporates a self-locking feature through its spring mechanism that automatically maintains clamping force without requiring continuous manual intervention. During surgery, the spring maintains the jaw in a locked position against the post, providing stable positioning. For adjustment, the operator simply presses the release button, and the spring automatically facilitates the release and repositioning process, reducing the need for additional personnel.
2Ease of operation
If a complex adjustment mechanism is used to enable quick repositioning, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the clamp body, the spring-loaded jaw, the release button, and the locking feature. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall operation. The operator only needs to interact with the release button to initiate the adjustment process, while the other components automatically perform their respective functions, thus improving ease of operation without requiring excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking feature is extracted as a separate, easily accessible component (the release button) that can be operated independently from the main clamping structure. This extraction allows the operator to release the clamp with a simple button press without having to manipulate the entire clamping mechanism, significantly improving ease of operation while keeping the overall device complexity manageable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are used to achieve adjustable positioning, then the adaptability improves, but the difficulty of sterilization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp integrates multiple functions into a single unified component structure. The spring-loaded jaw, release button, and locking feature are combined into one compact clamping assembly that attaches directly to the post. This merging reduces the number of separate components that would otherwise require assembly and disassembly for sterilization, while still providing full adjustability through the integrated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is designed as a universal component that can be attached to various post positions and heights, providing adaptability without requiring multiple specialized components. The single clamp design with its adjustable range and quick-release mechanism can accommodate different surgical needs and patient sizes, eliminating the need for multiple clamping components and simplifying the sterilization process.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable surgical retractor clamping mechanism for attaching mechanism to an operating table. The mechanism includes an upper jaw, lower jaw, a drive member, an adjustable frame support post and a releasable clamp for adjusting the height of the surgical retracting frame. The upper portion of the lower jaw has a plurality of slots cut into the sidewalls of upper jaw to form at least one flexible finger. The clamp is in close sliding relationship to the upper portion of lower jaw member. The clamp includes a cam lever. Movement of the cam lever to its closed position compresses the clamp causing the flexible fingers to grip the adjustable post locking its longitudinal movement. Rotation of the cam lever to the open position releases the compressive force on the clamp, unlocking the adjustable post allowing the post to be longitudinally adjusted relative to the clamping mechanism.