Adjustable Stethoscope Chest Piece Clamp for Training Attachments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stethoscope chest piece holders are often size-specific, difficult to use, and involve complex manufacturing processes, making them expensive and inconvenient for auscultation training, which struggles to simulate various body sounds effectively.

Innovation Solution

A stethoscope chest piece holder with an adjustable clamp and handles that securely couple to a medical attachment device, allowing for easy adjustment to accommodate different stethoscope sizes and minimizing moving parts for simplified manufacturing and use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a size-specific clamp design is used, then the holder can securely attach to a particular stethoscope size, but it cannot accommodate different stethoscope sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of different stethoscope sizesVSAvoidclamp design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp incorporates movable members that can shift position to adjust the aperture size, transitioning from a fixed structure to a dynamic one. This allows the same clamp to accommodate multiple stethoscope sizes by adjusting the aperture rather than requiring different clamp designs for each size

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The aperture dimensions are made variable through the movable members mechanism. By changing the aperture parameter (size) dynamically, the holder can adapt to different stethoscope chest piece sizes without altering the fundamental clamp structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple moving parts are included in the holder, then adjustability is improved, but manufacturing expense and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing expense and complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp is divided into stationary members and movable members, with the movable members being simpler components that can be easily manufactured. This segmentation allows the complex adjustment function to be achieved through simple, easily manufactured parts rather than a single complex piece

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The movable members serve multiple functions: they adjust the aperture size, provide friction engagement with the stethoscope, and enable quick release. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying manufacturing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If a fixed aperture clamp is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but it cannot accommodate various stethoscope sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidsize accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp transitions from a static fixed aperture design to a dynamic adjustable aperture design. The movable members allow the aperture to change size while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that remains easy to manufacture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If numerous moving parts are included, then adjustability is improved, but the device becomes more complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidnumber of moving parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of implementing a fully adjustable mechanism with multiple independent controls, the patent uses a simpler partial adjustment mechanism where movable members can shift to predetermined positions. This provides sufficient adjustability without the complexity of a fully programmable or multi-stage adjustment system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 holder provides a versatile and cost-effective solution for auscultation training by securely attaching stethoscopes to medical devices, enhancing the simulation of body sounds without disrupting training sessions, and allowing for quick and easy attachment and detachment.

Implementation Method 1

the first retaining member and the second retaining member are made of a friction material and are sized to contact the stethoscope chest piece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11386807B2Stethoscope chest piece holder
Publication Date: 2022.07.12 BOORPUS LLC
  • US11386807B2 patent drawing
  • US11386807B2 patent drawing
  • US11386807B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A stethoscope chest piece holder for use with a medical attachment device, the stethoscope chest piece holder including a clamp defining an adjustable aperture sized to receive a stethoscope chest piece therein and being configured to secure the stethoscope chest piece proximate the medical attachment device.