Attachment clamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical procedures often require the use of multiple devices simultaneously, such as endoscopes, which can be burdensome for physicians to manage and operate effectively, especially when both devices need to provide distinct functions like illumination and imaging.
Innovation Solution
Development of apparatuses that allow for secure attachment of one medical device to another using various holding mechanisms like clamps, pincers, straps, and buckles, enhancing gripping strength with materials like adhesives, magnets, and VELCRO, enabling easy and quick attachment and detachment with one-hand operation, and allowing for transfer of the second device to another user without complete removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple medical devices are used simultaneously during a medical procedure, then the functional capability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the burden of handling multiple instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple medical devices into a single integrated assembly using attachment mechanisms such as clamps, clips, or connectors. This allows the physician to handle one combined device rather than multiple separate devices, reducing the burden of manipulation while maintaining the functional capabilities of each component device.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanisms are designed to be universally applicable to various types of medical devices, allowing different devices to be attached together in different configurations. This multi-functional attachment system enables flexible combination of devices while simplifying the handling requirement to a single grasping point.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple medical devices are used simultaneously, then the functional capability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to managing multiple instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the multi-device assembly into distinct attachable components, where each medical device can be independently attached or detached through standardized attachment mechanisms. This modular segmentation reduces the perceived complexity by allowing selective combination of devices based on procedural needs rather than requiring all devices to be managed simultaneously as a single complex unit.
3Ease of operation
If a holding mechanism is added to attach two medical devices, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional attachment components
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanisms are designed to nest within or alongside the existing medical devices without requiring separate external fixtures. For example, clamps may attach to the shaft of one device and hold another device, utilizing the existing device structure as part of the attachment system, thereby minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces simple intermediary attachment components (such as clips, clamps, or connectors) that mediate between two medical devices. These intermediaries provide the linking function with minimal structural complexity, allowing easy attachment and detachment while maintaining simplicity in the overall system.
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
Facilitates efficient and streamlined operation of multiple medical devices during procedures, reducing the burden on physicians and enabling seamless transfer of device operation between users without compromising security or functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the clamps, jaws, pincers, latches, joints, hooks, straps, fasteners, and buckles can have surfaces that enhance gripping including a soft material, a sticky or tacky material such as a releasable adhesive, magnets
Data Source
AI summary
Various apparatuses to attach a first medical device to a second medical device are described that allow the physician to grasp only a single device while the other device remains securely attached to the one being grasped. The apparatuses, once they are attached to the first medical device, are designed to be easily and quickly attached and detached to a second medical device, normally only requiring the use of one hand. Furthermore, the apparatuses oftentimes include a base that can easily couple and decouple from the portion that is attached to the second medical device so that if the need arises to separately use the second medical device, it can be decoupled from the first medical device without completely removing the apparatus from the second medical device.