Cannula Floating Clamping Member for Even Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cannulas suffer from uneven force distribution during clamping, potential tissue damage, inadequate grip, lack of a locking mechanism, poor visibility due to opaque materials, limited range of movement, and susceptibility to leaks, which complicates perfusion procedures.
Innovation Solution
A cannula design featuring a longitudinal base member and arm member with pivotally attached clamp members, allowing for adjustable force distribution and multiple degrees of freedom, a locking mechanism, and ergonomic configuration for improved usability and visibility, along with transparent materials to reduce tissue damage and leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the clamp heads are made of opaque material (typically metal), then the clamping force is strong and durable, but the visibility of the vasculature is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into two separate longitudinal members (12 and 14) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows one member to provide structural strength while the other can be made transparent for visibility, resolving the contradiction between opaque strength and transparent visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the clamp structure have different optical properties. The clamp heads (24 and 26) that contact the tissue can be made of transparent material to allow visualization of the vasculature, while maintaining sufficient clamping strength through proper material selection and structural design.
2Device complexity
If the clamp heads are fixed in orientation relative to each other, then the structure is simple and robust, but the force distribution across the tissue surface is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp members are designed with pivotal connections that allow dynamic adjustment of the clamp head orientations. The longitudinal members (12 and 14) can pivot relative to each other, enabling the clamp heads (24 and 26) to be positioned at optimal angles for even force distribution across the tissue surface during the clamping process.
3Reliability
If the cannula includes a locking mechanism, then the cannula is prevented from opening at undesired times, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring (22) positioned between the handles (18 and 20) automatically biases the handles apart, which in turn automatically forces the clamp heads (24 and 26) together into the clamping position. This self-biasing mechanism provides reliable clamping without requiring complex external locking structures, as the spring continuously applies the necessary force to maintain the closed position.
4Ease of manufacture
If the clamp heads are integral to the members, then the manufacturing is simple and robust, but the force applied to the tissue is unevenly distributed
Solution Approach 1:
While the clamp heads (24 and 26) remain integral to their respective longitudinal members (12 and 14) for manufacturing simplicity, the members themselves are designed to be movable and adjustable relative to each other. This allows the integral clamp heads to be positioned at optimal orientations during use, achieving even force distribution without requiring complex assembly or non-integral construction.
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 design ensures even force distribution, reduces tissue damage, prevents unintended opening, enhances visibility, and facilitates easier use by allowing adjustable clamping positions and reduced leak risk, thereby improving perfusion procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A spring 22 is positioned between the handles 18 and 20 in order to bias the handles apart. This, in turn, tends to force the clamp heads 24 and 26 together.
Implementation Method 2
a longitudinal arm member pivotally attached to the longitudinal base member
Data Source
AI summary
A cannula has a longitudinal base member having a first clamping end and a longitudinal arm member pivotally attached to the longitudinal base member and having a second clamping end, the cannula being in a closed position when the first and second clamping ends are brought together. A first clamp member is located at the first clamping end and has a first passage. A second clamp member is rotatably attached to the arm member at the second clamping end and has a second passage. The first and second passages form a combined passage when the clamp is in the closed position. The cannula may have a first locking member positioned on the arm member and a second locking member positioned on the base member. The first and second locking members interact with each other to lock the cannula in the closed position.