Ear Clip Jaw Separation Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ear clip designs for medical monitoring devices lack precision in jaw separation, leading to inconsistent attachment to the earlobe, potential flattening of capillaries, and inaccurate blood flow measurements due to variable pressure and manufacturing tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A clip design featuring upper and lower shells with a hinge pin, a biasing spring, and an adjustment mechanism comprising a screw, washer clip, and insert, allowing for precise adjustment of jaw separation to accommodate individual earlobe thickness and ensuring parallel alignment of sensors for accurate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a basic spring clip design is used, then the clip can be easily manufactured and operated, but the jaw separation is not precisely determined and manufacturing tolerances are high
Solution Approach 1:
The clip incorporates an adjustment mechanism that allows the jaw separation to be dynamically adjusted to a predetermined precise distance. The mechanism includes a first member with a threaded bore and a second member with a threaded shaft that can be rotated to adjust the jaw separation distance, transforming a static fixed-separation design into a dynamic adjustable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of jaw separation distance from a fixed manufacturing-determined value to an adjustable value. By providing a threaded adjustment mechanism, the separation distance can be precisely set and maintained at the required ±5 micron tolerance level, regardless of manufacturing variations in other components.
2Reliability
If the clip pressure is increased to ensure firm engagement, then the attachment reliability improves, but capillaries may be flattened and blood flow affected
Solution Approach 1:
The invention allows precise control of the jaw separation distance parameter, which directly influences the contact pressure on the earlobe. By adjusting the separation to the correct predetermined distance, the clip achieves reliable attachment without excessive pressure that would flatten capillaries or disrupt blood flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the reliance on manufacturing tolerances and spring force variations with a precise mechanical adjustment system. The threaded mechanism provides deterministic control over jaw separation, substituting imprecise mechanical compliance with precise mechanical adjustment.
3Measurement precision
If high precision jaw separation is required for accurate measurements, then measurement accuracy improves, but production standards and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring all components to be manufactured with ±5 micron precision, the invention provides a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the final jaw separation to be set to the precise required distance. This shifts the precision requirement from manufacturing to assembly/adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the precision requirement into two parts: the adjustment mechanism components can be manufactured with standard tolerances, while the final jaw separation precision is achieved through the threaded adjustment mechanism. This separates the precision function from the manufacturing process.
4Ease of operation
If the clip design allows easy opening and closing for attachment and removal, then ease of operation improves, but controlling jaw parallelism and separation precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines a simple spring-loaded opening/closing mechanism with a separate adjustment mechanism. The spring allows easy dynamic opening and closing for attachment and removal, while the threaded adjustment mechanism independently controls the jaw separation precision when the clip is closed.
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 achieves high precision in jaw separation and alignment, enabling reliable and accurate attachment to the earlobe, reducing the risk of capillary flattening and improving measurement reliability by allowing adjustable and precise fitting.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing spring to oppose the squeezing together of the handles and to urge the jaws together
Implementation Method 2
The adjustment mechanism comprises an adjustment screw, a washer clip, and an insert; said adjustment screw having a screw head and a threaded shank
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge pin joint for facilitating precise separation of the jaws of a spring clip, comprising: a base cylinder with a threaded bore; supports extending laterally out from said base cylinder; pin supports having means for pivoting; and stabilizing wings extending from the pin supports. In one embodiment, the means for pivoting includes pins that are integral with the pin supports and which extend out laterally from the pin support. An alternate embodiment comprises aligned openings in the pin supports into which pins may be inserted. At least one stopper may be disposed on at least one of the pin supports for supporting the upper shell. The stabilizing wings are configured as plates that are semi-rigidly secured in guide structures within the lower shell.