ECMO Stand Locking Assembly for One-Handed Secure Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ECMO system fixation mechanisms require both hands to operate, making them cumbersome and increasing the risk of accidental release or failure to lock properly, which can lead to instability and safety issues during transportation or use.

Innovation Solution

A locking device comprising a hook assembly with a sliding member, first and second hooks, and an adjustment assembly, along with a trigger assembly that allows for one-handed operation, automatic locking, and secure release without the need for additional reset operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional locking mechanism is used, then the ECMO system can be securely fixed, but both hands are required to operate the locking release mechanism, making the operation cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fixationVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to automatically lock when the ECMO system is placed on the stand, without requiring manual intervention. The release mechanism only requires a simple foot-operated action, making the system serve itself for the complex locking function while minimizing user effort for release.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A foot-operated release mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the user and the locking system. This allows the user to operate the release mechanism with one foot while keeping both hands free to handle the ECMO system, effectively mediating the interaction between user and device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the locking release mechanism is operated with one hand, then the other hand can handle the ECMO system, but there is a risk that the release mechanism may not be fully activated, leaving the system stuck

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehands-free operationVSAvoidlocking reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The manual hand-operated release mechanism is replaced with a foot-operated mechanical system. This substitution changes the body part used for operation from hand to foot, allowing simultaneous hand availability while maintaining mechanical reliability through a dedicated foot pedal mechanism that provides clear operational feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The design includes a mechanical linkage system that ensures the release mechanism is fully activated when the foot pedal is pressed. The preliminary design of the linkage prevents partial activation, ensuring that either the system remains locked or is fully released, eliminating the intermediate stuck state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Volume of moving object

If the ECMO system is equipped with consumables in the middle area, then the design is compact, but the unlocking device location and operation may interfere with the consumables and pipelines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidunlocking accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stand structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: the middle area houses the consumables, while the rear area is dedicated to the locking and release mechanisms. This spatial segmentation allows the ECMO system to be compact with consumables centrally located, while the unlocking operation is moved to a separate accessible location that does not interfere with the consumables or pipelines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution enables secure and reliable fixation and release of the ECMO system with one hand, reducing the risk of accidents and improving operational efficiency by ensuring the device is locked and unlocked correctly every time.

Implementation Method 1

the adjustment assembly includes a first elastic member, a first through hole is provided on the sliding member, a groove is provided at a position on the base corresponding to the first through hole, and the first elastic member is provided in the through hole and the groove

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a second through hole is provided on the mounting member, a movable member is movably provided inside the second through hole, the movable member matches the second through hole, a second elastic member is provided on the periphery of the movable member, and the trigger member is driven by the device to be fixed to cause the second elastic member to undergo elastic deformation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4566581A1A locking and a fixing device for an ECMO carrying stand
Publication Date: 2025.06.11 LIFEMOTION MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • EP4566581A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4566581A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4566581A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The embodiment of the present application provides a locking device and a fixing device, including a hook assembly and a trigger assembly. The hook assembly includes a sliding member, a first hook and a second hook. The first hook and the second hook are arranged on the sliding member at intervals. The sliding member is slidably connected to the base, and an adjustment assembly is arranged between the sliding member and the base. The trigger assembly includes a trigger assembly body and a mounting member. The trigger assembly body is arranged on the mounting member. The trigger assembly body is arranged above the first hook, and the device to be fixed drives the trigger assembly body to move and then drives the sliding member to move.