Electrode Clamp With Offset Parts For Snap Electrode Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode clamps fail to ensure reliable and easy handling for both film and snap electrodes, particularly in medical applications, where consistent contact is crucial for procedures like electrocardiograms.
Innovation Solution
An electrode clamp design featuring movable parts that pivot and move relative to each other, utilizing an energy storage mechanism to ensure reliable contact with snap and film electrodes, with offset adjustments allowing for easy insertion and secure clamping of snap electrodes and reliable clamping of film electrodes, ensuring one-handed operation and patient comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sections of the first and second part are aligned in the initial position (as in known clamps), then the structure is simple, but the opening cannot be cleared for snap electrode insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second parts are pre-positioned with an offset in the initial state, preparing the opening to be cleared for snap electrode insertion before the actual clamping action occurs. This preliminary configuration enables easy snap electrode insertion without requiring additional manipulation steps.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the first and second part are moved relative to each other to clear the opening, then snap electrode insertion is enabled, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode clamp is designed with a universal clamping mechanism that can accommodate both film electrodes and snap electrodes through the same first and second parts. The relative movement capability allows the opening to be cleared for snap electrodes while the same structure can clamp film electrodes, achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate devices.
3Reliability
If an energy storage mechanism is added to reduce offset, then reliable contact-making is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An energy storage mechanism (such as a spring) is integrated into the electrode clamp to automatically reduce the offset between the first and second parts when an electrode is inserted. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable contact-making without requiring manual adjustment by the user, maintaining reliability while keeping the operation simple.
4Ease of operation
If the opening in the first part is made larger than in the contact element, then snap electrode insertion is facilitated, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The opening in the first part is designed to be larger in specific sections to facilitate snap electrode insertion, while the contact element maintains its own precise opening dimensions for reliable electrical contact. This local differentiation of opening sizes allows easy insertion while meeting manufacturing precision requirements for the contact interface.
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 provides reliable and easy-to-use electrical contact for both snap and film electrodes, ensuring consistent connections with reduced force application on patients, enhancing comfort and operational simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
An opening in the electrode clamp thus can be cleared, into which then the snap electrode, with which contact is to be made, can be inserted. The snap electrode is clamped against the contact element and contact is established by the reset motion.
Implementation Method 2
The snap electrode is clamped against the contact element and can be held in the receiving space of the second part at least in sections.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode clamp (10; 100) for making contact with a film electrode and a snap electrode has a first part (12; 112), a second part (14; 114), and a contact element (60; 160). For clamping a film electrode, the two parts (12, 14; 112, 114) can be pivoted toward one another. In an initial state of the electrode clamp (10; 100), the first part (12; 112) and the second part (14; 114) have an offset (36; 136) relative to one another. The offset can be reduced by movement of the second part (14; 114) relative to the first part (12; 112) to such an extent that the snap electrode can be inserted into the electrode clamp. By a reset motion of the second part (14; 114) relative to the first part (12; 112) in the direction of the initial state, the snap electrode can be clamped against the contact element (60; 160) and contact can be made with the snap electrode. The electrode clamp (10; 100) can be connected in a mechanically detachable manner to the snap electrode.