Gas Supply Clamp With Torque-Limited Mounting for Elongate Supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical gas supply apparatuses face challenges in securely attaching to elongate supports of varying shapes and orientations due to complex and difficult-to-manipulate clamp structures, particularly in emergency transport scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A medical gas supply apparatus equipped with a fixing device featuring a clamp body and movable clamp element, actuated by a rotary manipulation member with a torque-limiting system using spring washers, allowing for secure attachment to elongate supports of different cross-sections through a user-friendly and adjustable clamping mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex clamp structure with multiple pivot pins and a locking arm is used to secure the apparatus to supports of different shapes, then the adaptability to various support structures is improved, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into two functional parts: a fixed jaw attached to the apparatus and a movable jaw that pivots to accommodate different support shapes. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the fixed jaw provides stable attachment while the movable jaw adapts to various geometries through pivoting motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is designed with a universal pivoting mechanism that can accommodate multiple support shapes (cylindrical, rectangular, square) through a single degree of freedom rotation. The adjustable pivot position and spring-loaded engagement allow the same clamp structure to securely hold different support geometries without requiring multiple specialized clamps.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary adjustment wheel with multiple pivot pins is used to control jaw spacing, then the adjustability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The complex multi-pin adjustment mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simple pivot connection. The pivot point serves multiple functions: it allows jaw spacing adjustment, accommodates different support shapes, and provides mechanical advantage through its position relative to the clamping force. This extraction simplifies the user interface to a single rotational motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element automatically adjusts the clamp to the optimal position on the support structure and maintains constant clamping force. When the user rotates the movable jaw to engage the support, the spring automatically tensions to provide the required clamping force, eliminating the need for manual adjustment wheels or multiple-pin mechanisms.
3Reliability
If a fixed clamp structure is used to prevent apparatus movement during transport, then the reliability of securing is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to adjust to different orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic system with one degree of freedom rotation about the pivot axis. This allows the movable jaw to adapt its orientation to match the support structure geometry while maintaining secure engagement. The spring element provides continuous adaptive force to maintain reliability across different orientations.
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 apparatus provides a secure, user-friendly, and adjustable means to attach to elongate supports, ensuring firm holding regardless of orientation, while preventing over-tightening and ensuring consistent clamping force, thus enhancing safety and usability during transport and use.
Implementation Method 1
a torque-limiting system arranged in the head of the rotary manipulation member, said torque-limiting system comprising a stack of spring washers cooperating with a pressure washer
Implementation Method 2
an actuation rod comprises a threaded portion, and an internally threaded actuation part cooperates with the threaded portion of the actuation rod
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a medical apparatus (1) for supplying gas, such as gaseous NO, comprising a shell (2) and a device (10), arranged on said shell (2), for fixing the latter to an elongate support (S). The fixing device (10) comprises a clamp body (12) and a clamp element (13) movable by pivoting (XX) relative to each other, which are configured as a first jaw (15) and a second jaw (16) forming a clamp. A rotary manipulation member (11), which can be actuated in rotation, allows the jaws (15, 16) to be moved towards or away from each other. It comprises a head (11.1) intended to be grasped manually by the user, and an actuation rod (11.2) with a threaded portion (11.4) cooperating with an internally threaded actuation part in order to move the jaws (15, 16) towards or away from each other. A torque-limiting system (20) is arranged in the head (11.1) of the rotary manipulation member (11). It comprises a stack of spring washers (21) cooperating with a pressure washer (24).