Gravity-Wedging Mounting Clamp for Fast IV Pole Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for mounting medical equipment to IV poles are cumbersome, require complex and costly hardware, leading to user fatigue and insufficient clamping force, which can result in patient injury or equipment damage due to the need for manual tightening using mechanical parts like lead screws and knobs.
Innovation Solution
A clamp device utilizing a gravity-assisted wedging action with a base and slider configuration, featuring angled coupling elements and troughs to securely mount equipment to a support structure, allowing for easy installation and removal without relying on user strength for tightening, accommodating a range of support structure diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional lead screw and knob mounting mechanisms are used, then clamping force can be generated, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple mechanical parts and special tools required
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism is divided into two main segments: a stationary base and a movable slider. The base contains coupling elements that engage with corresponding coupling elements in the slider, allowing the slider to slide along the base while maintaining a secure connection. This segmentation simplifies the overall structure by eliminating complex lead screws and knobs while still providing effective clamping force through the sliding engagement of the segmented components.
2Force
If traditional lead screw mechanisms are used, then clamping force can be applied, but ease of operation worsens due to the need for multiple wrist rotations leading to user fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The slider mechanism utilizes the weight of the medical equipment itself to generate and maintain clamping force. As the equipment is mounted on the slider, its weight automatically urges the slider against the base, creating the necessary clamping force without requiring additional manual tightening efforts from the user. This self-service approach eliminates the need for repeated wrist rotations and special tools.
3Force
If multiple rotations of the knob are required to achieve sufficient tightening, then clamping force can be increased, but loss of time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The base is pre-configured with coupling elements positioned and oriented to automatically engage with corresponding coupling elements in the slider. This preliminary arrangement of coupling elements ensures that when the slider is positioned on the base, the engagement occurs immediately without requiring multiple rotational adjustments or time-consuming tightening operations. The clamping force is established through the predetermined geometric relationship between the coupling elements.
4Force
If traditional mounting hardware is used, then clamping force can be generated, but manufacturing cost increases due to costly materials and complex assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling elements are integrated directly into the base and slider structures, merging the clamping function with the mounting structure itself. This integration eliminates the need for separate, costly lead screw mechanisms and specialized hardware components. The coupling elements are formed as part of the base and slider bodies, simplifying manufacturing processes and reducing material costs while maintaining the necessary clamping force capability.
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 clamp device provides a quick, ergonomic, and cost-effective solution for securely mounting heavy medical equipment, reducing user fatigue and enhancing patient safety by utilizing gravity and equipment weight for clamping force, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional mounting methods.
Implementation Method 1
a clamp device for mounting equipment to a support structure using a gravity-assisted wedging action
Implementation Method 2
a clamp device for mounting equipment to a support structure using a gravity-assisted wedging action
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A clamp device (100) for mounting equipment to a support structure (200) including a base (105) and a slider (110). The base (105) includes a first trough (155) formed in the front side (140) of the base (105) and a second trough (160) formed in the back side (145) of the base (105) and a first coupling element located on the first lateral side (130) and a second coupling element located on the second lateral side (135) of the base (105). Each of the first and second coupling elements extend from near the top end (120) of the base (105) towards the bottom end (125) of the base (105) at an angle relative to the first trough (155). The slider (110) includes a channel (185) on a back side (145) of the slider (110) and corresponding coupling elements within the channel (185) configured to slidingly engage the first and second coupling elements upon association of the slider (110) with the base (105).