Hinged Suture Clip for Repositionable Medical Device Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical fixation devices lack flexibility and usability, as they are difficult to reopen and reposition, and are not adaptable to various medical device shapes or functions beyond simple fixation, requiring specific adaptation and tools.
Innovation Solution
A hinged clamp with a central clamping aperture and side-by-side handles allows for easy manual operation to open and close, providing controlled force application and repositioning without tools, and includes a detent for additional closure force, along with a variable bushing for adaptability to different medical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If known fixation devices are used to hold medical devices, then fixation is achieved, but the devices cannot be easily re-opened or re-positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates a hinge joint that enables dynamic movement between the jaw elements, transitioning from a fixed closed position (providing stable fixation) to an open position (allowing re-positioning). This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by allowing the device to adapt its state based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is divided into separate jaw elements connected by a hinge, allowing independent movement of each jaw. This segmentation enables the clamp to open and close while maintaining overall structural integrity, facilitating easy re-positioning without compromising fixation reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If known fixation devices are used, then simple fixation is achieved, but flexibility for different medical device shapes and additional functions is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate various medical device shapes and sizes through its adjustable jaw opening and detent mechanism. It performs multiple functions including fixation, compression, and controlled re-positioning, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp allows for parameter changes in jaw opening width and clamping force through the detent mechanism, enabling adaptation to different medical device dimensions and requirements without changing the device structure itself.
3Force
If known fixation devices are used, then fixation is achieved, but controlled force application and compression functions are unable to be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The detent mechanism provides automatic force control and positioning without requiring external tools or complex operating procedures. The mechanism itself controls the force application and maintains it, enabling easy manual operation while achieving controlled force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator's manual action and the clamping force, providing controlled force application through a simple mechanical interface that is easy to operate.
4Loss of time
If known fixation devices are used, then fixation is achieved, but release requires undoing sutures which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism replaces the traditional suture-based release system with a mechanical opening mechanism. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming process of undoing sutures while maintaining secure fixation during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp's hinge mechanism allows for self-release by simply opening the jaws, eliminating the need for additional release tools or complex procedures. The device serves its own release function through the mechanical hinge action.
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 hinged clamp offers improved usability and adaptability, enabling secure and flexible fixation, repositioning, and additional force application to medical devices without altering the clamp's position on the body, suitable for use by both trained and untrained personnel.
Implementation Method 1
coupled together via a common bending joint, which forms the hinge between the two jaws, by means of inherent elasticity of the material used for the joint
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A fixation clip for holding medical devices, such as catheters, cables or tubing, to an animal or human body, is provided in the form of a hinged clamp comprising two jaw elements (32, 36) with handles (22, 26) and a bending joint (30) to form a central clamping aperture for the medical device.