One-Touch Infusion Clamp With Dynamic Linear Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional clamp apparatuses require multiple rotations of a rotating knob to attach and detach infusion devices from infusion stands with varying pole diameters, leading to time-consuming and physically demanding operations, especially in medical settings where efficiency and ease of use are critical.

Innovation Solution

The clamp apparatus features a through-space main shaft member with inclined surfaces, male and female threads, and a built-in spring mechanism that allows for one-touch adjustment and secure attachment/detachment, minimizing the need for continuous knob rotation and reducing physical strain on users.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional clamp apparatus with a rotating knob is used to attach/detach infusion devices from poles of different diameters, then the device can be securely fixed, but multiple rotations of the knob are required which increases operation time and physical load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fixationVSAvoidattachment/detachment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp apparatus employs a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the clamp body can be moved along the main shaft to accommodate poles of different diameters. This dynamic positioning eliminates the need for multiple rotations to adjust for different pole sizes, as the clamp simply needs to be positioned at the appropriate location along the shaft to match the pole diameter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of adjustment from rotational (multiple knob rotations) to linear (sliding the clamp body along the shaft). By transforming the adjustment mechanism from angular displacement to linear displacement, the operation is simplified and time is reduced while maintaining secure fixation through the same clamping action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a conventional clamp apparatus requires multiple knob rotations for different pole diameters, then secure attachment is achieved, but physical load on the operator increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidoperator physical load
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic linear adjustment mechanism reduces the physical effort required by eliminating repetitive rotational motions. The operator simply needs to slide the clamp body along the shaft to the appropriate position, which requires significantly less physical load than multiple rotations while achieving the same secure attachment result.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the clamp apparatus is designed for secure gripping of poles, then reliable fixation is achieved, but the structure becomes complex requiring multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegripping reliabilityVSAvoidclamp structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The main shaft serves multiple functions: it provides the structural backbone of the clamp, guides the linear movement of the clamp body, and accommodates poles of various diameters through its length. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining reliable gripping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic linear adjustment mechanism simplifies the structure by replacing complex rotational adjustment systems with a straightforward sliding mechanism. The clamp body moves along predetermined guides on the main shaft, eliminating the need for additional gears, cam mechanisms, or multiple fastening points that would increase structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This design simplifies the attachment and detachment process, reducing time loss and physical effort, allowing for safe and reliable operation of infusion devices on infusion stands with different pole diameters, particularly beneficial in emergency medical situations.

Implementation Method 1

a built-in spring is provided between the first projection and the second projections to bias the pair of male thread pieces in a direction toward the female thread portions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a return spring which biases the operation portion in a direction toward the separate position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2154382B1Clamp device
Publication Date: 2019.06.26 TERUMO KK
  • EP2154382B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2154382B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2154382B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

When an infusion device is to be fixed and detached to and from the pole of an infusion stand, the time loss and physical load imposed on an attendant are minimized by omitting the operation of repeatedly and continuously rotating a rotating knob while holding the infusion device. A clamp apparatus (20) includes a clamp base (1) on which a grip-shaped portion which grips one outer peripheral surface of the pole of an infusion stand and an upright shaped portion are formed, and a main shaft member (5) having one end rotatably provided with a grip member which grips the other outer peripheral surface of the pole, and the other end to which a rotating knob is fixed, and sets a gripped state or an ungripped state relative to a pole (30) by moving a grip member (8) when a rotating knob (9) is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. This apparatus includes a tubular thread member (2) which has thread portions formed on its inner peripheral surface and through which a main shaft member extends, a pair of male thread pieces (4) which are built in the housing portion of the main shaft member and set a meshed state and unmeshed state relative to female thread portions, and an operation means (103) including an operation portion (3f) which is placed to be movable between an operation position set when the rotating knob is moved and a separate position set when the rotating knob is not moved, and sets the pair of male thread pieces in the unmeshed state.