Infusion Pump Cradle with Claw-Like Mounting and Strain Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ambulatory infusion pumps require secure mounting solutions that allow access to user interfaces and connector ports while preventing unauthorized access to medications, which existing solutions fail to accommodate.
Innovation Solution
A cradle assembly with a 'claw-like' attachment mechanism that grips infusion pumps on the top and bottom, featuring integrated strain relief for cables and a design that allows mounting to a pole or rail without obstructing the display, buttons, or ports, using connection pins and clamps for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an IV fluid hanger housing is used to secure the infusion pump, then unauthorized access to medications is prevented, but access to the user interface and connector ports is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional zones: the cradle holds the pump body while leaving the front face exposed for user interface access, and the cable management system is separated from the pump housing to provide cable access without obstructing ports. This segmentation allows security and accessibility functions to coexist without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle acts as an intermediary mounting structure that secures the pump to the pole while maintaining clearance around the pump's front face. This intermediary device provides the security function of restricted access while preserving the accessibility of the user interface and connector ports.
2Reliability
If the infusion pump is securely mounted to prevent movement, then operator safety is improved, but access to connector ports for cable connection is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle provides secure mounting at the pump's rear and bottom surfaces while leaving the front and side surfaces accessible. This localized security approach ensures the pump is firmly held in position while maintaining open access to connector ports and cables at specific locations where operation is needed.
3Ease of operation
If a mounting structure is added to secure the pump, then hand-free operation is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle is designed as a universal mounting solution that attaches to standard hospital poles and provides multiple functions: securing the pump, managing cables, and maintaining accessibility. This multi-functional design avoids the need for separate mounting devices, cable managers, and positioning mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A cradle securely mounts one or more infusion pumps to a pole without obstructing the display, buttons, or connector ports of the infusion pumps. A lower portion of the cradle includes connection pins sized/oriented to fit within respective connection holes of the infusion pump as well as an integrated strain relief mechanism for one or more cables. An upper portion of the cradle includes clamps for engaging a protrusion/ridge on a top surface of the infusion pumps. In a single cradle configuration, a recess within a back surface of the cradle mates with a pole clamp connector or a mounting bar in either a vertical or horizontal orientation. In a multiple cradle configuration, each cradle is secured indirectly to the pole clamp connector via a mounting bar and respective adapters. The mounting bar may be bent to introduce an offset between adjacent infusion pumps.