IV Pole Utility Holder with Segmented Collars for Stable Device Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing makeshift devices for holding articles like pacemakers and ether screens on IV poles are unstable, expose pacemakers to contaminants, and are not reusable or cleanable, lacking a secure and shielded position for pacemakers during surgeries.

Innovation Solution

A multipurpose utility holder for IV poles with a C-shaped open collar and connecting arm, allowing secure and stable attachment of various medical devices, positioning pacemakers behind the ether screen for protection, and being made of flexible non-porous plastic for reusability and cleanliness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If makeshift devices like simple clips or bent stylets are used to hold pacemakers and ether screens on IV poles, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability and reliability of holding articles deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidstability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is divided into distinct functional segments: an upper collar for holding the ether screen, a lower collar for securing the pacemaker, and a connecting arm linking them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall structural integrity and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges multiple holding functions into a single integrated device. The upper and lower collars work together as a unified structure to simultaneously hold both the ether screen and pacemaker, eliminating the need for separate makeshift devices and improving overall reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If pacemakers are held above the ether screen using makeshift devices, then the ease of operation is improved, but the pacemaker becomes exposed to blood and contaminants from the surgical field

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidcontamination exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of positioning the pacemaker above the ether screen as with makeshift devices, the invention inverts this arrangement by positioning the pacemaker below the ether screen using the lower collar. This inversion places the pacemaker in a protected position behind the surgical field, shielding it from blood and contaminants while maintaining ease of access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Loss of substance

If reusable and cleanable materials are used for the holder, then the loss of substance is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and ease of manufacture may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereusabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention specifies particular material parameters - non-porous plastic or metal - that enable both reusability and cleanability. This parameter selection ensures the holder can be sterilized and reused multiple times while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard fabrication processes for these materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11400208B2Multipurpose utility holder for IV pole

Publication Date: 2022.08.02 MILLAR ALLEN CURRIE

AI summary

A cleanable and reusable device which is attachable on an IV pole for holding multiple different instruments and articles such as an ether screen, a pacemaker, additional IV bags, and/or a transesophageal echo probe.