IV Pole Power Plug Holder with Securement Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power plug holders do not effectively prevent power plugs and cords from dangling on the floor, which can interfere with IV pole movement and pose a tripping hazard for patients.

Innovation Solution

A securement assembly removably engaged about an IV pole, combined with a power plug holder that securely holds the plug and cord, using a design with bowed side edges and a cavity to accommodate various plug sizes, and a securement mechanism with non-slip materials and elastic bands or clamping members to prevent slipping and tangling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If power plug holders are used to hold power plugs and cords, then the plugs and cords are supported, but they still dangle on the floor and interfere with IV pole movement

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIV pole movementVSAvoidtripping hazard
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The power plug and cord are extracted from the problematic floor-level position and elevated to be held by the securement assembly on the IV pole. This removes the harmful element (dangling cord) from the floor area where it causes tripping hazards and interference with pole movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The securement assembly acts as an intermediary device between the power plug holder and the IV pole. It provides a secure mounting mechanism that attaches the plug holder to the pole, preventing the cord from dangling while maintaining easy access to the power plug.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a securement assembly is added to the IV pole to hold the power plug holder, then the plug and cord are prevented from dangling, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplug and cord stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The securement assembly combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure: it attaches to the IV pole, supports the power plug holder, and prevents the cord from dangling. This merging of functions reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The securement assembly is designed with universal applicability to accommodate various IV pole types and configurations. The bowed side edges and adjustable features allow it to function with different pole diameters and shapes, reducing the need for multiple specialized components.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If bowed side edges and a cavity are used to accommodate various plug sizes, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplug size accommodationVSAvoidcavity dimension precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The power plug holder features a cavity with bowed side edges that provide localized adaptability for different plug sizes. The bowed geometry creates variable clearance zones that accommodate different plug dimensions without requiring the entire structure to be precision-engineered, thus reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The bowed side edges of the cavity create variable spatial parameters that adapt to different plug sizes. By changing the geometric parameters of the cavity boundaries rather than using fixed rigid walls, the design accommodates a range of plug dimensions while maintaining manufacturability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution effectively keeps power plugs and cords organized and out of the way, preventing them from interfering with IV pole wheels and reducing the risk of tripping, ensuring safe and unobstructed movement.

Implementation Method 1

a securement mechanism with non-slip materials and elastic bands or clamping members to prevent slipping and tangling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a securement mechanism with non-slip materials and elastic bands or clamping members to prevent slipping and tangling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11289846B1IV pole power plug support device
Publication Date: 2022.03.29 MUHONEN KIMBERLY ANN
  • US11289846B1 patent drawing
  • US11289846B1 patent drawing
  • US11289846B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An IV pole power plug support device for preventing an power plug and cord from dangling on a floor. The IV pole power plug support device includes a securement assembly adapted to be removably engaged about an IV pole; and a power plug holder in communication with the securement assembly.