Quick-Release IV Pole Clamp for Mixed Pole Shapes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current clamping assemblies for IV stands are limited in adaptability, often restricting attachment to specific pole sizes and shapes, and require excessive time and effort for attachment and detachment, which is critical in medical settings where quick medication administration is essential.

Innovation Solution

A rapid attach and release clamp system featuring a threaded rod, knob, and lever mechanism that allows secure attachment and quick release on variously sized and shaped IV poles, including cylindrical, rectangular, square, and elliptical shapes, utilizing a lock with a threaded portion and a biasing mechanism for easy operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional clamping assemblies are used, then secure attachment to IV poles is achieved, but adaptability to different pole sizes and shapes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different pole sizes and shapesVSAvoidcomplexity of clamping assembly design

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp head is designed with a universal C-shaped configuration that can accommodate multiple pole shapes (circular, rectangular, square, elliptical) and sizes. This single design serves multiple functions across different IV pole types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized clamps while maintaining secure attachment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp incorporates a movable jaw mechanism with spring-loaded tension adjustment, allowing the clamping force and opening width to dynamically adapt to different pole diameters and shapes. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same clamp structure to securely hold various pole configurations without requiring redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If manual tightening of traditional clamps is used, then secure attachment is achieved, but time and effort required for attachment and detachment is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachment and detachmentVSAvoidtime required for attachment and detachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp pre-loads spring tension onto the pole through the movable jaw mechanism before final tightening. This preliminary action creates initial secure contact and distributes force evenly, reducing the number of adjustment iterations needed during attachment and ensuring reliable securing with minimal user effort and time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the traditional multi-turn threaded knob mechanism with a lever-operated quick-release system. This mechanical substitution transforms the attachment process from time-consuming manual threading to a rapid single-motion lever operation, dramatically reducing both effort and time while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If quick-release mechanism is implemented, then attachment and detachment speed is improved, but reliability of secure attachment may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of attachment and detachmentVSAvoidreliability of secure attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded movable jaw automatically maintains constant tension on the pole through self-adjusting elastic force. This self-service mechanism ensures continuous secure attachment without requiring active monitoring or adjustment, providing both rapid release capability when needed and reliable continuous holding force, eliminating the trade-off between speed and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables rapid and secure attachment and detachment of medical devices to IV poles, improving adaptability and reducing the time and effort required, thus enhancing the efficiency of medical equipment management in dynamic medical environments.

Implementation Method 1

The spring is constructed and arranged to press the threaded portion of the lock into engagement with the threaded rod

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A lever is moveably attached to the knob and constructed and arranged to rotate the lock about a pivot point

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Implementation Method 3

The lock is constructed and arranged to move between a closed position with the threaded portion engaged with a threaded rod positioned in the passageway

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS8167259B2Rapid attach and release clamps

Publication Date: 2012.05.01 BAXTER HEALTHCARE SA

AI summary

Rapid attach and release clamps for attaching to supports include a threaded rod, an arm pivotally attached to the threaded rod, and a knob having an exterior surface and an interior surface. The knob defines a passageway sized to fit the threaded rod. A lock comprises at least one thread and is rotatably attached to the interior surface of the knob. The lock is constructed and arranged to move between a closed position with the thread entering the passageway and engaging the threaded rod and an open position with the thread not entering the passageway. A lever is moveably attached to the clamp and constructed and arranged to rotate the lock about a pivot point.