Spring-Biased IV Pump Clamp for One-Handed Pole Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IV pump attachment systems, typically 'C-type' clamps, are inconvenient and time-consuming to adjust and require both hands to fasten or unfasten, lacking ease of operation and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A clamp design featuring two straight lever arms with a central fulcrum and a spring biasing component, along with reciprocal curved clamping ends and a bracket for mounting an IV pump, allowing for single-handed operation and secure attachment to various supports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a C-type clamp with screw mechanism is used, then the clamp can securely hold the IV pump to the pole, but it requires both hands to fasten and adjust, making it inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp transitions from a static screw mechanism to a dynamic lever-arm system with spring biasing. The lever arms can be easily opened by applying force and automatically close to grip the pole securely when released, enabling one-handed operation while maintaining secure holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased lever arm system performs the gripping action automatically when the user releases the lever. The spring stores energy during opening and releases it during closing, making the clamp self-actuating and eliminating the need for continuous manual adjustment or two-handed operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a screw mechanism is used to fasten the clamp, then the clamp can be adjusted to different positions, but it is time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm mechanism allows rapid opening and closing movements compared to slow screw rotation. The mechanical advantage provided by the lever arms enables quick positioning adjustments with minimal effort, significantly increasing attachment and repositioning speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-loaded to store energy, so when the lever arms are released, they automatically snap into the gripping position. This preliminary energy storage eliminates the time-consuming process of manual screw tightening and enables instant secure attachment.
3Reliability
If a complex screw-and-flattened-surface mechanism is used, then the clamp can provide secure grip, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into two separate lever arms that pivot independently about a fulcrum. This segmentation simplifies the overall mechanism compared to a monolithic C-type clamp with screw threads, while each lever arm still provides robust gripping capability through the spring-biased design.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex screw mechanism and flattened gripping surface are completely removed from the design. Instead, a simple fulcrum pivot and spring-biased lever system is used, extracting only the essential elements needed for secure gripping while eliminating unnecessary complexity.
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 quick, single-handed attachment and adjustment of IV pumps to poles or brackets, improving convenience and efficiency while providing a secure grip, reducing the need for complex screwing mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a spring or other biasing component in-between the lever arms that causes the lever arms be urged together
Implementation Method 2
two generally straight lever arms mounted about a central fulcrum axis
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp assembly for an IV pump, or similar device, is disclosed. Disclosed embodiments include a clamp having a first lever arm with a first clamping end and a second lever arm having a second clamping end. A central axle connects the first lever arm and the second lever arm and allows the first clamping end and the second clamping end to pivot away from and towards each other. A biasing spring biases the first clamping end towards the second clamping end. Also disclosed is a bracket that is connected to the first lever arm and has a pump mounting portion that allows an IV pump, or similar device, to be mounted thereon.