One-Handed Jaw Clamp With Internal Threads for Sterile Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing systems for attaching medical devices to structures are complex, require two-handed operation, and have exposed threads that are prone to contamination, making them unsuitable for quick and efficient use in medical environments.
Innovation Solution
A fixing system with first and second jaw portions and a resilient member, featuring a clamping mechanism that can be operated with one hand, includes a simple design with smooth surfaces, and uses a pivotable connector to engage and disengage with internal threads, allowing for quick attachment and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clamping mechanism with many components is used to achieve secure attachment, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and cleaning/sterilization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a handle component for operation, a rod for force transmission, and a jaw portion for clamping. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates disassembly for cleaning and sterilization while maintaining secure attachment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The threading mechanism is extracted and enclosed within the handle component, eliminating exposed threads that are prone to contamination. The internal threading is completely contained within the handle component's internal cavity, preventing contaminant accumulation while maintaining the secure attachment function.
2Reliability
If a complex clamping mechanism with exposed threads is used to achieve secure attachment, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the susceptibility to contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threading mechanism is extracted from the external environment and completely enclosed within the handle component's internal cavity. This extraction eliminates exposed threads that would otherwise be susceptible to contaminant accumulation, while the internal threading maintains secure attachment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle component acts as an enclosing shell that contains the threading mechanism and prevents contaminant access. The smooth external surfaces of the handle component and jaw portions resist contaminant adhesion, while the internal cavity protects the threading mechanism.
3Reliability
If a cumbersome clamping mechanism requiring two-handed operation is used to achieve secure attachment, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the operation speed decreases and quick release becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The release function is merged with the rod's linear movement capability. The same rod that transmits clamping force during attachment also serves as the release actuator when moved in the opposite direction. This merging eliminates the need for separate release mechanisms and enables quick single-handed operation while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transitions from a static threaded connection to a dynamic system where the rod can move freely along the threaded bore. This dynamic capability allows the operator to quickly switch between attachment (rotating the handle component) and release (moving the rod linearly) modes, significantly improving operation speed.
4Reliability
If a clamping mechanism with many components is used to achieve secure attachment, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the ease of cleaning and sterilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is divided into separable components (handle component, rod, jaw portion) that can be easily disassembled for cleaning and sterilization. Each component has smooth surfaces without crevices where contaminants could accumulate, and the segmentation allows thorough cleaning of each part independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The threading mechanism is extracted and enclosed within the handle component, eliminating exposed threads that are difficult to clean. The internal cavity containing the threads is designed with smooth surfaces that resist contaminant adhesion and facilitate easy cleaning and sterilization processes.
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 and secure attachment and release of medical devices to structures with a single hand, suitable for medical environments, and facilitates easy cleaning and sterilization due to its simple and smooth design.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient member is operatively connected to the rod, and biases the rod toward the non-actuated position
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing system has first and second jaw portions and a resilient member. The first jaw portion has a body defining a channel having an internal threaded portion, a mounting interface, and a first jaw. The second jaw portion has a handle component, a second jaw connected to the handle component, a rod connected to the second jaw and selectively moveable between actuated and non-actuated positions and biased toward the non-actuated position by the resilient member, and a connector pivotably connected to the handle component and having an engaging portion. The handle component is received in the channel, and defines a handle channel in which the rod is received. The engaging portion is moveable between disengaged and engaged positions, in which the engaging portion is, respectively, disengaged and engaged from the internal threaded portion. In the disengaged and engaged positions, movement of the second jaw is, respectively, permitted and restricted.