Medical Device Clamp Mechanism for Pole Stand Interlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical device systems face challenges in efficiently managing and interlocking medical devices on a pole stand, leading to confusion and instability, especially when multiple devices are stacked or arranged horizontally, and there is a need for a cost-effective solution that restricts attachment to prevent unbalanced setups.
Innovation Solution
A portable medical device system with a clamp mechanism that allows interlocking of two devices, restricting attachment to only one side and preventing additional devices from being attached once joined, while enabling slide-ratcheting axial movement for secure mounting on a support structure, and providing wireless communication between devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple medical devices are vertically stacked on a pole stand, then device capacity is increased, but identification and routing of IV tubes becomes confusing and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical stacking to horizontal arrangement of medical devices on the pole stand. This dimensional change allows devices to be positioned side-by-side rather than stacked vertically, making IV tube routing and identification significantly easier while still accommodating multiple devices on the same support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pole stand is divided into multiple horizontal attachment locations, allowing devices to be segmented and positioned at different horizontal positions rather than stacked. This segmentation enables independent access to each device and their associated IV tubes, resolving the confusion caused by vertical stacking.
2Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable single channel pumps are arranged horizontally, then device interchangeability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal mounting interface on the pole stand that can accommodate different types of medical devices (single channel pumps, multi-channel pumps, monitors, etc.). This universal interface enables device interchangeability without requiring complex interlocking mechanisms, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating elaborate interlocking means for each device type, the patent uses a standardized mounting interface that can be replicated across different devices. This copying of the basic mounting mechanism reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while still allowing interchangeable device attachment.
3Ease of operation
If wheeled pole stands are used for moving devices, then mobility is improved, but stability deteriorates when crossing thresholds or exiting elevators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent appears to favor fixed or semi-fixed mounting solutions over wheeled mobile stands. By using clamp mechanisms that can be easily attached and detached to fixed pole stands, the system achieves mobility when needed without the stability problems of wheeled stands during transitions. The mounting system is simple enough to be quickly repositioned without requiring complex wheeled infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A first portable medical device is adapted for use in an interlocking system for interlocking the first medical device to a second medical device. The first device includes a housing having opposite sides, a selective element, a blocking element, and a clamp mechanism. At least one of the opposite sides includes a matable element to detachably attach a second medical device. The selective element restricts the attachment of the second device to only one side of the first device. The blocking element prevents a third medical device from attaching to the first and second devices once the first and second devices are attached. The clamp restricts the attachment of the second device to only one side of the first device when the clamp is attached to a support member. The clamp permits slide-ratcheting axial movement of a clamp shaft.