Modular Attachment Clamp for One-Handed Endoscope Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical procedures often require the use of multiple devices simultaneously, such as endoscopes, which can be burdensome for physicians to manage and operate effectively, as they need to hold and manipulate multiple instruments simultaneously for tasks like minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
Development of apparatuses that allow a first medical device to securely attach to a second medical device using various holding mechanisms like clamps, pincers, latches, and straps, enhancing gripping strength with materials like adhesives, magnets, and VELCRO, enabling easy attachment and detachment with one hand, allowing for independent operation of the second device by different users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple medical devices are used simultaneously during a medical procedure, then the functional capability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as physicians must hold and manipulate multiple instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple medical devices into a single integrated assembly by providing a first medical device with a holding mechanism that securely attaches a second medical device to it. This allows the physician to manipulate both devices simultaneously using only one hand, resolving the contradiction between maintaining functional capability and improving ease of operation.
2Reliability
If a holding mechanism is designed to securely attach two medical devices, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components like clamps, latches, or adhesives
Solution Approach 1:
The holding mechanism is segmented into modular components that can be independently selected and configured. The first medical device includes a holding mechanism with attachment features that can accommodate various second medical devices through standardized interfaces, allowing secure attachment without requiring complex integrated solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding mechanism is designed with universal attachment features that can securely hold different types of second medical devices. The mechanism includes adaptable components such as clamps, latches, or adhesive surfaces that can accommodate various device geometries and sizes, maintaining reliability while avoiding excessive complexity through multi-functionality.
3Strength
If the holding mechanism uses enhanced gripping materials like adhesives or magnets, then the gripping strength is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to additional manufacturing steps and material requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Enhanced gripping materials such as adhesives or magnets are applied only at specific localized areas where maximum gripping strength is needed, rather than throughout the entire holding mechanism. This selective application maintains high gripping strength while minimizing additional manufacturing steps and material costs.
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 efficient and secure attachment of multiple medical devices, reducing the burden on physicians by allowing them to grasp one device while the other remains securely attached, facilitating easier operation and reducing the need for multiple hands, while also being applicable beyond medical settings for various trades.
Implementation Method 1
the clamps, jaws, pincers, latches, joints, hooks, straps, fasteners, and buckles can have surfaces that enhance gripping including a soft material, a sticky or tacky material such as a releasable adhesive, magnets
Data Source
AI summary
Various apparatuses to attach a first medical device to a second medical device are described that allow the physician to grasp only a single device while the other device remains securely attached to the one being grasped. The apparatuses, once they are attached to the first medical device, are designed to be easily and quickly attached and detached to a second medical device, normally only requiring the use of one hand. Furthermore, the apparatuses oftentimes include a base that can easily couple and decouple from the portion that is attached to the second medical device so that if the need arises to separately use the second medical device, it can be decoupled from the first medical device without completely removing the apparatus from the second medical device.