Patient Monitor IV Pole Clamp With Ratcheting One-Hand Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient monitoring systems are large and bulky, making them difficult to transport and use in ambulatory situations, and lack a secure mechanism for attachment to intravenous line poles during patient transfer.
Innovation Solution
A patient monitor with a ratcheting clamp mechanism and handle that securely fixes to an intravenous line pole, utilizing a channel and clamping device to maintain the monitor in place, providing a friction fit with an elastomeric layer for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional patient monitoring systems are used, then monitoring functionality is provided, but the systems are large and bulky making them difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring system into separate functional components: a portable patient monitor unit and a separate IV pole mounting system. This segmentation allows the monitor to be compact and easily transported, while the mounting mechanism provides secure attachment capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patient monitor is designed with universal mounting capability through the IV pole channel and clamp mechanism, allowing it to be attached to various IV poles and supporting structures. This multi-functionality enables the same monitor to serve both portable and stationary monitoring needs without requiring different devices.
2Reliability
If conventional patient monitoring systems are used, then monitoring is provided, but they lack a secure attachment mechanism to IV poles during patient transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism is extracted as a separate, dedicated component (clamp mechanism with ratchet) rather than being integrated into the monitor's housing. This allows the mounting function to be simple and reliable without adding complexity to the monitor's electronic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism provides self-locking capability, automatically maintaining the clamped position without requiring continuous input or adjustment. Once the clamp is engaged on the IV pole, the ratchet mechanism maintains secure attachment through its self-locking action, ensuring reliability without adding complex control systems.
3Reliability
If a secure attachment mechanism is added to the monitor, then attachment reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the monitor itself adjustable and adaptable to various mounting surfaces, the invention inverts the approach by providing a dedicated clamp mechanism that adapts to the standardized IV pole structure. The complexity is placed in the mounting mechanism rather than the monitor, keeping the monitor simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp mechanism is designed to engage with the IV pole structure in a standardized manner, using the existing structural features of the IV pole (such as the bar or rod structure) rather than requiring precise matching between the clamp and every possible mounting surface. This partial adaptation to standardized structures reduces 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 secure and reliable attachment to IV poles during patient transport, preventing the monitor from falling or being damaged, while allowing easy detachment and reattachment, thus ensuring continuous monitoring without interruption.
Implementation Method 1
providing a friction fit with an elastomeric layer for stability
Implementation Method 2
A patient monitor with a ratcheting clamp mechanism and handle that securely fixes to an intravenous line pole
Data Source
AI summary
A patient monitor includes a clamping device on its rear surface for securely holding the monitor on an intravenous line (IV) pole. The clamping device is operated by the user with a sliding lever located on the side of the unit. The clamping mechanism has a ratcheting device to maintain the clamping force on the IV pole applied by the user with a simple one hand pull. The sliding lever has two buttons that release the clamp from the IV pole when the buttons are depressed simultaneously. The IV pole clamping system provides a simple and reliable mechanism for securely attaching the patient monitor to a stretcher IV pole or a free standing IV pole during patient transfer.