Operating Table Clamp With Quick-Release Serrated Jaw Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating table side rail clamps require time-consuming and labor-intensive rotation of knobs to loosen and re-tighten connections, limiting movement along the rail, especially under surgical drapes and with hinged side rails that restrict clamp positioning.
Innovation Solution
An operating table support clamp with top and bottom jaw clamps connected by interlocking rods and serrations that allow automatic locking and quick release, enabling rapid attachment and detachment without needing to access side rail notches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional knob rotation mechanism is used to fasten and loosen the clamp, then reliable connection is achieved, but time-consuming and labor-intensive operation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism transitions from a static knob rotation system to a dynamic lever-based system. The lever arm can be quickly moved between positions to engage or disengage the clamp from the side rail, eliminating the need for time-consuming rotational movements while maintaining secure connection when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is divided into distinct functional components: a lever arm for quick operation, a jaw mechanism for gripping, and a release mechanism. This segmentation allows the fastening and loosening functions to be performed by separate mechanical actions, enabling rapid deployment without compromising connection reliability.
2Reliability
If knob rotation is required to loosen the clamp, then secure attachment is maintained, but operational effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm provides mechanical advantage through its length and pivot point design, allowing a small input force to generate sufficient releasing force on the clamp jaw. This dynamic lever system reduces the effort needed to loosen the clamp compared to overcoming the full frictional grip through knob rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever arm acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the operator's hand and the clamp jaw. By introducing this lever mechanism, the system translates a small manual force applied to the lever into a larger force that easily overcomes the clamping pressure, significantly reducing operational effort.
3Measurement precision
If side rail notches are used for clamp positioning, then precise location is achieved, but accessibility is limited under surgical drapes
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp jaw is designed to interact with the side rail structure itself rather than requiring access to specific notches. The jaw can grip the side rail at multiple positions along its length, providing both precise positioning capability and accessibility without needing to see or reach specific notch locations under drapes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If hinged side rails are used for table adjustment, then table positioning flexibility is improved, but clamp movement along the rail is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The lever-based clamp design allows for quick engagement and disengagement from the side rail. When the side rail is hinged for table adjustment, the clamp can be rapidly released and repositioned along the rail without requiring complex manipulation, maintaining flexibility in both table positioning and clamp relocation.
Data Source
AI summary
An operating table support clamp includes top and bottom jaw clamps containing a pair of interconnecting rods for allowing movement of the top jaw clamp between open and closed positions, Serrations on the rods interact with serrations within the top jaw clamp for automatically locking the top and bottom jaw clamps together against an operating table side rail.