Orthopaedic Tool Cluster Clamp with Adjustable Cam Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Orthopaedic tool cluster clamps lack flexibility in tool placement due to fixed positions based on differently sized pin and drill guide holders, inconvenient for surgeons.
Innovation Solution
An orthopaedic tool cluster clamp with a cam assembly that allows for four or more different clamping positions through rotation and pivoting of a cam lever, enabling adjustable jaw distance without special tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If tool cluster clamps are formed with differently sized tool holders for pins and drill guides, then tools of different sizes can be held, but the placement of tools is restricted to fixed locations rather than surgeon's preference
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates a cam mechanism with a cam lever that can be rotated to dynamically adjust the distance between jaws, transforming a static fixed-position clamp into a dynamic adjustable-position clamp, allowing tools to be placed at various locations along the jaw length
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of jaw distance through the cam mechanism, allowing the distance between jaws to be varied by rotating the cam lever to different positions, thereby adapting the clamp to hold tools of different sizes at different locations
2Ease of operation
If multiple differently sized tool holders are integrated into the clamp, then various tools can be accommodated, but the surgeon must place tools based on fixed holder locations rather than preference
Solution Approach 1:
The cam lever mechanism provides dynamic adjustability, allowing the surgeon to operate the clamp at multiple positions along the jaw length, making tool placement convenient according to surgical preference rather than being constrained to fixed locations
3Adaptability or versatility
If the jaw distance is fixed in the clamp design, then the structure is simple, but tools with varying sizes cannot be accommodated flexibly
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is segmented into distinct components (cam base, cam lever, connector) that work together to provide jaw distance adjustability, breaking down the complex adjustment function into manageable parts that achieve the desired adaptability
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
The clamp can accommodate tools of varying sizes with adjustable positions, enhancing flexibility and convenience in surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a cam base including a ramped portion statically associated with one of the jaws; and a cam lever pivotally connected to the connector about an axis of rotation and held against the cam base. The cam lever defines a profile such that rotating the cam lever along the ramped portion and pivoting the cam lever about the axis of rotation both cause actuation of the connector.
Implementation Method 2
The cam lever defines a profile such that rotating the cam lever along the ramped portion and pivoting the cam lever about the axis of rotation both cause actuation of the connector
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopaedic tool cluster clamp includes a pair of jaws held together and defining a distance therebetween, the jaws being movable relative to one another to adjust the distance; a connector holding the jaws together, with actuation of the connector adjusting the distance between the jaws; a cam base including a ramped portion statically associated with one of the jaws; and a cam lever pivotally connected to the connector about an axis of rotation and held against the cam base. The cam lever defines a profile such that rotating the cam lever along the ramped portion and pivoting the cam lever about the axis of rotation both cause actuation of the connector.