Perfusion Clamp with Variable Clamping Force via Elliptical Gears
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing perfusion clamps lack adjustability in clamping force, often resulting in tissue damage from excessive force or leakage due to insufficient force, and require constant user intervention to maintain an open state, with high procurement and maintenance costs and potential tissue damage from generic serrations or knurls.
Innovation Solution
A perfusion clamp with variable clamping force using an elastomeric force applying portion and elliptical gears, allowing for adjustable force application and automatic maintenance of the open or closed state, and made from cost-effective, tissue-compatible materials like plastic with customizable serrations or knurls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a spring mechanism is used to apply clamping force, then the clamp can maintain a closed state, but the clamping force cannot be adjusted and may be excessive causing tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static spring mechanism with a dynamic ratchet-and-pawl system that allows the clamping force to be adjusted and locked at different levels. The ratchet mechanism enables one-way motion while the pawl prevents reverse motion, allowing the user to set and maintain specific clamping force levels without the force being fixed by spring characteristics alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple adjustable parameters for clamping force through the ratchet mechanism, which can be set to different engagement positions. This allows the clamping force parameter to be changed according to tissue thickness and requirements, rather than being determined solely by spring displacement as in the prior art.
2Device complexity
If a fixed spring mechanism is used, then the clamp structure is simple, but the clamping force is determined by tissue thickness and cannot be adequately controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet-and-pawl mechanism adds dynamic adjustability to the clamp structure. The ratchet wheel with multiple teeth and the engaging pawl create a mechanism that can be easily operated to adjust clamping force while maintaining structural simplicity. The user can engage or disengage the pawl from different ratchet teeth to control the clamping force level.
3Ease of manufacture
If generic serrations or knurls are used on clamping surfaces, then the clamp can be manufactured simply, but tissue damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface characteristics to different regions of the clamping surfaces. Soft tissue-contacting regions are designed with smooth, non-abrasive surfaces to prevent tissue damage, while other regions may have serrations or knurls for enhanced grip on the vessel. This localized differentiation allows the clamp to be manufactured with specific surface properties where needed without requiring complex manufacturing processes throughout the entire component.
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 adjustable and tunable force application to prevent tissue damage, reduces user burden by maintaining the open state without constant force application, and lowers costs through disposability and tissue-specific material compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
a force applying portion (130) configured to apply a force across the first clamping portion (110) and the second clamping portion (120) when the perfusion clamp is in the closed state
Implementation Method 2
elliptical gears, allowing for adjustable force application and automatic maintenance of the open or closed state
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6
AI summary
Disclosed is a cannula (100) including a first clamping portion (110), a second clamping portion (120) and a force applying portion (130) configured to apply at least two different clamping forces across the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion when the cannula is in a closed state. The first clamping portion includes a first gear (140), the second clamping portion includes a second gear (150), and the first gear and the second gear are in meshing engagement.