Medical Tubing Pinch Clamp Geometry to Prevent Rebound
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pinch clamps suffer from patient discomfort due to sharp edges, bulkiness, lateral disengagement, and rebound issues, which can lead to reflux and increase the risk of occlusion or infection in medical tubing systems.
Innovation Solution
The pinch clamp design features a pinch profile with upper and lower clamping surfaces configured to compress tubing, positioning the pinch point at the distal end and incorporating blocking ribs to prevent over-engagement and lateral disengagement, thereby minimizing rebound and enhancing patient comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional molding process is used to manufacture pinch clamp, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but sharp edges are created causing patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by rounding the edges of the clamp arms where they contact the patient's skin. This is achieved through specific molding techniques that create curved surfaces instead of sharp edges, eliminating patient discomfort while maintaining the molding manufacturing process
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional molding process is used to manufacture pinch clamp, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the clamp becomes relatively bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes geometric parameters of the clamp components, adjusting thickness, curvature radii, and arm dimensions to minimize volume. The design uses precise parameter control in the molding process to create a compact form factor while maintaining structural integrity and functionality
3Device complexity
If traditional pinch clamp design is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but lateral disengagement occurs leading to unintended release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetric features on the clamp arms, such as non-symmetric engagement surfaces or asymmetric positioning elements. This asymmetry prevents lateral disengagement by ensuring the arms can only engage in the correct orientation and position, eliminating unintended release while adding minimal complexity to the overall structure
4Ease of operation
If traditional pinch clamp design is used, then ease of engagement is maintained, but over-engagement occurs causing rebound and reflux
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary action by designing the clamp arms with pre-configured engagement geometry that guides the user through the engagement process. The arms are shaped to naturally guide the user to the correct engagement position and depth, preventing over-engagement before it occurs while maintaining ease of operation
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 design achieves positive displacement while preventing rebound, reducing the force required for engagement, and minimizing reflux, thus enhancing the safety and effectiveness of medical tubing systems.
Implementation Method 1
an upper arm is connected to a lower arm via a living hinge
Implementation Method 2
the biased terminal portion will maintain leading end 111 beneath engaging surface 141
Data Source
AI summary
Pinch clamps are provided which generate positive displacement while also preventing rebound. To prevent rebound while providing positive displacement, the upper and lower clamping surfaces may be configured to form a pinch profile along which the tubing is compressed with the pinch point being formed at the distal end of the pinch profile. To further prevent rebound, the lower arm of the pinch clamp can include blocking ribs that interface with the upper clamping surface to prevent distal travelling of the pinch point even if the upper arm is forced into an over-engaged position.