Pole Clamp Docking Lock for Fast Medical Device Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pole clamp assemblies for medical devices are cumbersome and time-consuming to use, especially when securing or repositioning multiple devices on a support structure, and they inefficiently manage space for optimal mounting.
Innovation Solution
A pole clamp assembly with a docking member and locking mechanism that allows for easy engagement and disengagement of medical devices, featuring a fastener hub and pivotable locking mechanism, enabling rapid connection and disconnection while maintaining space efficiency for multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pole clamp assemblies with fixed backstop and threaded rod are used, then the medical device can be securely attached to the support structure, but the operation becomes awkward and time-consuming when securing or repositioning multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The pole clamp assembly is divided into separate functional components: a clamp body for securing to the support structure, a docking member for attaching the medical device, and a locking mechanism with movable jaw. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling quick attachment and repositioning of multiple devices without the awkward manual operations required by conventional threaded rod mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates a movable jaw that can shift between locked and unlocked positions, and a biasing mechanism that automatically maintains proper engagement force. This dynamic design eliminates the need for manual threading and tightening operations, allowing caregivers to quickly secure and reposition medical devices while maintaining reliable attachment through the automatic biasing force
2Reliability
If conventional pole clamp assemblies are used for multiple medical devices, then each device can be attached, but the space management along the support structure becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The docking member is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate various types of medical devices while maintaining a compact footprint on the support structure. The standardized docking interface allows multiple devices to be efficiently mounted in close proximity, optimizing space utilization compared to conventional clamps that require larger spacing for manual operation and device accommodation
3Reliability
If conventional pole clamp assemblies are used, then the medical device can be attached, but removal and repositioning require supporting the device with one hand while unscrewing the knob, which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism extracts the time-consuming threading and knob-turning operations from the attachment process. Instead, a simple engagement action activates the movable jaw to lock the docking member in place, and removal is achieved by releasing the lock rather than unscrewing. This extraction of complex manual operations dramatically reduces the time required for device removal and repositioning while maintaining secure attachment
Data Source
AI summary
A pole clamp assembly is configured to facilitate removable coupling of one or more medical devices to a support structure. The pole clamp assembly includes a pole clamp that is configured to selectively grip the supporting structure. The pole clamp includes a fastener hub and a locking mechanism. A docking member is configured to operably couple a medical device of the one or more medical devices to the pole clamp. The docking member includes structure defining a fastener hub aperture and one or more recesses into which a portion of the locking mechanism can selectively reside. The locking mechanism is shiftable between a non-engaged position in which the docking member is rotatable relative to the pole clamp, and an engaged position in which rotation of the docking member relative to the pole clamp is inhibited.