Quick-Action Clamp Two-Part Tie Bolt Sterilization Gap

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing quick-release clamps for surgical aids face challenges in disinfection and sterilization due to gaps that are too small for effective disinfectant access but too large for preventing dirt and fluid residues from penetrating.

Innovation Solution

A two-part tie bolt design with adjustable threaded connection and a collar system allows for a gap between clamping elements in the loose position, facilitating easy disinfection and sterilization without the need for an additional pressure piece, while ensuring secure clamping with a toggle lever mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the gap between clamping elements is made small to prevent dirt and fluid penetration, then sealing performance is improved, but accessibility for disinfection is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirt and fluid penetrationVSAvoiddisinfection accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp utilizes a dynamic gap structure that changes based on the operational state. In the closed clamping position, the gap is minimized to prevent contamination. In the open position, the gap automatically enlarges to allow disinfectant access. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between sealing and disinfection accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The design incorporates a preliminary opening action before disinfection. The clamp is opened to a predefined position that automatically creates sufficient gap space for disinfectant penetration, ensuring that disinfection can be performed effectively before the clamp is closed for operation. This preliminary positioning action prevents contamination while enabling thorough cleaning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the clamp is designed with simple structure for easy disinfection, then ease of operation is improved, but clamping reliability is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisinfection easeVSAvoidclamping reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp is segmented into distinct functional components: clamping elements, linkage mechanism, and positioning features. Each segment is designed with smooth surfaces and minimal crevices to facilitate disinfection, while the overall segmented structure maintains the complex mechanical functionality needed for reliable clamping. The segmentation allows each part to be optimized for both cleaning and function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp design integrates multiple functions into a unified structure that serves both clamping and self-cleaning purposes. The same mechanical components that provide clamping force also create the gap opening mechanism for disinfection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate complex disinfection mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while ensuring both reliability and ease of cleaning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enhances the ease and effectiveness of sterilization and disinfection by maintaining a gap between clamping elements in the relaxed state, preventing contamination while maintaining secure clamping functionality.

Implementation Method 1

The clamping elements are mechanically and rotatably connected to one another by means of the tie bolt, which is guided through openings present in the clamping elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

The use of an eccentric lever allows the greatest possible force to be applied to the quick release clamp with the least effort, so that the device can be operated with just one hand

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 3

The threaded connection of the two-part tie bolt can be adjusted in such a way that in the open position there is a gap between the first and second clamping element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP4190273A1Quick-action clamping clamp
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 MEDIZINTECHN SATTLER
  • EP4190273A1 patent drawingFigure 1~6
  • EP4190273A1 patent drawing
  • EP4190273A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a quick-release clamp for attaching surgical instruments such as wound retractors or peripheral surgical equipment to a frame system, comprising two clamping elements with a central receptacle for a pull bolt, wherein the first clamping element is rotatably mounted about the axis of the pull bolt, and the clamping elements are mechanically and rotatably connected to one another by means of the pull bolt, which is guided through through-holes in the clamping elements, wherein the pull bolt is furthermore connected to an eccentric lever via a transverse bolt, the pull bolt is pivotably mounted in a fork-shaped receptacle of the second clamping element, and the first clamping element, which can be coupled to the frame system, has two connected legs with a clamping opening. According to the invention, the pull bolt is designed in two parts.