Double-Row Ratchet Wound Clamp for Rapid Bleeding Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling severe bleeding in field settings, such as manual pressure and tourniquets, are inefficient and pose risks due to their complexity, time-consuming application, and potential for increased blood loss, necessitating a more effective and rapid means to close wounds.
Innovation Solution
A one-way ratcheting mechanism integrated into a wound clamp device that allows for incremental closure and locking, utilizing a double-row ratchet configuration with cam features for one-time bypass operation, enabling quick and secure sealing of wounds with needles and pressure bars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual pressure is applied to compress the damaged blood vessel, then blood flow is temporarily controlled, but the method is time-consuming and passive (cannot accelerate clotting)
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet mechanism is pre-configured with engagement teeth and spring-loaded components that automatically engage when the clamp is applied to the wound. The spring force is pre-loaded to immediately compress the blood vessel upon deployment, eliminating the passive waiting period for manual pressure to take effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive manual pressure system with an active mechanical ratchet-clamp system that uses spring force and ratchet engagement to actively compress the wound site. This mechanical system provides immediate and controllable compression force without requiring continuous manual application.
2Reliability
If a tourniquet is used to collapse the vessel proximal to the injury site, then blood loss is reduced, but the device is slow and difficult to maneuver and place
Solution Approach 1:
The tourniquet system is segmented into a modular clamp design with separate ratchet mechanisms on each jaw. This segmentation allows the device to be applied directly to the wound site without requiring circumferential placement around the extremity, making it much easier and faster to position and apply.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism serves as an intermediary that translates simple jaw closure motion into secure, locked compression. The cam features and engagement teeth provide mechanical advantage, allowing the operator to achieve vessel collapse with minimal manual force and simplified positioning.
3Reliability
If a ratchet mechanism with multiple engagement members is used for secure locking, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet mechanism employs asymmetric cam features on the movable jaw and corresponding asymmetric engagement teeth on the stationary jaw. This asymmetric design allows for reliable one-way locking while maintaining a compact and simple overall structure. The cam profile is specifically shaped to provide gradual engagement and secure locking without requiring multiple complex components.
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 ratcheting mechanism enables rapid and effective closure of wounds, minimizing blood loss and allowing patients to ambulate safely, while maintaining a secure seal until medical attention can be reached.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member arranged along the longitudinal axis between the first disk and the second end of the shaft
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a wound closure device including: (a) a first opposing member and a second opposing member disposed on opposing sides of a central axis, each resiliently moveable between a closed position and open position relative to each other, each of the opposing members having a distal edge; (b) skin penetrating means for anchoring the device; (c) a pressure bar along each distal edge; (d) releasable locking means for biasing or maintaining the device in the closed position; and optionally (e) an accessory component.