Saw Blade Clamp Guard With Clamping Indicator and Pinch Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical saws face issues with user safety due to exposed clamps that can pinch the user, lack of flexibility in blade mounting, potential for loose mounting leading to blade fall-out, and unclear indication of proper clamping.
Innovation Solution
A blade mounting assembly with a clamp guard and a blade clamp featuring a safety indicator, which moves between exposed and concealed positions to indicate proper clamping, and a biasing mechanism to maintain constant distance and secure the blade.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a non-encapsulated clamp is used to secure the blade, then the clamping function is simple and effective, but the user is exposed to pinching hazards from the clamp mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism is nested within the clamp guard structure. The clamp assembly is received by the clamp guard, with the clamp positioned inside the guard's recess. This nesting configuration allows the clamp to perform its clamping function while being protected by the guard, eliminating direct user exposure to moving clamp parts during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp guard acts as an intermediary protective barrier between the user and the clamp mechanism. The guard includes a recess that receives the clamp, and the clamp is positioned such that it operates within the guard's protective envelope. This intermediary structure transmits the necessary mechanical function while shielding the user from harmful pinching forces.
2Ease of operation
If the clamp is spaced apart from the blade mounting assembly to allow blade installation, then flexibility for blade installation is improved, but the blade may become loosely mounted and potentially fall out before clamping
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp guard is positioned and configured to provide preliminary protective action before the clamp is fully engaged. The guard's recess receives and partially constrains the clamp, creating an intermediate secure state that prevents blade drop-out during the transition from installation to full clamping. This preliminary structural support ensures blade security throughout the entire installation sequence.
3Strength
If a rigid clamp mechanism is used, then the clamping force is strong and reliable, but the flexibility for blade installation within the spacing is minimal
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to move between an open position (spaced from the driver) and a closed position (clamped against the driver). The clamp can be positioned at different distances from the driver depending on the operational state, providing both installation flexibility and strong clamping force when needed. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between rigidity for strength and flexibility for installation.
Data Source
AI summary
An end effector configured to be coupled to an arm of a robotic manipulator, the end effector including a blade mounting assembly for receiving a saw blade. The blade mounting assembly including a drive hub and a blade clamp. The drive hub having a support surface configured to support the saw blade, and a plurality of bosses protruding from the support surface. The blade clamp being disposed above the drive hub and moveable between first and second positions relative to the drive hub. The blade clamp configured such that in the first position the blade clamp is spaced a first distance from the drive hub and configured to enable coupling or removal of the saw blade from the drive hub, and in the second position the blade clamp is spaced a second distance from the drive hub and configured to secure the saw blade to the drive hub.