Snap-Fit Locking Structure for Secure Medical Fastener Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fasteners used in medical equipment for transporting wounded or patients are prone to loosen and slide out due to insufficient safety and lack of elasticity, leading to potential safety accidents and requiring coordination with electric lifting machines, and there is a risk of cross-infection from reusable products.
Innovation Solution
A detachable fastener locking device with a clamping hole design featuring multiple angled hole sites and bulges that allow elastic deformation, ensuring the clamping rod securely locks into place, and a through hole for easy disassembly, enhancing safety and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the fastener is clamped with a simple clamping hole structure, then the device is easy to manufacture, but the reliability is poor and the fastener is easy to loosen
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping hole is segmented into multiple functional sections: a penetrating section for insertion, a first clamping section with parallel walls for initial retention, and a second clamping section with convergent walls for final locking. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second clamping section features asymmetric convergent walls that form an obtuse angle, creating a tapered structure that prevents the fastener from sliding out. This asymmetric design provides reliable locking while remaining easy to manufacture through standard molding processes.
2Ease of operation
If the distance between the two walls of the clamping section is made larger than the diameter of the fastener, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates and the fastener is easy to slide out
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping hole structure transitions from a static simple hole to a dynamic multi-section structure that adapts to the fastener during insertion. The parallel walls section allows easy insertion with adequate clearance, while the convergent walls section automatically engages to provide secure locking, achieving both ease of operation and reliability.
3Quantity of substance
If reusable fastener locking devices are used, then the cost is reduced, but the risk of cross-infection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener locking device is designed with simplified geometry and smooth surfaces that allow effective cleaning and disinfection. The clamping hole structure, with its defined sections and obtuse angle features, enables thorough sanitation processes, transforming the device into a safe reusable option by changing the hygiene parameter through design optimization.
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 significantly improves fastener reliability and safety, allowing secure transport of patients without the risk of accidental disengagement and reducing cross-infection risks through easy cleaning and disinfection of components.
Implementation Method 1
a through hole is formed in a body of the locking piece and adjacent to the position of the obtuse angle, so that the bulge can be elastically deformed when being subjected to pressure and can be quickly restored
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a fastener locking device. The fastener locking device includes a locking piece and a fastener piece. A clamping hole matched with the fastener piece is formed in the locking piece. The clamping hole consists of at least two connected hole sites. One of the two connected hole sites deflects at a certain angle relative to the other of the two connected hole sites, so that an obtuse angle is formed on one side of the joint of the two connected hole sites. A bulge is arranged at a hole inner wall corresponding to the obtuse angle. The distance with the hole inner wall at the position of the bulge is smaller than the diameter of a clamping rod. A through hole is formed in a body of the locking piece and adjacent to the position of the obtuse angle. The present disclosure also provides medical equipment having the fastener locking device.