Spring-Biased Medical Clamp for Consistent Pole Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical device clamping systems are time-consuming, prone to cross-threading, and risk human error due to manual adjustment, which can lead to inadequate tightening or damage to devices.

Innovation Solution

A clamp mechanism featuring a housing with a pivotally coupled pawl and lift bar, biased by a spring member, allowing for easy adjustment and secure attachment to a pole or support structure, with an actuator for controlled movement of the pawl to ensure consistent clamping force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of clamping systems is used, then device flexibility and ease of installation are improved, but time consumption increases and human error (cross-threading, inadequate tightening) occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp mechanism automatically performs the clamping action without requiring manual threading or tightening adjustments. The spring member provides automatic engagement and consistent clamping force, eliminating the need for operator intervention in the tightening process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment (threaded fasteners requiring hand tightening) with an automated spring-based mechanism that delivers consistent clamping force through controlled elastic deformation, eliminating human error and time consumption associated with manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If manual tightening of clamps is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but reliability decreases due to cross-threading and inadequate tightening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidclamping reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spring member automatically engages with the pole and applies consistent clamping force without requiring manual tightening operations, eliminating sources of error such as cross-threading and inadequate tightening while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spring member is pre-loaded to provide a predetermined clamping force that accommodates variations in pole diameter and positioning, ensuring reliable attachment without requiring precise manual adjustment. The spring's elastic properties absorb positioning tolerances and prevent over-tightening or cross-threading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If consistent clamping force is achieved through automated mechanisms, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping consistencyVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the spring member's elastic properties to automatically adjust and maintain consistent clamping force across varying pole diameters and positions. The spring's force-displacement characteristics provide self-regulating clamping pressure without requiring complex control systems or multiple adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex automated tightening mechanisms (motors, sensors, control systems) with a simple spring-based elastic mechanism that naturally provides consistent clamping force through material properties, achieving reliability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 clamp mechanism provides a secure, efficient, and error-reduced method for attaching medical devices, ensuring consistent clamping force and preventing damage, while accommodating various device sizes and shapes.

Implementation Method 1

at least one bias member operatively coupled to the housing. The at least one bias member may be configured to bias the at least one pawl toward a first position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring (mechanical energy storage): Spring

Data Source

PatentUS12258988B2System, method, and apparatus for clamping

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 DEKA PRODUCTS LP

AI summary

A protective mechanism for use when gripping a medical device to a rack is provided. A related system and method are also provided. The protective mechanism includes a connector, an actuation member configured to have a first end portion and a second end portion. The cover member is configured to interact with the actuation member so as to pivot to uncover the connector when the actuation member pivots in a first direction and to pivot to cover the connector when the actuation member pivots in a second direction.