Spring-Loaded Clip Separation Tool for Sterile Line Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sterile line clips in cleanrooms are difficult to separate manually, requiring significant force and time, which can lead to ergonomic issues and contamination risks due to spills.
Innovation Solution
A clip separation tool with pivot mechanism and spring-loaded arms that allows for easy disconnection of clips with reduced manual effort, enabling one-handed operation and quick separation of connected tubing attachments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If sterile line clips are manufactured with tight tolerances to meet cleanroom requirements, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because the clips become difficult and time-consuming to separate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a clip separation tool as an intermediary device between the user and the tightly-toleranced sterile line clips. The tool includes a pair of arms with jaws that engage the clips, and a pivot mechanism that converts small user-applied forces into the significant separation force needed to overcome the tight tolerances. This mediator allows easy operation while maintaining the required manufacturing precision of the clips themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip separation tool employs a dynamic pivot mechanism that allows the arms to rotate from an equilibrium position to a separated position. The spring-loaded arms provide dynamic force multiplication, where a small force applied by the user at the proximal ends generates large separation forces at the distal ends where the clips are engaged. This dynamic mechanism transforms the operation from static and difficult to dynamic and easy.
2Ease of operation
If significant force is applied to separate connected clips manually, then the clips can be disconnected, but harmful factors increase due to spills that compromise sterility
Solution Approach 1:
The clip separation tool acts as a controlled intermediary that mediates the force application process. Instead of applying uncontrolled manual force that causes sudden releases and spills, the tool's pivot mechanism and spring-loaded arms provide controlled, progressive force that separates the clips in a controlled manner, preventing spills and maintaining sterility.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded arms provide a cushioning effect by storing and releasing energy in a controlled manner. The springs absorb and regulate the force needed to separate the clips, preventing sudden releases that would cause spills. This beforehand cushioning through spring loading ensures the separation process is controlled and safe for sterile environments.
3Ease of operation
If manual force is applied to separate clips, then disconnection is achieved, but ergonomic issues arise due to force requirements, soft tissue compression, and impact stress
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot mechanism creates a dynamic lever system where the user applies small forces at the proximal ends of the arms, and the mechanism amplifies these forces at the distal ends where the clips are engaged. This dynamic force multiplication reduces the ergonomic strain on the user's hand and arm tissues while still achieving the necessary clip separation force.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool serves as a mechanical intermediary that absorbs and transforms the user's input forces. The pivot mechanism and spring-loaded arms mediate between the user's limited manual force capability and the high force requirements of separating tightly-toleranced clips, protecting the user from ergonomic strain while achieving the required disconnection capability.
4Productivity
If clips are separated quickly to maintain sterility, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases to achieve rapid separation
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded pivot mechanism provides rapid, responsive action when force is applied. The springs are pre-loaded to store energy, and when the user actuates the tool, the stored energy is quickly released to separate the clips rapidly. This dynamic spring-loaded mechanism achieves high separation speed without requiring an overly complex system, as the spring energy storage and release provides the speed enhancement naturally.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool operates through a periodic cycle: the user applies force to the proximal ends, the arms rotate around the pivot from the equilibrium position, the clips separate, and then the springs return the arms to the equilibrium position. This periodic action allows for rapid, repeatable separation operations. The simplicity of this periodic mechanism achieves high productivity without excessive complexity.
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 tool significantly reduces the time and effort required to disconnect clips, minimizing ergonomic strain and maintaining sterility by allowing for rapid and controlled separation of sterile line clips, suitable for use in classified environments like ISO 7 cleanrooms.
Implementation Method 1
The spring biases the arms to rotate to an equilibrium position, which is attained automatically under spring loading once the proximal ends of the arms are relieved of loading.
Implementation Method 2
the arms may rotate relative to each other around the pivot mechanism in a rotational plane
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method are disclosed for disconnecting clips. A clip separation tool includes two arms, the arms having jaws to receive connected clips at a distal end of the arms and handle portions on a proximal end for a user to engage the tool with his hand. A pivot mechanism is coupled to the arms, where, responsive to a force applied to the handle portions, the arms rotate relative to each other around the pivot mechanism such that the distal ends of the arms pivot away from one another and the proximal ends of the arms pivot towards one another. A spring biases the arms to rotate to an equilibrium position that is attained automatically under spring loading once the proximal ends of the arms are relieved of loading. The clip separation tool disconnects connected clips as the force causes the arms to rotate around the pivot mechanism.