Sternal Clamp Lock and Release Mechanism with Cam Follower
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sternal clamp devices have cumbersome and difficult-to-adjust locking mechanisms that often prevent extension or removal, especially in emergency situations, where immediate access is critical.
Innovation Solution
A lock and release mechanism with a spring-biased engagement arm and status control means, allowing the sternal clamp to be easily switched between locked, closing, and open statuses, using a ratchet bar with non-symmetrical cam follower to control the engagement teeth, enabling flexible movement and quick disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to maintain the sternal clamp in the compressed position, then the sternal halves are securely held together, but the clamp becomes difficult to adjust and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from static to dynamic through the cam follower system. The cam follower rotates within the cam opening to dynamically change the engagement arm's position, allowing the clamp to switch between locked, closing, and free travel statuses. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the previously static lock mechanism adjustable and removable.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement arm acts as an intermediary between the cam follower and the ratchet bar teeth. It translates the cam follower's rotational movement into linear engagement/disengagement with the ratchet teeth, providing a mechanical mediation that enables secure locking while maintaining ease of release through the cam mechanism.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the clamp members are locked in compressed position, then the sternal clamp maintains its contracted state, but the clamp members cannot be extended or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides three distinct dynamic states through the cam follower's rotational positions: locked status (cam follower in first position) maintains contracted position with full stability, closing status (cam follower in second position) allows controlled compression, and free travel status (cam follower in third position) enables extension and removal. This multi-position dynamic system resolves the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism serves multiple functions through the cam follower's different positions: it can lock the clamp in compressed position, allow controlled closing movement, and enable complete release for extension or removal. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making a single mechanism adaptable to different operational requirements.
3Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism with screws or fasteners is used, then the clamp can be securely locked, but the mechanism becomes difficult to adjust and components may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates screws, fasteners, and multiple adjustment components from the locking mechanism. The entire locking, closing, and release functionality is achieved through the integrated cam follower, engagement arm, and spring system. This extraction of unnecessary components resolves the contradiction by reducing device complexity while maintaining secure locking through the cam-ratchet mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions (locking, closing control, and release) that would traditionally require separate mechanisms and components are merged into a single integrated system. The cam follower, engagement arm, and spring work together as one unified mechanism controlled by a single cam opening geometry, eliminating the need for separate screws, fasteners, and adjustment mechanisms while maintaining reliable locking.
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
Enables rapid and easy adjustment of the sternal clamp's status, allowing for secure compression, quick removal, and easy disassembly, addressing the limitations of existing devices by providing a user-friendly and versatile locking system.
Implementation Method 1
The engagement means comprises a spring biased engagement arm pivotally mounted to one of the clamp members
Implementation Method 2
The status control means comprises a rotating member having a cam follower disposed within a cam opening provided in the engagement arm
Implementation Method 3
utilize engaging opposing teeth of a ratchet bar type of construction
Data Source
AI summary
An engagement mechanism for a sternal clamp, the mechanism allowing for an open status where the clamp may be lengthened or shortened, a closing status where the clamp may only be shortened, and a locked status where the clamp cannot be lengthened or shortened, and wherein the device can be disposed in the locked status in differing overall lengths.