Sternal Clamp Lock and Release Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sternal clamp devices have cumbersome and difficult-to-adjust locking mechanisms that often prevent extension or disassembly, and require screws that can be lost during surgery, complicating rapid access in emergency situations.

Innovation Solution

A lock and release mechanism with a spring-biased engagement arm and status control means, allowing the sternal clamp to transition between locked, closing, and open statuses, enabling easy adjustment and rapid removal by using a ratchet bar with non-symmetrical cam follower to control the engagement arm's position and movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering 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 mechanism becomes cumbersome and difficult to adjust or remove

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of sternal halvesVSAvoidadjustability and removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocked state through the cam follower rotation. The engagement arm can dynamically shift between engaged and disengaged positions with the ratchet bar, allowing the clamp to be easily transitioned between locked and removable states without cumbersome adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the engagement arm with teeth, the ratchet bar with corresponding teeth, and the cam follower. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall mechanism easier to operate and remove

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If screws or fasteners are used to lock the clamp members, then the clamp can be secured in position, but the fasteners can be dropped or lost during surgery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping securityVSAvoidrisk of fastener loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The screw fasteners are extracted from the system and replaced with an integrated toothed engagement mechanism. The locking function is achieved through the interlocking teeth of the engagement arm and ratchet bar, eliminating the need for separate screw fasteners that could be dropped or lost during surgery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking function is merged into the clamp structure itself through the integrated engagement arm and ratchet bar mechanism. The locking capability is combined with the clamping function, eliminating separate fastening components that could be lost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the clamp members are locked in compressed position, then the sternal halves are secured, but the clamp cannot be extended or disassembled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesternal fixationVSAvoidextension and disassembly capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than statically locked. The cam follower can be rotated to change the engagement arm's position, allowing the clamp to transition between locked and extended/disassembled states, providing adaptability while maintaining security when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If a simple release mechanism is used, then removal is quick and easy, but the locking security may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval speedVSAvoidlocking security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cam opening has an asymmetric shape that provides different mechanical advantages for locking versus releasing. The asymmetric cam profile ensures secure engagement in the locked position while allowing quick release when the cam follower is rotated, balancing locking security with rapid removal capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 quick and easy status changes between locked, closing, and open positions, facilitating rapid assembly, compression, and removal of the sternal clamp, improving surgical efficiency and reducing the risk of device loss or destruction.

Implementation Method 1

The engagement means includes a spring biased engagement arm having teeth that are engageable with the ratchet bar

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS8518089B2Lock and release mechanism for a sternal clamp

Publication Date: 2013.08.27 KARL LEIBINGER ASSET MANAGEMENT GMBH & CO KG

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. The sternal clamp having a pair of rib plate members for affixation to the ribs.