Multi-Diameter Tube Clip Mechanism With Press-to-Release Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixtures for nasogastric tubes are inconvenient to operate and prone to breaking due to the need for repeated outward pull of a resilient hook to release the tube, leading to potential harm and discomfort for patients.
Innovation Solution
A multi-diameter clipping mechanism with an adhesive member, connecting member, first clipping member, second clipping member, and engaging member, where the second clipping member can be easily opened by pressing a press portion, allowing it to pivot out of a guiding trough, facilitating easy operation and adjustment of nasogastric tubes of various diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the resilient hook is pulled outward repeatedly to release the nasogastric tube, then the tube can be detached, but the resilient hook is likely to break and the operation becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional release mechanism: instead of pulling the resilient hook outward to disengage teeth (as in prior art), the new design uses a pressing motion on the press portion that causes the engaging member to pivot and push the resilient arm inward, forcing the engaging salient off the tooth. This inversion changes the operational direction from tensile (pulling) to compressive (pressing), which is more intuitive and less damaging to the resilient hook structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an engaging member as an intermediary component between the user's pressing action and the resilient arm. The engaging member with its engaging salient acts as a mediator that transfers the pressing force to the resilient arm, causing it to deform and release the tooth. This intermediary mechanism distributes the stress and provides a mechanical advantage, making the release operation easier and more reliable while protecting the resilient hook from direct excessive force.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the first arm piece and second arm piece are restricted to stay close together by engaging teeth, then the nasogastric tube is held securely, but the operation becomes inconvenient and the resilient hook may break
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the release mechanism: instead of pulling the resilient hook outward to disengage teeth (as in prior art), the new design uses a pressing motion on the press portion that causes the engaging member to pivot and push the resilient arm inward, forcing the engaging salient off the tooth. This inversion changes the operational direction from tensile (pulling) to compressive (pressing), which is more intuitive and less damaging to the resilient hook structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an engaging member as an intermediary component between the user's pressing action and the resilient arm. The engaging member with its engaging salient acts as a mediator that transfers the pressing force to the resilient arm, causing it to deform and release the tooth. This intermediary mechanism distributes the stress and provides a mechanical advantage, making the release operation easier and more reliable while protecting the resilient hook from direct excessive force.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single diameter clipping mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate nasogastric tubes of various diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by making the second clipping member pivotable relative to the first clipping member. This pivotable connection allows the second clipping member to adjust its position and orientation, enabling the clipping mechanism to accommodate nasogastric tubes of various diameters. The engaging member with its engaging salient that can engage with different positions on the second clipping member further enables adjustment for different tube sizes, providing versatility without requiring multiple separate devices.
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 mechanism allows for easy and secure attachment and detachment of nasogastric tubes without risk of breakage, providing comfortable and adjustable support for patients, accommodating tubes of different diameters and reducing the risk of pressure sores.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive member 91, a connecting member 92, a first arm 93, a second arm 94, and a pivot 95. The adhesive member 91 has its one side provided with a connecting portion 911.
Implementation Method 2
a resilient arm that is near the guiding trough
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-diameter clipping mechanism includes an adhesive member, a connecting member, a first and a second clipping members, and an engaging member. The connecting member is connected to the adhesive member. The first clipping member has a guiding trough and a resilient arm. The second clipping member and the engaging member are assembled to the first clipping member. The second clipping member has an engaging tongue and unidirectionally inclined teeth. The engaging member has an engaging salient and a press portion at two ends thereof. When the second clipping member enters the guiding trough, one of the teeth engages with the engaging salient. When the press portion is pressed against the resilient arm by an external force, the engaging member pivots against the first clipping member to disengage the engaging salient from the tooth, thereby making the second clipping member leave the guiding trough.