Universal Rail Clamp With Single-Actuator Multi-Rail Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamps for medical devices and accessories on operating room tables and hospital beds are cumbersome and require multiple adjustments to secure devices of varying sizes and heights, lacking a quick release mechanism and accommodating rotational control effectively.
Innovation Solution
A universal clamp assembly with a single user-operable actuator for simultaneous vertical and horizontal clamping, and an integrated rotational connector for easy attachment and positioning on rails of varying heights and thicknesses, utilizing a rail interface mechanism with fixed and sliding jaws, and a threaded wedge system for secure engagement, along with a worm screw mechanism for rotational control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional clamps are designed to fit specific rail geometry, then the clamp can securely attach to the rail, but multiple different clamp types are required for different rail heights and thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed with an adjustable jaw mechanism that can accommodate multiple rail dimensions (heights and thicknesses) using a single clamp type. The fixed jaw and movable jaw can be positioned at different locations along the arc-shaped rail contact surface, allowing the same clamp to securely attach to various rail geometries without requiring multiple specialized clamp designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp incorporates a movable jaw that can be adjusted to different positions along the arc-shaped contact surface. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the clamp to adapt its geometry to match different rail dimensions. The jaw position can be changed during operation to accommodate varying rail heights and thicknesses, providing versatility without increasing the number of clamp types.
2Ease of operation
If conventional clamps require multiple adjustments to secure devices, then the clamp can be precisely positioned, but the installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp features a pre-configured arc-shaped rail contact surface with predetermined jaw positions that are optimized for different rail dimensions. This preliminary design allows the operator to quickly select and engage the appropriate jaw position without performing multiple complex adjustments during installation. The quick-release mechanism also enables rapid engagement and disengagement, reducing the time required to secure or release the clamp.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: a fixed jaw, a movable jaw, and a quick-release actuation mechanism. This segmentation allows the operator to independently adjust the jaw position and then quickly secure the clamp with a single actuation motion, rather than requiring multiple coordinated adjustments. The segmented design simplifies the operation sequence and reduces installation time.
3Ease of operation
If conventional clamps are positioned at the end of the rail or at defined breaks, then the clamp can be easily installed, but additional steps are required to bring the device to the desired location
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed with a compact structure that allows it to be positioned at any location along the rail, not just at the ends or predefined breaks. The adjustable jaw mechanism and stable locking capability enable the clamp to maintain secure attachment at intermediate positions on the rail. This dynamic positioning capability eliminates the need for additional steps to relocate the device after initial attachment, saving time while maintaining installation simplicity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If typical clamps tighten in only one degree of freedom, then the clamp structure is simpler, but the clamp cannot provide both vertical and horizontal securing
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp combines vertical and horizontal securing functions into a single integrated mechanism. The fixed jaw and movable jaw work together to provide both vertical clamping force and horizontal positioning stability. The arc-shaped rail contact surface and the coordinated movement of the jaws enable the clamp to simultaneously constrain the rail in multiple directions, merging multiple securing functions into one unified clamp design.
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 secure attachment of medical devices or accessories to bed rails of different dimensions, allowing for balanced weight transfer and simplified installation without the need for additional clearance space or multiple activation steps, enhancing operational efficiency in surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded wedge restricted to sliding motion in the vertical direction and threadably coupled to threads of the vertical axle, and includes an angled wedge face sloping downward toward the internal face of the clamp body
Implementation Method 2
a threaded wedge restricted to sliding motion in the vertical direction and threadably coupled to threads of the vertical axle
Implementation Method 3
a worm screw mechanism for rotational control
Implementation Method 4
a threaded vertical axle rotatably coupled to the clamp body and having a pin end and another end connected to the rail clamp control
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping assembly for adjustably connecting a device to a rail, including a clamp body, rail interface mechanism, and support mechanism for the device. The rail interface mechanism attaches to rails of various heights and thicknesses with a single user control activation. The rail interface mechanism includes at least one flanged fixed upper jaw, a rail clamp control comprised of a threaded vertical axle terminating in a pin end, a flanged lower jaw constrained to slidable vertical motion along an internal face of the clamp body by the pin end of the vertical axle, and two angled wedges that can be extended and retracted horizontally.