Universal Rod Clamp with Variable Gripping Surface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accessory clamps for rods in medical settings are not universally compatible due to varying rod diameters and orientations, often requiring specific sizes and excessive strength for secure attachment, limiting their versatility across different applications.
Innovation Solution
A universal accessory clamp with a selectively variable gripping surface and a separate latch, combined with an articulated joint, allows for secure attachment to rods of various diameters and orientations, eliminating the need for multiple clamp sizes and reducing the required strength and dexterity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If accessory clamps are designed for a single predetermined rod diameter, then the clamp structure can be simple, but the clamp cannot accommodate rods of different diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The rod clamp is designed with a universal gripping mechanism that can accommodate multiple rod diameters (e.g., 1 inch, 1.25 inch, 1.5 inch) through a single device. The clamp features an adjustable opening between first and second gripping surfaces that can be positioned to match different rod sizes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized clamps while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The rod clamp incorporates movable gripping surfaces that can be adjusted dynamically to fit different rod diameters. The latch mechanism allows the clamp to transition between different gripping configurations, enabling adaptation to various rod sizes without requiring a completely different clamp design for each diameter
2Adaptability or versatility
If accessory clamps are designed to work with multiple rod diameters, then versatility is improved, but the clamp becomes bulky and tedious to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The rod clamp is divided into distinct functional components: a body portion, first and second movable gripping surfaces, and a separate latch mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently - the gripping surfaces can be positioned independently to match different rod diameters, while the latch provides simple one-handed operation for securing the clamp to the rod
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism serves as an intermediary that simplifies the operation of adjusting and securing the clamp to rods of different diameters. By providing a simple latching action, it mediates between the complex adjustment of multiple gripping surfaces and the user's simple operational input, making the overall device easy to operate despite its multi-functional capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable rod clamps are designed to accommodate different diameters, then adaptability is improved, but excessive strength and dexterity are required for secure attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The rod clamp design allows the rod itself to facilitate the gripping action. As the rod is inserted between the movable gripping surfaces, it naturally positions and tensions the gripping surfaces against the rod surface. The latch mechanism then simply needs to secure this pre-positioned state, rather than requiring the user to manually apply and maintain high forces during adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is pre-configured with gripping surfaces that are positioned and oriented to automatically align with the rod when inserted. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for the user to manually adjust and apply force during the attachment process - the user simply inserts the rod and engages the latch, which secures the pre-positioned gripping surfaces to the rod
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory clamp for use with a rod includes an accessory interface and a corresponding rod clamp. The accessory interface includes at least one of at least one accessory hook and at least one accessory T-slot. By one approach, at least one of the accessory hooks comprises a pivoting accessory hook. By one approach the rod clamp can comprise a universal rod clamp. As one example in these regards, the universal rod clamp can include a selectively variable gripping surface to accommodate a variety of rod diameters. By one approach the accessory interface and the corresponding rod clamp can pivot with respect to one another.