IV Pole Clamp

Emphysys Inc.

Relevant Skills: product design, designing for machining

Objective

Create a proprietary clamp for a standard IV pole that allows canister holders and other accessories to be attached

Variables / Constraints

As a client-facing product, the clamp needed to fit the aesthetic of the medical device it attached to. It had to support two full medical canisters (approximately 10 pounds). The clamping mechanism had to be unique, and the clamp itself had to be easily adjustable.

Design Process

[1] To select a clamping mechanism, I researched existing solutions such as pipe clamps and shaft collars, but ultimately decided to use a central threaded rod as a power screw. Having a large knob to actuate the clamp allowed for easy adjustment and removal. This led to my first iteration of the clamp, which was comprised of 2 machined parts, as well as a threaded rod, knob, lock nut, and washers. A lip on the main body prevented the clamp from being over-tightened and damaging the IV pole.

Second clamp piece, threaded to move up and down the rod

First prototype clamp assembly

Main body of clamp with rail on back to attach cannister holder

First prototype, constructed from SLA resin

[2] Conceptually, the first clamp functioned properly. However, when loaded with full medical cannisters, it experienced a brittle fracture through the middle of the smaller clamp piece. To remedy this, I thickened this segment and added fillets throughout to minimize stress concentrations. I also covered the lock nut and added aesthetic features to match the design of the medical device the clamp would be paired with. Lastly, I placed a spring inside the clamp to provide tension on the threaded second clamp piece, preventing it from backing out.

Exploded view showing insertion of spring

Final clamp design, aesthetics made to match parent device

Solution

The final model was developed from SLA resin, which withstood the required load. The actual product had to be made from machined aluminum, so I ensured that the pockets and features on each clamp piece could be manufactured. Overall, the clamp satisfied all of the product requirements.

Final clamp prototype, constructed from SLA resin