Dialysis Stabilization Device: A Secure & Ergonomic Solution
Entrusted with developing a secure and ergonomic clamp system for a dialysis cart, I collaborated with a Senior Designer to conceptualize a new medical device. My focus shifted to the mechanical design of the clamp—ensuring stability, ease of use, and fail-proof functionality in critical medical scenarios.
Product Demands
Areas of Opportunity (Clients former Prototype)
Unstable Positioning—The original prototype failed to keep the medical product parallel to the ground, disrupting dialysis fluid flow and potentially leading to life-threatening complications.
Difficult Usability—The clamp required constant manual force to stay secured, making it cumbersome for medical staff to attach or remove from the dialysis cart or IV pole.
Lack of Security—The holder’s swiveling issue created a risk of the device falling if the patient moved, potentially ripping the dialysis line, leading to a dangerous medical emergency.
Initial Brainstorm
Building upon the limitations of the current prototype, I explored various clamping mechanisms that would:
Ensure a secure & stable grip on both the cart and IV pole
Eliminate the need for manual force when securing the clamp
Prevent accidental dislodging, even if the cart is in motion
Concept A Holder
A ¼"-20 threaded steel knob allowed the back section to pivot 90°, creating a stable clamping action
An optional IV-pole clamp was developed early on, but later removed to streamline the design
Magnets were integrated into the cradle to keep the device locked in place during treatment
Concept A (Prototype)
This iteration successfully achieved the intended functionality:
An Acme-threaded screw allowed the rear clamp to grip the IV pole or cart smoothly, with fine adjustments controlled by the top knob.
The cradle and base were designed to align cleanly, keeping the hardware discreet while maintaining stability.
Sketch explorations demonstrated how users would interact with the clamp and adjustment system, helping refine ergonomics and workflow.
Concept B
Replaced the knob with a handle-driven clamp for easier user operation.
Introduced four contact points to enhance stability on both the IV pole and cart.
Maintained the pivoting mechanism, but, similar to Concept A, the post was too elevated, posing a risk of pinching or tangling dialysis lines.
Concept B (Prototype)
This version refined the clamping approach:
The clamp mechanism was redesigned, allowing it to slide along a steel bar to adjust to the desired position.
Reduced user touchpoints from three to two, streamlining the interaction and simplifying the locking process.
After rigorous testing and evaluation, Concept A was selected as the final design due to its:
Ease of use – The refined mechanism required minimal effort to secure the holder in place.
Simplified hardware – Eliminating unnecessary components reduced complexity while improving reliability.
Uninterrupted dialysis line freedom – The design ensured that tubing and cables remained untangled and unobstructed during use.
