top of page

Surgical Pattie Pull Tester

Codman Surgical Patties are x-ray detectable, highly absorptive cotton Neuro sponges, for use during Neuro surgery.

​

I designed a pneumatic clamping system to improve the reliability of a critical-to-quality production test.

​

Project Overview

  • Surgical patties are regularly pull tested to ensure that the removal string stays attached when pulled

  • Old device utilized a manual toggle clamp on the patties

  • Operators could clamp with varying force

  • Designed a pneumatic clamp assembly for a new pull test machine

  • Goal: make the clamping force consistent

  • Desired Outcome: more consistent test results

SolidWorks Model of Floating Clamp Assembly

Simple SolidWorks Model of Clamp Assembly on Pull Tester

Design Overview

  • Designed a SolidWorks model of the clamp assembly 

  • Used appropriate pneumatic cylinder from McMaster

  • Made all other parts from scratch (not screws and 80/20)

  • Designed clamp to fit mounting platform of new machine

  • For display, modeled the full pull test machine

  • Created drawings for all the components

  • Sent drawings to metalwork manufacturer for production

  • Ordered pneumatic cylinder and 80/20 leveling foot (not pictured)

Design Challenges & Solutions

  • Clamp needed to work for all pattie sizes

  • Designed single clamp to fit all pattie tolerances

​

  • Cylinder stand can't be in way of the patties or operator hands

  • Placed stand to the back and off to the sides

​

  • Platform and clamp needed small “teeth” for added grip 

  • Teeth must be machinable

  • Teeth must be properly aligned with one-another

  • Designed teeth as pictured (right)

​

  • Platform was only mounted on one side 

  • Most the weight focused at opposite end

  •  Added an 80/20 extrusion leg with leveling foot  

  • Made back of platform bent down 90 degrees for added strength

Close-up Images of Grip Teeth on Clamp & Platform

SolidWorks Drawings

Finished Product Pictures Coming Soon!

Click on images for description.

Other JnJ Co-Op Projects:

bottom of page