Adaptive Laryngoscope Blade with Articulated Chains

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laryngoscopes lack an adaptive blade design that effectively accommodates varying patient anatomies during intubation and laryngeal surgery, requiring multiple blades of different lengths and curvatures, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

An adaptive blade for a laryngoscope featuring a proximal end connected to a handle in a permanent or releasable manner, composed of chains with form-fit hinges and spacer components, allowing precise adaptation to patient anatomy through defined deformability and force distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple blades of different lengths and curvatures are used to accommodate varying patient anatomies, then adaptability to different patient anatomies is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need to manage and exchange multiple blades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to patient anatomyVSAvoidcomplexity of blade selection and exchange

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blade is designed with dynamic deformability through articulated chains and flexure bearings that allow the distal end to adapt its shape and curvature in real-time based on patient anatomy, eliminating the need for multiple static blade designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A single blade design incorporates multiple functional capabilities through its deformable structure, enabling it to perform various intubation and surgical tasks across different patient anatomies without requiring blade exchanges

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a deformable distal end is used to adapt to patient anatomy, then adaptability is improved, but mechanical robustness may deteriorate due to the presence of flexure bearings and articulated connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to patient anatomyVSAvoidmechanical robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The blade employs flexible chain links and articulated structures that provide controlled deformability while maintaining structural integrity through the chain-link configuration and spacer components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The blade is divided into segmented chain links connected by articulated joints, allowing localized deformation at the distal end while maintaining rigidity in the proximal portion, thus balancing adaptability with mechanical robustness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10750942B2Adaptive laryngoscope and adaptive blade for a laryngoscope

Publication Date: 2020.08.25 KARL STORZ SE & CO KG

AI summary

An adaptive blade for a laryngoscope includes a proximal end, a distal end, a first chain arranged between the ends and composed of a plurality of chain links connected in pairs in an articulated manner, a second chain arranged between the ends and composed of a plurality of chain links connected in pairs in an articulated manner, and a spacer component, connected at a first end in an articulated manner to the first chain, and connected at a second end in an articulated manner to the second chain. One or more or all of the articulated connections between the chain links of the first chain, the chain links of the second chain and the spacer component are provided as a form-fit hinge.