Disposable Bidirectional Ratchet for Sterile Limited-Cycle Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional medical ratchet devices require repeat sterilization, are prone to coating or caking with medical waste, and may fail to operate effectively over time due to degradation, necessitating a solution that eliminates the need for repeated sterilization and extends operational lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A disposable bidirectional ratchet with a hollow handle, toggle, and unitary plastic actuators featuring fingers, levers, and toes, where the pin position selects engagement direction, and the levers deform as springs to maintain finger contact with teeth, allowing for a limited number of cycles before degradation, thus avoiding the need for sterilization and maintaining functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional ratchet devices are used with repeat sterilization, then they can be reused multiple times, but they are susceptible to coating or caking with medical waste and may fall out of specification and fail to operate over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a disposable ratchet device that is designed for limited use cycles (approximately 600 cycles) before disposal, eliminating the need for repeated sterilization and avoiding the reliability degradation associated with reuse. The device incorporates a pre-sterilized, non-returnable design with integrated components that maintain consistent performance throughout their service life.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional ratchet devices require repeat sterilization, then they can maintain hygiene standards, but this process is time-consuming and may degrade the device over time
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable ratchet device is pre-sterilized during manufacturing and designed for single-use or limited-use cycles, completely eliminating the need for repeated sterilization processes. This approach maintains hygiene standards while saving significant time and avoiding sterilization-induced degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-sterilized and pre-configured during manufacturing before reaching the user. The sterile barrier is maintained until the moment of use, at which point the device is disposed of after a predetermined number of cycles, eliminating any need for on-site sterilization processes.
3Strength
If traditional ratchet devices are designed for durability, then they can withstand repeated use, but they become susceptible to coating with medical waste and operational failure
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than designing for indefinite durability, the patent specifies an optimal service life of approximately 600 use cycles. After this predetermined lifespan, the device is disposed of before medical waste accumulation and structural degradation can compromise performance. This approach maintains strength and cleanliness throughout the service life while avoiding the harms of long-term reuse.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a compact, reliable ratchet that obviates the need for repeat sterilization and extends operational cycles, ensuring consistent performance for approximately 600 cycles before degradation, addressing the issues of traditional ratchets.
Implementation Method 1
the levers deform and act as springs applying adequate pressure to the fingers to have the fingers follow the contours of the teeth
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A disposable bidirectional ratchet, which has a tubular hollow handle with an interior surface having teeth thereon; a toggle mounted movably within the handle; a knob connected to an end of the toggle moves the toggle inside the handle; a plurality of pins on another end of the toggle; a plurality of actuators each comprising: fingers, levers, toes and a head, and having a post guide formed therein; a plurality of posts affixed to a clutch; and, wherein the actuators are movable affixed to the clutch via the posts, and the pin position selects the direction of engagement via adjustment of the actuator position via applying force to the levers, which moves the lateral edges of the actuator towards or away from the teeth.