Cannula Disposal Container with Integrated Hinged Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical waste containers for cannulas require assembly during manufacturing and have insecure, reversible closure mechanisms, which are costly and inconvenient to use, especially in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A container design where the insertion opening lid and container lid are connected as a single part with an articulated locking mechanism, featuring a trough-like locking recess and a manually movable locking body that engages with a hook-like locking element, allowing for secure, irreversible closure without assembly and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the container lid and insertion opening lid are manufactured as separate parts requiring assembly, then the locking mechanism can be more secure, but the manufacturing cost increases and production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the container lid and insertion opening lid into a single integrated component. The locking mechanism is built into this unified structure, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps while maintaining security. The single-piece design reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while ensuring the locking function remains effective.
2Ease of operation
If the closure mechanism is made reversible for ease of opening, then the container can be reused, but the security and irreversibility of the final closure is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be dynamically reversible during normal use (allowing the lid to be opened and closed multiple times) but transitions to an irreversible state upon final locking. The integrated design includes features that enable easy manipulation during operation while ensuring that once the final closure is engaged, it cannot be reopened without destruction, thus satisfying both ease of operation and closure irreversibility requirements.
3Reliability
If the locking mechanism requires multiple components and assembly steps, then the locking can be more secure, but the device complexity and manufacturing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking components into a single integrated lid structure. The locking elements, sealing surfaces, and hinge mechanisms are all built into one piece, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps. This reduction in part count simplifies the device while maintaining the security and reliability of the locking mechanism through clever structural integration.
4Ease of manufacture
If the container is designed for single-use disposal, then the manufacturing cost per unit can be reduced, but the ability to reuse the container is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The container design incorporates a dynamic locking system that allows for multiple opening and closing cycles during its service life. The integrated lid can be repeatedly opened and closed without compromising the integrity of the locking mechanism, enabling the container to be reused. The design maintains cost-effectiveness by using simple integrated structures while providing the versatility of reusability when needed.
Data Source
Figure 1~1b
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~5a
AI summary
Disclosed is a cannula collection and disposal container which has no parts that have to be assembled during the production thereof and comprises a lid (3) with an inlet (3), and an inlet cover (4) that is connected to the lid (3) such that the inlet cover (4) can be snapped open and shut by means of a peripheral integral hinge and can be locked along with the lid (3) with the aid of a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism encompasses a trough-type lock recess (30) which is embodied in the container lid and is provided with a catch (31) that protrudes thereinto, and a type of locking member which is embodied in a cavity within the inlet cover. Said locking member can be manually pressed into a locked position within the lock recess (30), in which position the locking member partly encircles the catch (31) in cooperation with a locking element that protrudes from the locking member like a hook, while being non-removably locked to the underside of the inlet cover (4) by means of a lock securing element that is configured on the locking member in the shape of a tongue.