Disposable Cautery Device Fracturable End Cap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art battery-operated cautery devices are prone to accidental actuation after disposal due to easily depressible switches and complex battery removal processes, with single-piece housings making disposal and reassembly cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A disposable cautery device with a fracturable coupling between the housing and end cap, featuring retaining members that break upon a predetermined force, preventing reassembly and ensuring the device remains inoperable after use, along with an actuator recess to inhibit accidental activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-piece housing is used to surround the batteries, then the device structure is simplified, but battery removal becomes complex and burdensome
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into two separable parts: a main housing body and an end cap. The end cap can be removed from the main housing to provide access to the batteries, allowing easy battery removal while maintaining a simple overall structure when assembled.
2Ease of operation
If the actuator is easily accessible, then operation is convenient, but accidental actuation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is positioned within a recess that requires deliberate user action to access and activate. The recess structure creates a preliminary barrier that prevents accidental activation while still allowing convenient operation when intentionally engaged by the user.
3Reliability
If the end cap is securely attached to retain the power source, then device reliability is improved, but disassembly for disposal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between the end cap and housing is designed with predetermined fracture points that allow the coupling to break cleanly when a specific force is applied. This preliminary design of the fracture path enables easy separation of the end cap from the housing while maintaining secure attachment during normal use.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A
AI summary
A disposable cautery device and related methods for making and disassembling a disposable cautery device are disclosed. In one embodiment, the disposable cautery device comprises a housing having a first end and a second end. A cautery tip extends from the housing first end, and the housing second end is configured to receive a removable power source. An actuator is provided to selectively complete an electrical connection between the cautery tip and the removable power source. The actuator is disposed within a recess formed in the housing, and the recess is at least partially circumscribed by a raised rim. A top surface of the actuator is flush with or lower than the rim to inhibit inadvertent actuation of the disposable cautery device. In some embodiments, an end cap is coupled with the second end of the housing to retain the removable power source in the housing, and removal of the end cap from the housing causes the coupling between the end cap and the housing to fracture.