Circumcision Device Pillar Locking and Blocking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circumcision devices, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, face challenges with reusability, leading to potential infection spread due to lack of effective tampering resistance, and existing single-use designs are not adequately secure against unauthorized reuse.
Innovation Solution
A circumcision device featuring adjustable pillars with locking and blocking mechanisms that inhibit axial movement past a predefined point, ensuring the locking device remains hidden and tamper-resistant, preventing reuse by securing the crush plate relative to the support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a locking device is made accessible for adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but device security against tampering deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is pre-positioned in a locked state during manufacturing, and the crush plate is pre-configured with blocking features that prevent access to the locking mechanism. This preliminary configuration ensures tamper resistance while maintaining operational capability for authorized use.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking device acts as an intermediary element between the locking device and external access. It mediates by physically blocking access to the locking mechanism, thereby protecting it from tampering while allowing the pillars to be adjusted for their intended function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the crush plate is made fully adjustable, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete, standardized components: pillars with locking devices positioned at specific intervals, and a crush plate with corresponding blocking features. This segmentation allows for controlled adaptability while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking and blocking features are localized to specific positions on the pillars and crush plate. Not the entire structure is complex - only specific locations have locking devices and blocking features, allowing adjustability where needed while maintaining simplicity elsewhere in the device.
3Ease of operation
If the locking device is exposed for access, then ease of operation is improved, but security against unauthorized reuse deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device is pre-configured to prevent access to the locking device before authorized use. This preliminary anti-action counteracts potential tampering or unauthorized access, while the blocking feature itself becomes part of the authorized adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking device extends in a dimension perpendicular to the main adjustment direction. By blocking access from a different dimensional approach (radially outward blocking vs. axial adjustment), it protects the locking mechanism while allowing intended operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a circumcision device including a support having a glans penis locating member mountable thereto. The support is provided with at least one pillar that includes a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being fastened to a crush plate. The pillar facilitates movement of the crush plate relative to the support. A locking device is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position, such that axial movement of the pillar is inhibited in the locked position and enabled in the unlocked position. The locking device is at least partially hidden by the support. A blocking device is interposed between the support and the crush plate to block movement of the crush plate towards the support past a predefined point to inhibit the locking device from becoming exposed.