Removable Core Cover With Hidden Fastening and Layered Fit

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Healthcare simulation models require removable and replaceable covers that maintain realistic haptics, but current designs are difficult to fit and often require visible fasteners, leading to inefficiencies and increased manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A cover design with strategically placed openings and fasteners that allow for secure alignment and attachment without visible fasteners, enabling easy fitting and replacement, using features like recesses and magnets to enhance usability and realism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the cover is made from tensile materials to maintain tight fit and realistic haptics, then the haptic realism is improved, but the replacement process becomes time-consuming and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehaptic realismVSAvoidcover replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is divided into two separate layers: an inner layer that fits tightly to the core for haptic realism, and an outer layer that can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation allows the outer layer to be changed without affecting the inner layer's secure fit, resolving the contradiction between maintaining tight fit and enabling easy replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a longitudinal slit with visible fixing mechanism is used to improve ease of fitting, then the ease of operation is improved, but the haptic realism and manufacturing cost deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of fittingVSAvoidhaptic realism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing mechanism is extracted and relocated to the inner layer, which remains hidden beneath the outer layer. The outer layer can be fitted easily over the core without any visible fasteners or slits, maintaining haptic realism while still allowing for easy application and removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If the outer layer is applied using the glove-to-hand method, then the ease of operation is improved, but the vein positioning accuracy deteriorates due to vein movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication methodVSAvoidvein positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the cover into inner and outer layers that can be applied independently, the inner layer can be precisely fitted with veins correctly positioned first, then the outer layer is applied over it. This prevents vein displacement while maintaining ease of application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Manufacturing precision

If multiple repetitions of removal and re-application are required to correct vein positioning, then the manufacturing precision can be improved, but the productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevein positioningVSAvoidcover replacement efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The separable inner and outer layer design allows precise vein positioning to be achieved in a single application of the inner layer, while the outer layer can be independently replaced without affecting vein position. This eliminates the need for repeated removal and re-application, improving both precision and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 facilitates easier and quicker cover attachment and detachment, maintaining model realism by concealing fasteners, thus improving user experience and reducing manufacturing complexity.

Implementation Method 1

The cover comprises at least one opening configured to receive a magnet. The core comprises a magnet. The cover is secured in position by the magnetically attractable material being attracted to the magnet.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4233036B1Improvements in or relating to a cover
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 LIMBS & THINGS
  • EP4233036B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4233036B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4233036B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cover for a core, the cover comprising at least two openings, wherein the cover is configured to provide an enclosure to accommodate the core when the at least two openings are aligned.