Disposable Plastic Quick-Release Base With Ergonomic Latch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reusable medical instruments require constant recalibration and sterilization to avoid contamination, while disposable tools often fail to withstand multiple sterilization processes and maintain calibration.

Innovation Solution

A plastic molded ergonomic quick release system with a movable latch and hinge mechanism, allowing for single-use devices that are lightweight and do not need sterilization, featuring a plastic flexible region hinge portion and a movable latch with physical cues for easy operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If reusable medical instruments are used, then device durability and cost-effectiveness are improved, but sterilization requirements and calibration maintenance increase operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice durabilityVSAvoidsterilization and calibration requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a disposable handle design where the entire handle assembly is intended for single-use only. This eliminates sterilization and recalibration requirements while maintaining device functionality. The handle is designed to be discarded after one use, replacing the need for complex sterilization protocols and calibration maintenance associated with reusable instruments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Device complexity

If disposable plastic tools are used, then sterilization requirements are eliminated, but the tools often fail to withstand multiple sterilization processes and maintain calibration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization requirementsVSAvoidcalibration maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs disposable plastic handles designed for single-use applications. By eliminating the need for reuse, the design bypasses the fundamental problem of plastic instruments failing under repeated sterilization. The handle maintains calibration and functionality throughout its intended single use without requiring sterilization resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If a secure latch mechanism is implemented, then tool attachment reliability is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool attachment securityVSAvoidlatch mechanism operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is segmented into distinct functional zones: an active region for user actuation, a middle region for mechanical leverage, and an inactive region for shaft engagement. This segmentation allows the complex mechanical function to be divided into simple, intuitive user actions while maintaining secure attachment reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The latch mechanism incorporates physical cues that provide tactile feedback to the user, enabling operation without visual assistance. The active region is designed to be intuitively locatable and operable by feel alone, making the secure latch function self-explanatory and easy to operate without increasing perceived complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If physical cues are added to the latch, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatch identificationVSAvoidmolding complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The physical cues are merged directly into the latch structure during the injection molding process. Rather than being separate components added post-manufacturing, the cues are integrated as part of the single-piece molded latch, eliminating additional manufacturing steps while providing tactile feedback for ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Provides a cost-effective, calibrated, and ergonomic solution for medical instruments that ensures secure attachment and detachment of tools without the need for sterilization, preventing reuse and maintaining device integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a plastic flexible region hinge portion integrally formed as part of the front half; a plastic movable latch with a first side, a second side and a middle region formed as part of the hinge portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12539594B2Ergonomic quick release plastic disposable base for medical instruments

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 ECA MEDICAL INSTR

AI summary

The disclosure includes a connection method to connect a shaft to a body. The body and movable latch may be an integral single molded plastic part connected by a flexible. In operation actuating the movable latch to raise or lower a latching beak within a corresponding open guide in the plastic body. A shaft into a shaft guide in the body which intersects the beak guide to temporarily latching the shaft to the body via a mounting fixture the shaft with the beak; and, wherein the body has a face end and a tail end.