Disposable Cover with Flexible Cap for Optical Device Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical devices used for medical examinations face contamination issues due to direct contact with subjects, leading to device failure, costly component replacement, and exhaustive cleaning processes, which are time-consuming and potentially damaging.
Innovation Solution
A disposable cover with a flexible cap made of transparent material, designed to accommodate optical probes and filter light, which protects the device from contamination and prevents damage by allowing the probes to extend and retract, while also featuring a locking mechanism and air pockets for comfort and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical components are periodically replaced or cleaned, then contamination is managed, but device complexity and maintenance time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable optical components or disposable covers that are discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for cleaning or replacement of expensive permanent components. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability through disposability while reducing maintenance complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary protective layer or cover between the optical components and the contaminated environment. This intermediary protects the main optical components from contamination, reducing the frequency and complexity of maintenance while maintaining optical performance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cleaning fluids are used to remove contaminants, then contamination is reduced, but optical device damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable optical components or disposable protective covers that are discarded after one use, eliminating the need for cleaning operations entirely. This resolves the contradiction by preventing contamination-related damage without exposing the device to harmful cleaning fluids.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary protective measures such as disposable covers or barriers that prevent contamination before it occurs, rather than requiring subsequent cleaning. This preliminary protection eliminates exposure to harmful cleaning agents while maintaining optical component integrity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanical wiping action is applied to remove contaminants, then oil and salt residues are eliminated, but residue on end face causes performance damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable optical components or disposable protective covers that prevent contamination in the first place, eliminating the need for mechanical wiping operations. This resolves the contradiction by preventing end face contamination without the risk of wiping-induced damage or residue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary protective barrier that prevents contaminants from reaching the critical end face surfaces. This intermediary protection eliminates the need for mechanical cleaning operations that could leave residues or cause damage, maintaining precision without harmful interventions.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If optical device is covered after use, then protection from environment is provided, but contamination cannot be mitigated and sterilization is still required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable optical components or disposable covers that are sterilized during manufacturing and discarded after single use. This resolves the contradiction by providing both environmental protection and sterility assurance through the disposable nature of the components, eliminating the need for post-use sterilization processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary sterilization of disposable components during manufacturing before they are used. This preliminary sterilization action, combined with the disposable nature of the components, provides both environmental protection and sterility assurance without requiring post-use sterilization, resolving the contradiction efficiently.
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 disposable cover effectively prevents contamination, reduces the need for frequent cleaning, minimizes the risk of damage to optical components, and ensures sterility, thereby extending the life of the device and improving examination efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible cap disposed in each of the one or more apertures of the body, where at least a portion of the flexible cap is made of a substantially transparent material
Implementation Method 2
The body may include a locking mechanism configured to lock the head of the optical device to secure the cover
Implementation Method 3
The first surface and the second surface may be defined with a profile complementary to a profile of the head of the optical device to create air pockets between the cover and the head of the optical device
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a disposable cover (4) for covering a head (8) of an optical device (1) and contacting a subject for examination. The cover includes a body (21), defining a first surface (19) and a second surface (20). The body (21) is removably connectable to the head through the first surface and the second surface, where one or more apertures (6) are defined in the first surface (20). A flexible cap (7) is disposed of in each of the one or more apertures of the body, where at least a portion of the flexible cap is made of a substantially transparent material. The flexible cap is structured to accommodate an optical probe (3) extending from the head of the optical device, such that the optical probe extends and retract relative to the body based on position of the optical device relative to the subject.