Double-bladed laryngoscope with sterilizable camera module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laryngoscopes do not provide a double-bladed design with a readily interchangeable and sterilizable visual image recorder and blade for recording and locally displaying a patient's area of interest, which is essential for effective intubation procedures.
Innovation Solution
A double-bladed laryngoscope design featuring a stationary handle, stationary blade, movable tip, and movable blade with a camera arrangement that allows for interchangeable and sterilizable visual image recording, enabling the laryngoscope to pivot and spread tissues for intubation while displaying the area of interest on a connected display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the camera arrangement is integrated into the movable blade, then the visual image recording function is improved, but the sterilization process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The camera arrangement is divided into separable components that can be detached from the movable blade. The camera module can be removed independently for sterilization or replacement, while the blade can be sterilized separately. This segmentation allows each component to be processed according to its specific requirements without compromising the other.
2Productivity
If the laryngoscope uses a double-bladed design with movable components, then the intubation effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable blade and camera arrangement are merged into a single integrated assembly that moves together as one unit. This combining of functions reduces the number of separate mechanisms needed, simplifying the overall device while maintaining the effectiveness of the double-bladed design for tissue spreading and visualization.
3Ease of operation
If the camera arrangement is made interchangeable, then the ease of sterilization and replacement is improved, but the connection reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The camera arrangement is extracted as a separate, removable module from the blade assembly. This extraction allows the camera to be easily removed for sterilization or replacement without affecting the blade. The connection interface is designed to maintain secure attachment during use while enabling quick removal when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved double-bladed laryngoscope for recording and locally displaying an area of interest of a patient via a readily interchangeable and sterilizable visual image recorder and being of the type having a stationary handle, a stationary blade affixed to the stationary handle, a movable tip pivotally attached to the stationary blade, a movable tip arm pivotally attached to movable tip and movable handle, a movable blade pivotally attached to the stationary blade and affixed to movable handle by movable blade arm. When the movable tip at valleculla of a patient and the movable handle is moved towards the stationary handle will bend the movable tip lifting the epiglottis to uncover laryngeal opening (glottis). Simultaneously a movable blade pivotally attached to stationary blade and affixed to movable handle so as to allow movable blade to pivot away from stationary blade spreading posterior pharyngeal tissues and allowing space for intubating tube. A lock locks the movable blade in a desired positioned by locking the movable handle affixed thereto, and a camera arrangement for recording and locally displaying the area of interest of the patient. The improvement includes the camera arrangement running readily replaceably and interchangeably through the movable blade so as to be readily removable therefrom for sterilization without compromising the structural integrity of the movable blade.