Elastic Tubular Grip for Medical Instruments
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Dental and medical instruments with small, rigid, and slippery gripping areas pose challenges for precise control and lead to hand fatigue and potential injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome due to repetitive motion, and existing solutions either require lubricants or are not easily adaptable to various instrument shapes.
Innovation Solution
A replaceable, open tubular grip device made of elastic material that can expand to fit around instruments of different shapes and sizes, providing a secure, non-slip, and ergonomic grip without the need for lubricants, and is designed for easy application and removal, suitable for one-time use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a small diameter rigid metal instrument is used, then the instrument can be precise and durable, but it becomes slippery and cold making it difficult to operate with good control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible tubular element made of elastic material that covers the gripping area of the rigid metal instrument. This flexible shell provides thermal insulation to reduce cold sensation, increases friction to prevent slippage, and improves grip comfort while maintaining the precision of the underlying rigid instrument.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure by combining the rigid metal instrument with a flexible elastic material covering. This composite design integrates the precision and durability of metal with the comfort and grip properties of elastic material, resolving the contradiction between precision and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If a hand grip is made of soft non-rigid material to improve grip, then comfort is increased, but the grip may slide when the instrument needs to be held firmly
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular element is designed as a flexible shell that conforms to the instrument shape while maintaining sufficient friction. The elastic material provides comfort through its softness, while the surface properties and fit ensure grip stability by preventing slippage during firm holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes parameters of the elastic material including hardness, surface friction, and tubular dimensions to achieve the right balance. By adjusting these parameters, the grip provides both comfort from softness and stability from controlled friction and fit.
3Measurement precision
If a grip device is designed to fit tightly around the instrument, then control is improved, but it becomes difficult to apply and remove the device
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular element utilizes dynamic elasticity to transition between application and removal states. During application, the material stretches elastically to fit over the instrument; during removal, it maintains enough friction to stay in place but can be pulled off when needed. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between tight fit for control and ease of application.
4Reliability
If a grip device is made to be reusable and sterilizable, then cost is reduced, but it may harbor bacteria and debris between uses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a disposable tubular element that is used once and then discarded. This eliminates the risk of contamination from previous uses entirely, ensuring hygiene safety. The low cost of the disposable element makes this approach economically viable, resolving the contradiction between hygiene safety and time efficiency.
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 grip device enhances user comfort and control by providing a secure, non-slip, and warmer grip, reducing the risk of hand fatigue and instrument slippage, while being easily applied and removed for hygiene and adaptability to various instrument shapes.
Implementation Method 1
an open tubular element (7) of elastic material... configured to switch between a rolled up state (7') and a fully unrolled state (7'')
Data Source
AI summary
A medical instrument grip device consisting of an open tubular element of elastic material for an elongated medical instrument comprises an elongated element having a gripping area and a head element being attached to one of the ends of the elongated element. The tubular element is open in both longitudinal ends and is configured to switch between a rolled up state and a fully unrolled state. Further, the tubular element is configured such that the head element may be forced through the inner opening of the stretched tubular element being in its rolled up state and to create a tight fit around the gripping area when being in its unrolled state.