Elastomeric Surgical Light Handle Cover Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light handle covers for operating room lights are difficult to slide onto the handles due to their tight fit and non-elastic material, requiring significant force for installation and removal, and do not accommodate the light switch effectively for adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A cover with a substantially cylindrical portion and a conical portion made of elastomeric material, allowing easy sliding onto the handle and accommodating the light switch for adjustment, featuring a tapered design and flexible sidewall to grip the handle shaft and permit switch actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vinyl sleeve cover is used to cover the light handle, then the handle is protected and hygiene is maintained, but the cover is difficult to slide onto the handle and requires significant force for installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from vinyl (non-elastic) to elastomeric material, which provides elastic properties allowing the cover to stretch during installation and then conform tightly to the handle, resolving the contradiction between tight fit for hygiene and ease of installation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an elastomeric material that forms a flexible yet elastic cover, allowing it to be easily slid onto the handle while maintaining a tight protective fit, thus improving ease of operation without compromising hygiene protection
2Stability of the object's composition
If a tight-fitting vinyl cover is used on the light handle, then the handle is securely covered, but the installer must pull on it to get it in place and it is difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material from non-elastic vinyl to elastomeric material, which allows the cover to stretch under minimal force during installation and then maintain a stable tight fit, resolving the contradiction between fit stability and installation force
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric material provides dynamic properties, allowing the cover to be easily deformed during installation and then maintain a stable configuration during use, reducing the force required for installation while maintaining fit stability
3Reliability
If a conventional vinyl cover is used on the light handle, then the handle is covered, but the cover does not accommodate the light switch effectively for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the end portion of the cover more flexible or thinner to accommodate the light switch, allowing the switch to be accessed and operated while the rest of the cover maintains its protective function
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is segmented into different portions with different properties - the main body provides protective coverage while the end portion is designed to accommodate the light switch, allowing both handle coverage and switch accessibility
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 cover easily fits onto various light handle types, allowing for effortless installation and removal, while maintaining the functionality of the light switch, ensuring hygiene by preventing microbial transmission.
Implementation Method 1
at least the substantially cylindrical portion and the end portion are made of an elastomeric material
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical light handle cover that covers the handle during surgical procedures to provide a sanitary environment. The cover is preferably made of an elastomeric material or at least a material that stretches when placed on the handle. The cover has a cylindrical portion that covers the handle and a conical portion that covers the base of the handle. An end portion opposite the conical portion covers the tip of the handle where some lights have switches that turn the light on and off when actuated. The cylindrical portion may be tapered with a larger diameter opening to facilitate insertion of the handle into the cylindrical portion, and the end portion may have a thinner sidewall than the cylindrical portion to ease switching of the light.