Elliptical Soft-Grip Handle for Surgical Containers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instrument container handles are not ergonomically designed, making them difficult to use and not conducive to easy stacking or transportation.
Innovation Solution
An elliptical soft-grip handle assembly with a wire handle and elastomeric grip, featuring longitudinally extending ribs for improved grip and comfort, which folds flat against the container for stacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple wire handle is used for the surgical instrument container, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is easier, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to poor ergonomics and slipping
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly combines a wire handle structure with an elastomeric grip component, creating a composite object that leverages the structural integrity of metal wire and the ergonomic properties of elastomeric material. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining manufacturing simplicity through separate component fabrication while achieving superior grip comfort through material composite.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric grip acts as a flexible shell that envelops the wire handle, providing a compliant surface that conforms to the user's hand. This flexible outer layer resolves the ergonomic deficiencies of the rigid wire handle while maintaining the structural simplicity of the underlying wire framework.
2Ease of operation
If an ergonomic handle design is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases and stacking efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is divided into two distinct segments: a wire handle portion and an elastomeric grip portion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while simplifying the overall assembly process. The wire portion provides structural support and attachment, while the elastomeric portion provides ergonomic grip, resolving the complexity contradiction through functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly incorporates a pivot connection that allows the handle to rotate between a use position (extending outward for gripping) and a stored position (folded flat against the container). This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by providing ergonomic functionality when needed while enabling compact stacking when the handle is not in use, effectively reducing the average device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a protruding handle is used for easy gripping, then the ease of operation is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to reduced stacking efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed with a pivot connection enabling it to rotate between an extended operational position and a retracted storage position. During handling operations, the handle extends outward for easy gripping, improving ease of operation. During stacking operations, the handle folds flat against the container surface, minimizing protrusion and maximizing stacking efficiency. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the productivity contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle transitions from a three-dimensional protruding structure during use to a two-dimensional flat configuration during storage. By collapsing the handle onto the container surface, the design eliminates the volumetric obstruction that would interfere with stacking, thereby resolving the contradiction between handle accessibility and stacking efficiency through dimensional transformation.
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 elliptical soft-grip handle provides comfortable, secure, and slip-free gripping during use while allowing for efficient stacking and transportation by folding flat against the container.
Implementation Method 1
The handle grip has an outer surface with an elliptical cross sectional shape, and a plurality of laterally spaced and longitudinally extending ribs on the outer surface. The handle grip is preferably formed of an elastomeric material.
Implementation Method 2
the longitudinally extending ribs on the outer surface provide further increased comfort and slip free gripping
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument container assembly includes a container and a handle assembly. The handle assembly includes at least one wire handle pivotally coupled with the container. A handle grip has a longitudinally extending opening. A portion of the wire handle is positioned radially within the opening. The handle grip has an outer surface with an elliptical cross sectional shape, and a plurality of laterally spaced and longitudinally extending ribs on the outer surface. The handle grip is preferably formed of an elastomeric material.