Endoscope Hanger Locking Mechanism to Prevent Accidental Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The need for pre-use reprocessing of endoscope holders reduces usability, especially when compared to single-use endoscopes that do not require reprocessing.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope holder with a hanger that pivots between two angles, where a slide member restricts or permits pivoting based on its position, ensuring the endoscope is securely held until intentionally released.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the endoscope holder is designed as a reusable device that requires reprocessing, then it can be used multiple times, but the usability is reduced due to the need for pre-use reprocessing
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into two distinct parts: a reusable holder body that remains on the cart and a single-use hanger that is attached to the endoscope. This segmentation allows the holder body to be reused while the hanger is disposed of after one use, eliminating reprocessing requirements and improving usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after a single use. This eliminates the need for reprocessing the entire holder and simplifies the workflow, as the single-use hanger does not require cleaning or sterilization between uses.
2Ease of operation
If the hanger is designed to be easily removable for single-use convenience, then usability improves, but the risk of accidental removal during pre-use checks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger is designed with dynamic characteristics - it can be easily attached and removed when intended, but includes a locking mechanism that prevents accidental removal. The slide member moves between positions to either restrict or permit pivoting, providing controlled removability that balances ease of operation with prevention of accidental removal.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the holder allows free pivoting of the hanger for flexibility, then adaptability improves, but the risk of inadvertent reuse increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger's pivoting capability is made dynamic through the slide member mechanism. When the slide member is in the first position, pivoting is restricted to prevent inadvertent reuse. When moved to the second position, pivoting is permitted to allow proper hanging. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction between flexibility and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide member in the first position applies preliminary anti-action by restricting pivoting before the hanger can be inadvertently removed or reused. This preventive measure is in place before any accidental action can occur, ensuring that the hanger remains securely positioned during pre-use checks.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope holder includes a holder body, a hanger and a slide member. The hanger is pivotably attached to the holder body to move between a first angle position and a second angle position. The slide member is supported on the holder body. The slide member is configured to move slidably between a first position and a second position. At the first position, the slide member restricts pivoting of the hanger from the first angle position to the second angle position. At the second position, the slide member permits pivoting of the hanger from the first angle position to the second angle position. When the hanger is at the first angle position, the hanger is configured to support an endoscope by hanging the endoscope on the hanger. When the hanger is at the second angle position, the hanger is configured to not support the endoscope by hanging.