Ergonomic Quick-Release Base for Single-Use Medical Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reusable medical devices require constant recalibration and sterilization to avoid contamination, while disposable devices fail to withstand multiple sterilization processes and maintain calibration.
Innovation Solution
A plastic ergonomic quick release system with a movable latch and hinge mechanism, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of tools without the need for sterilization, using injection-molded parts that degrade with use to prevent reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If reusable medical devices are used, then device durability and reusability are improved, but sterilization requirements and contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle by designing a single-use base that is discarded after one use, eliminating sterilization requirements and contamination risks associated with reusable devices. The base is made from inexpensive materials that can be disposed of safely after a single surgical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the surgical device into a reusable shaft and a disposable base. This segmentation allows the critical shaft component to be reused while the base that contacts the surgical site is discarded, resolving the contradiction between reusability and contamination risk.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If disposable medical devices are used, then sterilization requirements are reduced, but device strength and durability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a movable latch mechanism that dynamically transitions between locked and unlocked states. The latch provides sufficient holding strength during use through its engaged position, then allows easy release when needed, compensating for the generally lower strength of disposable materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The base is constructed from composite materials that optimize the balance between strength and disposability. The plastic construction provides adequate mechanical strength for single-use applications while remaining lightweight and suitable for disposal after one procedure.
3Reliability
If reusable devices are used, then device reliability is improved, but sterilization time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By making the base disposable, the patent eliminates the time-consuming sterilization process entirely. The single-use nature ensures reliability through factory sterilization and sealing, while eliminating the need for repeated sterilization cycles between uses.
Solution Approach 2:
The base is pre-sterilized and packaged in a sterile state before use. This preliminary sterilization action eliminates the need for on-site sterilization between uses, saving time and ensuring consistent sterilization quality.
4Productivity
If quick release mechanism is added, then tool attachment speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The quick release function is extracted as a separate movable latch component rather than being integrated into the main structure. This allows the latch to provide quick release functionality while remaining a distinct, simple mechanism that can be independently optimized.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through a simple lever motion. The user's natural finger movement on the lever automatically translates into the latching or unlatching action, eliminating the need for complex controls or multiple components.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure includes a connection method to connect a shaft to a body. The body and movable latch may be an integral single molded plastic part connected by a flexible hinge, bushing, or a multipart hinge. In operation actuating the movable latch to raise or lower a latching beak within a corresponding open guide in the plastic body. A shaft into a shaft guide in the body which intersects the beak guide to temporarily latching the shaft to the body via a mounting fixture the shaft with the beak; and, wherein the body has a face end and a tail end.