Frangible Tip Protector for Surgical Handpiece
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cataract removal techniques, such as phacoemulsification and heated solution injection, do not adequately protect the delicate tips of surgical handpieces from damage during handling and shipment.
Innovation Solution
A break-away or frangible tip protector is integrated into the tip assembly of a liquefaction surgical handpiece, providing protection during handling and shipment while being easily removable for use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a delicate cutting tip is used for cataract removal, then surgical precision is improved, but the tip becomes vulnerable to damage during handling and shipment
Solution Approach 1:
The tip assembly is divided into separate functional components: a delicate cutting tip for surgical precision and a separate protector element for damage prevention. The protector can be attached or detached independently, allowing the tip to remain fragile yet protected during handling while maintaining its precision cutting capability during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
A protector element is pre-positioned on or around the cutting tip before the surgical procedure. This preliminary protective action prevents damage during handling and shipment, and the protector can be easily removed or broken away just before use to expose the delicate tip for precise surgical work.
2Reliability
If a protective covering is added to the tip, then tip protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is extracted as a separate, simple element that can be independently attached to or removed from the cutting tip. This extraction allows the protector to be added without permanently complicating the tip design, and it can be easily discarded or detached after use, maintaining simplicity in the core surgical instrument.
Solution Approach 2:
The protector is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component that is discarded after serving its protective purpose. This approach allows complex protection during handling and shipment without permanently increasing the complexity of the surgical tip itself, as the protector is removed or discarded before the actual surgical procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
A tip assembly for a liquefaction surgical handpiece having a break-away or frangible tip protector. The tip protector protects the delicate tip from damage during handling and shipment, but is easily removed prior to use.