Guarded Ring Cutter With Feedback Control for Safe Ring Transection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for removing stuck rings from swollen digits, such as the ring cutter method and the string method, can be time-consuming and risky, potentially causing injury or discomfort to the patient.

Innovation Solution

A ring cutter device equipped with a blade motor, a circular blade, a guard, and a guard actuator, controlled by processors that adjust the blade motor speed based on current and temperature readings, to safely transect the ring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a ring cutter is used to transect a stuck ring, then the removal time is reduced, but the risk of injury to the patient increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvering removal timeVSAvoidrisk of injury

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a guard as an intermediary component positioned between the rotating blade and the patient's digit. The guard includes a guard surface that contacts the ring and applies force to press the ring against the blade, while physically blocking the blade from contacting the digit. This mediator enables safe cutting by separating the cutting function from the patient-contact function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs sensors (current sensor, position sensor, temperature sensor) that provide real-time feedback to the processor. The processor adjusts blade motor speed and guard actuator operation based on this feedback, enabling controlled cutting that reduces injury risk while maintaining efficient ring removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If manual ring removal methods are used, then patient safety is maintained, but the removal process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient safetyVSAvoidring removal time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated motorized system. A blade motor drives a rotating blade, and a guard actuator (motorized or automated) controls guard movement. This substitution of manual operations with automated mechanical systems enables faster ring removal while maintaining safety through controlled operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the blade motor operates at high speed for efficient cutting, then productivity increases, but the temperature of the guard increases causing patient discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting speedVSAvoidguard temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

A temperature sensor monitors the guard temperature in real-time and provides feedback to the processor. When the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, the processor reduces the blade motor speed, allowing the guard to cool down. This feedback control enables efficient cutting while preventing excessive heat buildup that would cause patient discomfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic modulation of blade motor speed based on temperature feedback. Instead of continuous high-speed operation, the motor speed is periodically adjusted to allow cooling cycles, creating a pulsed cutting pattern that maintains productivity while controlling temperature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 ring cutter device efficiently and safely removes stuck rings by controlling the cutting process based on real-time electrical current and temperature readings, minimizing risk of injury and discomfort.

Implementation Method 1

a current sensor positioned to sense electrical current associated with the blade motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical current sensing: Ohmmeter

Implementation Method 2

a temperature sensor positioned to sense a temperature associated with the guard

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermocouple

Implementation Method 3

a blade motor housed in the body; a circular blade drivingly connected to the blade motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 4

a circular blade drivingly connected to the blade motor, the blade having a blade rotation axis and a peripheral cutting edge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical cutting: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentUS20250114850A1Ring cutter for safely transecting a ring trapped on an appendage

Publication Date: 2025.04.10 RING RESCUE INCORPORATED

AI summary

A handheld ring cutter is disclosed. The ring cutter includes a body, a blade motor having a motor rotation axis extending in a longitudinal direction, a circular blade, a blade rotation axis extending in a lateral direction, a safety guard, and an electro-mechanical safety guard actuator. The drive shaft protrudes in the lateral direction out of the body, and the circular blade is mounted to the drive shaft outside of the body at a position spaced from the body in the lateral direction. The safety guard is located outside of the body at a position spaced from the body in the lateral direction, and the safety guard is aligned with the circular blade.