Hinged Laryngoscope Blade With Position-Activated Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laryngoscopes lack a reliable mechanism for controlling the power supply to the electric light source, which can lead to inefficient use of battery life and potential disruptions during the open and closed positions, and do not adequately address the need for flexibility to prevent dental injury during intubation.
Innovation Solution
A laryngoscope design featuring a hingedly articulated blade with a power source compartment, a switching arrangement using a linear cam and follower for electrically connecting the light source and power source only in the open position, and a flexible region to reduce pressure on the patient's teeth, along with a locking mechanism to maintain the blade's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the blade is made rigid to maintain structural stability during intubation, then structural stability is improved, but the risk of dental injury increases due to excessive pressure on teeth
Solution Approach 1:
The blade incorporates a flexible region with reduced thickness and modified material properties that allows controlled bending and deformation. This flexible region acts as a cushion between the rigid portions of the blade and the patient's teeth, distributing pressure and preventing dental injury while maintaining overall structural stability during the intubation procedure.
2Reliability
If the light source remains continuously powered to ensure illumination during procedures, then illumination reliability is improved, but battery life is depleted rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is activated periodically based on the blade's position rather than continuously. The switching mechanism detects when the blade is in the open position (indicating active use) and activates the light source only during this period. This periodic activation ensures illumination reliability when needed while significantly extending battery life by eliminating unnecessary power consumption during storage or non-use conditions.
3Volume of moving object
If the blade is designed to be fully retractable into the handle for compact storage, then storage compactness is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is designed to nest within the handle when not in use, with the flexible region allowing the blade to bend and conform to the handle's internal geometry. This nesting arrangement achieves compact storage by minimizing the overall volume occupied by the laryngoscope while using the blade's inherent flexibility rather than complex mechanical locking or telescoping mechanisms, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
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 solution ensures efficient power management by controlling the electric light source's operation based on the blade's position and provides increased flexibility to mitigate dental injury during intubation, enhancing the overall usability and safety of the laryngoscope.
Implementation Method 1
The switching arrangement may comprise a linear cam and a follower configured to be biased thereby toward the power source when the blade is brought into its open position.
Implementation Method 2
The power source may comprise a battery having two oppositely charged terminals. The battery may be a button cell.
Data Source
AI summary
A laryngoscope comprising a handle and a blade is provided. The blade is hingedly articulated to the handle between an open position wherein it projects outwardly from a top end of the handle, and a closed position wherein it lies in registration therewith. The laryngoscope further comprises an electric light source and a power source selectively electrically connected thereto for providing electric power for its operation. The blade comprises a power source compartment at the proximal end, containing therewithin the power source. The laryngoscope further comprises a switching arrangement configured to electrically connect between the electric light and power sources when the blade in its open position, and electrically separate between the electric light source and power source when the blade in its closed position. The handle comprises a depression for accommodating therein at least a portion of the blade when in its closed position.