Illuminated Disposable Speculum With Lateral Blade Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional metal speculums cause patient discomfort due to sharp edges and lateral movement, and lack integrated illumination, leading to obstructed views and cross-contamination risks with reusable designs.
Innovation Solution
A disposable plastic speculum with a lateral stabilizing mechanism, integrated LED light source, and combined smoke evacuation channel, eliminating lateral movement and providing directed illumination without external wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional metal speculums are used, then the speculum structure is simple and durable, but the patient experiences discomfort due to sharp edges, cold metal, and lateral movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable plastic speculums that are discarded after single use, eliminating the need for sterilization and reducing cross-contamination risks. The plastic material allows for smoother edges and surfaces that reduce patient discomfort from sharp edges and cold metal contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The speculum is constructed from plastic materials that combine flexibility with structural integrity. The plastic construction allows for rounded edges and surfaces that improve patient comfort while maintaining the necessary mechanical strength for the procedure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If plastic specula with double-hinge design are used, then vertical stresses are supported, but lateral movement occurs when vaginal muscles become tense
Solution Approach 1:
The speculum employs a double-hinge mechanism that divides the blade support into two separate hinge joints. This segmentation allows the structure to accommodate vertical stresses independently while the combined action of both hinges provides resistance to lateral forces, preventing unwanted blade movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge joints are designed with curved surfaces and rounded connection points that allow for smooth rotational movement in the vertical direction while providing mechanical resistance to lateral displacement. The curved geometry enables the hinges to flex vertically but resist sideways movement.
3Illumination intensity
If no integrated illumination is provided, then the speculum structure remains simple, but the view into the vagina is obstructed and additional lighting equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device is integrated directly into the speculum handle, merging the lighting function with the examination instrument. This combination eliminates the need for separate lighting equipment and external wires, providing convenient illumination at the point of use while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The speculum provides its own illumination through the integrated light source in the handle, making the instrument self-sufficient. The light source automatically illuminates the examination area when the speculum is in use, without requiring external lighting equipment or additional operational steps.
4Illumination intensity
If head-mounted lights are used for illumination, then the view is improved, but the operator experiences discomfort and the light cord is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination function is extracted from external head-mounted equipment and integrated directly into the speculum handle. This extraction eliminates the need for head-mounted lights and their associated cords, providing lighting at the precise location needed while removing the source of operator discomfort and cumbersomeness.
5Illumination intensity
If light and light pipe assembly are placed in the center of the handle, then illumination is provided, but the hinge mechanism must be offset which increases lateral movement
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide channel is positioned along the longitudinal axis of the handle rather than requiring lateral offset. By utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the handle structure, the design accommodates both the illumination system and the hinge mechanism in their optimal positions without compromising lateral stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A speculum, comprising a handle portion including a proximal end, a distal end and at least one sidewall connecting the proximal end and the distal end and having a cavity in the sidewall thereof, a lower blade connected to the handle portion, an upper blade movably connected to the lower blade, the upper and lower blades being configured to move relative to one another between a closed state and an open state, and a lighting assembly comprising at least one light source and at least one energy storage device, said lighting assembly being at least partially disposed in the cavity in the sidewall of the handle portion.