Laryngoscope Blade Locking Mechanism for Side-to-Side Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laryngoscopes with disposable blades face issues of side-to-side movement during use, which can hinder the placement of breathing tubes and pose a risk of patient injury, especially since existing connection mechanisms do not adequately accommodate blades of varying sizes.

Innovation Solution

A laryngoscope handle with a crossbar mechanism and a spring-supported locking mechanism that secures the blade in place, preventing side-to-side movement and accommodating different blade sizes by providing a stabilizing force between the handle and the blade.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a standard hook mechanism is used to connect the blade to the handle, then the device can accommodate different blade sizes, but side to side movement of the blade cannot be avoided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different blade sizesVSAvoidside to side movement of the blade

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A locking mechanism acts as an intermediary component between the blade and handle. This locking mechanism includes a locking member that engages with a groove on the blade and a locking surface on the handle, preventing side-to-side movement while maintaining compatibility with different blade sizes through the standardized groove design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism transitions from an unlocked state to a locked state through user action. The spring-loaded locking member dynamically adjusts to engage or disengage from the blade groove, providing stability during use while allowing for quick blade changes when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the blade is allowed to move freely on the handle, then the connection mechanism is simple, but movement of the blade during the procedure can hinder placement of the tube and result in patient injury

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of connection mechanismVSAvoidpatient injury risk from blade movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism serves as a safety intermediary that prevents harmful blade movement without significantly complicating the overall device. The mechanism adds only a spring-loaded locking member and locking surface, maintaining relative simplicity while eliminating the harmful side-to-side movement that could cause patient injury.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism applies preliminary anti-action by pre-engaging the blade in a fixed position before the procedure begins. The spring-loaded design ensures the blade is already secured against movement, preventing harmful effects before they can occur during tube placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Stability of the object's composition

If a locking mechanism is added to prevent side to side movement, then blade stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblade stabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of connection mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into distinct functional components: the hook mechanism for basic attachment, the groove on the blade for positioning, the locking surface on the handle for securing, and the spring-loaded locking member for engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with simple geometry, reducing overall complexity while achieving blade stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded locking member provides self-service by automatically engaging with the groove-locking surface interface once the blade is inserted. The spring force maintains continuous engagement pressure, and the mechanism self-latches without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems, thereby improving stability with minimal added complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 effectively stabilizes the laryngoscope blade, preventing unwanted movement and ensuring secure attachment, thereby enhancing safety and ease of use by maintaining a clear view of the throat during procedures.

Implementation Method 1

The second mechanism is a spring supported by the housing and configured for locking the laryngoscope blade in a selected position on a length of the crossbar by providing a stabilizing force between the housing and the laryngoscope blade

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The spring frictionally engages with the laryngoscope blade to prevent side to side movement of the blade along the crossbar

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11523731B2Laryngoscope with blade locking mechanism

Publication Date: 2022.12.13 HAYAT SIKANDAR

AI summary

A laryngoscope assembly having a handle for connection with a laryngoscope blade and wherein the handle includes an additional mechanism for securing the blade to the handle. A locking mechanism is a spring provided for holding the blade in position on the handle and preventing side to side movement of the blade with respect to the handle.