Laryngoscope Blade Assembly Spring Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laryngoscope systems require user skill to position imaging or lighting devices correctly, which can impact image quality when different blade sizes are used, leading to inconsistent views during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A laryngoscope system with a sliding part and positioning spring mechanism that automatically positions the imaging or lighting device at a predefined distance from the blade tip, ensuring consistent image quality regardless of blade size, using an engaging element and retaining mechanism to lock the blade assembly securely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a laryngoscope system uses different blade sizes, then the adaptability to various anatomies is improved, but the positioning accuracy of the imaging device deteriorates because it relies on user skill
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device automatically positions itself relative to the blade tip using a spring mechanism and engagement features. The device self-adjusts to the correct distance from the blade tip without requiring user skill or manual positioning, thereby maintaining consistent image quality across different blade sizes while preserving adaptability to various anatomies
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the imaging device to automatically adjust its position parameter (distance from blade tip) based on the inserted blade size. The spring mechanism enables the device to change its longitudinal position to maintain a predefined distance from the blade tip, ensuring consistent imaging parameters regardless of which blade size is used
2Measurement precision
If the imaging device is fixed at a specific position, then the positioning precision is improved, but the adaptability to different blade sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device is designed with dynamic positioning capability through a spring mechanism that allows it to move along the longitudinal axis. This dynamic adjustment enables the device to maintain a consistent predefined distance from the blade tip across different blade sizes, achieving both positioning precision and adaptability simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning mechanism is designed to be universal, working with multiple blade sizes through standardized engagement features. The spring-loaded system provides a consistent positioning function regardless of the specific blade inserted, making the imaging device compatible with various blade sizes while maintaining precise positioning
3Device complexity
If manual positioning of the imaging device is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of image quality deteriorates due to user skill dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device performs self-positioning automatically through the spring mechanism and engagement features, eliminating the need for manual user intervention. This self-service capability ensures consistent image quality by removing user skill dependency while keeping the mechanism relatively simple with just a spring, abutment, and engagement elements
4Reliability
If the imaging device is positioned at a predefined distance from the blade tip, then the image quality consistency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the positioning mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism with abutment and engagement features creates an automatic self-positioning system that maintains the predefined distance from the blade tip. This self-service approach ensures consistent image quality while keeping the mechanism relatively simple, avoiding complex motors, sensors, or electronic controls
Solution Approach 2:
The spring acts as an intermediary element between the imaging device and the blade assembly, providing the necessary force to maintain the predefined distance. This simple mechanical intermediary enables consistent positioning without requiring complex active control systems
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 system provides a clear and consistent view of the larynx across various blade sizes, reducing the reliance on user skill and ensuring optimal image capture and lighting positioning, enhancing procedural efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a positioning spring between said abutment and a proximal end of the sliding part
Data Source
AI summary
A laryngoscope system including a laryngoscope device and a blade assembly. The laryngoscope device has a handle member and a front-end member, which includes: a longitudinal member, with a channel, being connected with the handle member; a sliding part having at a distal end an imaging and/or a lighting device and being configured to be at least partially inserted in and movable along the channel, which has an abutment and a positioning spring between the abutment and a proximal end of the sliding part. The blade assembly is configured to cooperate with the front-end member and has fixed to one another: a blade having a distal tip; an insertion housing, which has a cavity to receive the front-end member, includes an engaging element having an edge to cooperate with the longitudinal member's distal end, the engaging element's edge being positioned at a predefined distance from the blade's distal tip.