Lever-Actuated Vial Holder for Fast Low-Dexterity Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical vial holders require excessive dexterity, are costly, and lack features for quick, effective, and safe operation in a medical treatment environment, especially when under pressure.
Innovation Solution
A medical vial holder apparatus with a lever element that pivots between grip and release positions, featuring a resilient bias, a grip portion with high-friction material, and a vial retention system that allows for inverted vial positioning with adjustable vial retention angle and visibility of the vial label through a transparent window element, along with a vial size adaptor for accommodating different vial sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional vial holder designs are used, then basic vial retention is achieved, but excessive user dexterity is required and operational speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever element is designed to pivot between a first position (retaining the vial) and a second position (releasing the vial), transforming a static holding mechanism into a dynamic one that can quickly transition between states. This dynamic design allows the user to rapidly secure or release vials with a simple lever motion, improving operational speed while reducing dexterity requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient bias element automatically returns the lever to the gripping position after release, and the high-friction material on the grip portion provides automatic engagement with the vial without requiring precise user positioning. The mechanism serves itself by maintaining constant pressure on the vial and automatically resetting after each operation, reducing the skill level needed for effective operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional vial holder designs are used, then basic functionality is maintained, but device cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into distinct functional components: a main body housing, a pivotable lever element with grip portion, a resilient bias element, and an optional vial size adaptor. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes and assembled through simple attachment, reducing both manufacturing cost and assembly complexity while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever element serves multiple functions: it acts as a gripping arm, provides mechanical advantage through leverage, and serves as a release mechanism when moved to the second position. The main body housing simultaneously provides structural support, houses the bias element, and offers mounting options. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of parts needed, simplifying assembly and lowering costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed vial retention angle is used, then simple design is maintained, but adaptability to different vial sizes and orientations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vial retention angle is changed as a variable parameter rather than a fixed value. By allowing the retention angle to be adjusted, the same apparatus can accommodate different vial sizes and orientations. This parameter change approach enables versatility without requiring multiple specialized devices, as the angle can be modified to match the specific vial configuration needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever element's pivotability introduces dynamics to the retention system. The lever can be positioned at different angles to accommodate various vial orientations, and the resilient bias ensures continuous contact pressure regardless of the specific angle. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the device to adapt to different vial sizes and types while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
4Loss of information
If transparent window element is added for vial label visibility, then vial identification is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire housing transparent or adding a complex viewing system, only a specific local area (the window element) is made transparent. This localized transparency provides exactly the information needed (vial label visibility) while maintaining the structural integrity and opacity of the rest of the housing. The window element is simply incorporated into the housing structure, adding minimal 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 apparatus enables efficient and safe handling of medical vials by reducing user dexterity requirements, enhancing operational speed and safety, while being adaptable to various vial sizes and environments.
Implementation Method 1
a lever element (118) pivotally mounted to the main body (114) for pivotal movement of the lever element (118) between a grip position and a release position
Implementation Method 2
a grip portion (120) with a vial engagement face (228) configured to grippingly retain an inverted medical vial (108)
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a medical vial holder apparatus and system are disclosed. A main body has a mount engagement portion and a vial engagement portion. A facing wall is attached to the vial engagement portion thereby defining a vial retention cavity therebetween. A lever element is mounted to the main body for pivotal movement between a grip position and a release position. The lever element has a grip portion with a vial engagement face. A grip distance is defined between the vial engagement face and the facing wall. Movement of the lever element from the release position toward the grip position reduces the grip distance. Movement of the lever element from the grip position toward the release position increases the grip distance. The lever element is biased toward the grip position. A plurality of the apparatuses are adjustably mountable in line with one another by way of their mount engagement portions.