Medical Sheet Transfer Instrument with Curved Retractable Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transfer instruments for medical sheets require manual manipulation with forceps, which can lead to inefficient transfer and potential damage to the medical sheet during application to a treatment site.
Innovation Solution
A transfer instrument featuring a flexible support portion with protrusions that can be retracted and unfolded within an outer cylinder, allowing the medical sheet to be transferred without additional devices, minimizing damage and enabling efficient placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the support portion is made rigid for stable holding, then the medical sheet can be held securely, but the support portion cannot be smoothly retracted into the outer cylinder
Solution Approach 1:
The support portion is designed to dynamically change its shape between a flat state for holding and a curved state for retraction. The flexible sheet material allows the support portion to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements, transitioning from a rigid-like flat position to a flexible curved position during retraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The support portion utilizes curvature by forming arches or domes on its surface. This curvature allows the support portion to bend and curve smoothly during retraction into the outer cylinder while maintaining its structural integrity and holding capability when in the flat state.
2Ease of operation
If the support portion is made flexible for smooth retraction, then the outer cylinder diameter can be reduced, but the support portion may deform excessively during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The support portion is divided into multiple segments or zones with different degrees of flexibility. This segmentation allows certain areas to remain relatively rigid for stable holding while other areas provide the necessary flexibility for smooth retraction, balancing both requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The support portion may utilize composite materials or layered structures that combine rigid and flexible properties. This allows the support portion to maintain shape stability during handling while enabling smooth retraction through the flexible components.
3Strength
If protrusions are added to the support portion for secure holding, then the medical sheet can be held firmly, but the support portion becomes more complex and harder to retract
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions are formed as integral parts of the flexible sheet structure rather than separate components. This allows the protrusions to be simple, smooth features that can be easily retracted along with the rest of the support portion, avoiding complex mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions are merged with the support portion's flexible sheet structure, creating a unified component. This integration ensures that the protrusions move smoothly with the support portion during retraction, reducing overall structural complexity.
4Volume of moving object
If the support portion is curved into a heart shape for compact retraction, then the outer cylinder diameter can be reduced, but the support portion requires precise deformation control
Solution Approach 1:
The support portion is designed with inherent curvature features that naturally guide it into a compact shape during retraction. The curved geometry of the flexible sheet allows it to form a heart shape or similar compact configuration without requiring complex active deformation control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The support portion's dynamic flexibility allows it to passively adopt a compact configuration during retraction. The flexible sheet material naturally curves into a compact shape due to the retraction force, eliminating the need for precise 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 instrument efficiently transfers medical sheets to treatment sites while reducing the risk of breakage by curving the support portion into a heart shape for compact retraction and smooth deployment, facilitating seamless integration with the treatment site.
Implementation Method 1
the support portion is retracted into the outer cylinder in a state of being curved and deformed such that both sides in a width direction of the support portion are in contact with each other on the back surface
Data Source
AI summary
A first shaft of a transfer instrument includes a first support portion capable of holding a medical sheet. The first support portion includes a pair of first protrusions protruding upward from both sides of a first support surface in a width direction. A cross section of the first protrusion has a shape in which an intermediate portion between a free end and a fixed end bulges in a convex shape in a direction away from the first support surface. When the first support portion is retracted into an outer cylinder, the first support portion is retracted into the outer cylinder in a state of being curved and deformed such that both sides of the first support portion in the width direction are in contact with each other on a back surface of the first support portion.