Metal Spring Sheet Cassette for Medical Instrument Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical instrument cassettes using elastomeric materials face challenges such as contamination, difficulty in cleaning, and compatibility issues with different materials, leading to ineffective holding and sterilization of instruments.
Innovation Solution
A cassette utilizing a spring sheet made of metal or metal alloy with integrated spring elements and secondary holding means, allowing for secure retention and easy removal of medical instruments while enabling thorough cleaning and sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomeric holding means are used to retain medical instruments, then the instruments are securely held, but the holding means become contaminated and difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric material is extracted and replaced with a metal spring sheet system. The spring elements are formed directly from the metal sheet through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for separate elastomeric components that are difficult to clean. This allows the holding means to be made entirely from cleanable metal materials while maintaining secure instrument retention through spring force.
Solution Approach 2:
The material parameter is changed from elastomeric to metal, and the holding mechanism parameter is changed from friction-based elastomeric engagement to spring-force-based metal engagement. The spring elements utilize elastic deformation of metal to provide retention force, enabling both secure holding and easy cleanability through material substitution and mechanism transformation.
2Reliability
If elastomeric materials are used in the cassette, then the instruments are retained securely, but the cassette cannot be effectively sterilized due to material sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The material parameter is changed from elastomeric to metal, transforming the cassette into a sterilization-compatible system. Metal materials can withstand autoclave temperatures and chemical sterilants without degradation, while the spring elements maintain their elastic retention properties. This parameter change resolves the conflict between secure instrument holding and sterilization effectiveness.
3Reliability
If elastomeric holding means are used, then the instruments are held firmly, but cleaning agents affect the material properties and increase dirt adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The material parameter is changed from elastomeric to metal, fundamentally altering the surface properties and chemical resistance. Metal surfaces do not absorb or degrade when exposed to cleaning agents, preventing the increase in dirt adhesion that occurs with elastomeric materials. The spring elements maintain firm holding force through elastic deformation while remaining chemically inert to cleaning substances.
4Reliability
If multiple materials are used in the cassette, then the holding means provide good grip, but thermal expansion differences cause stresses and condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The cassette is constructed entirely from metal materials, creating a homogeneous system with uniform thermal expansion properties. The spring sheet and spring elements are both metal, eliminating thermal expansion mismatches between different materials. This homogeneity prevents internal stresses and condensation issues while maintaining secure instrument grip through spring force.
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 metal-based cassette provides a secure, contamination-resistant, and easily cleanable solution for holding medical instruments, ensuring effective sterilization and preventing accidental dislocation during storage, transport, and use.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring element provided adjacent to the passage for exerting a biasing spring force to retain the medical instrument within the passage
Implementation Method 2
a cylindrical extension piece having a through-bore comprising an undercut, which undercut allows formation of a snap-fit connection to a complementary protrusion provided on the surface of a further medical instrument
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5C
AI summary
The present invention relates to cassette for storage of at least one medical instrument, the cassette comprising at least one spring sheet, the spring sheet comprising at least one holding means for retaining the medical instrument therein, the holding means comprising an aperture forming a passage through the spring sheet for receiving the medical instrument and at least one spring element provided adjacent to the passage for exerting a biasing spring force to retain the medical instrument within the passage, and wherein the spring sheet, including the holding means, is made of a metal or a metal alloy.