Modular Medical Container Opening Device with Interchangeable Actuating Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing opening devices for medical containers, such as blood bags, are not versatile enough to accommodate different types of closure members, limiting their adaptability to various container configurations.
Innovation Solution
A modular opening device assembly with a drive mechanism and interchangeable actuating devices that can convert between rotational and linear motions, allowing for detachable connection to the drive mechanism, enabling the device to open different types of closure members by adapting to their specific configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-type opening device is used, then the device can open a specific type of closure member, but it cannot be used with different types of medical containers
Solution Approach 1:
The opening device is divided into separate functional modules: a drive mechanism and interchangeable actuating devices. The actuating device can be detached and replaced depending on the type of closure member, allowing the system to adapt to different medical containers without redesigning the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive mechanism is designed as a universal interface that can work with multiple types of actuating devices. This allows a single drive mechanism to support various closure member types through interchangeable actuating devices, achieving multi-functionality without increasing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an opening device is designed for a specific closure member configuration, then it can open that specific type, but it lacks flexibility for other configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, interchangeable configuration. The actuating device can be easily attached and detached from the drive mechanism, allowing the operator to adapt the system to different closure member configurations as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
A connecting device serves as an intermediary between the drive mechanism and actuating device. This connecting device facilitates easy attachment and detachment, enabling quick interchangeability of actuating devices for different closure member types without complex assembly or disassembly procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the actuating device is permanently connected to the drive mechanism, then the structure is simpler, but the actuating device cannot be interchanged
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the drive mechanism and actuating device is segmented into a detachable interface. This allows the actuating device to be separated from the drive mechanism and replaced with another type, providing interchangeability while maintaining a relatively simple connection structure through standardized interfaces.
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 allows for easy interchangeability of actuating devices, enabling the opening device to be used with various medical containers, ensuring compatibility with diverse closure member configurations, thereby enhancing flexibility and usability across different types of medical containers.
Implementation Method 1
the drive mechanism comprises at least one stud arranged eccentrically relative to a shaft of the drive mechanism
Implementation Method 2
the actuating element is coupled to the adapter element in such a way that the linear motion of the adapter element is transferred to the actuating element or causes a rotational motion of the actuating element
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an opening device and a method for opening a closure member, in particular a closure member of a medical container, the opening device comprising a drive mechanism (21 ) for driving an actuating device (4, 4', 5, 5', 61, 71, 81, 9), wherein using the drive mechanism (21 ) the actuating device can be moved from an initial position into an engagement position in order to open the closure member (101 ), and a connecting device (3) for detachably connecting the actuating device (4, 4', 5, 5', 61, 71, 81, 9) to the drive mechanism (21 ) such that the actuating device (4, 4', 5, 5', 61, 71, 81, 9) can be interchanged with another actuating device, wherein the connecting device (3) is configured in such a way that at least a first and a second type of an actuating device (4, 4', 5, 5', 61, 71, 81, 9) can be operably connected to the drive mechanism (21 ), the first type using a rotational motion and the second type using a linear motion for interacting with the closure member (101 ). The invention further relates to actuating devices for use with a drive mechanism (21 ) of an opening device (2).