Oocyte Retrieval and Embryo Transfer Grip Indicators for Direction Checking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oocyte retrieval needles and embryo transfer instruments lack effective means to visually and tactilely confirm the direction of the blade surface or curved tip end portion after insertion into a living body, leading to difficulty in precise operation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an anti-slip, transparent, and flexible cylindrical cover on the hollow grip of the needle, featuring an indicator protrusion that is visually and tactilely recognizable, allowing easy confirmation of the blade or curved direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a marker is formed as a rib on the hub, then the orientation of the blade surface can be easily checked, but the rib surface may cause fingers to slip during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The marker is segmented into two functional parts: a rib structure for orientation indication and a surrounding smooth cylindrical cover for grip stability. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
A transparent or translucent cylindrical cover is introduced as an intermediary element between the operator's fingers and the rib marker. This cover provides a smooth gripping surface while allowing visual detection of the marker's orientation through its transparent/translucent material.
2Ease of operation
If the tip end portion of the flexible sheath has a curved portion, then the instrument can be inserted into the living body, but it has been difficult to confirm the curved direction after insertion
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent or translucent cylindrical cover is used as an intermediary to transmit visual information about the curved direction indicator to the operator. The cover allows light transmission so the indicator's orientation can be seen while maintaining a smooth grip surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved direction indicator utilizes visual properties (transparency/translucency and potential color coding) to convey directional information. The indicator may be made of material with different optical properties or colored to enhance visibility of the curved direction.
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
Enhances operational ease and precision by providing a clear visual and tactile indication of the blade or curved direction, reducing slippage and improving overall instrument handling.
Implementation Method 1
the cylindrical cover portion has high static friction property
Implementation Method 2
the cylindrical cover portion has high static friction property, transparency and flexibility; and the indicator protrusion portion, which is related to the orientation of the puncture blade surface and is covered by the cylindrical cover portion, is visually and tactilely recognizable from an outside of the cylindrical cover portion
Data Source
AI summary
An oocyte retrieval needle includes: a hollow needle that includes a puncture blade surface; a hollow grip that includes an indicator protrusion portion that is related to an orientation of the puncture blade surface; and a cylindrical cover portion that covers a portion including the indicator protrusion portion. An embryo transfer instrument includes: a flexible tube that includes a tip end curved portion; and a hollow grip. The hollow grip includes: an indicator protrusion portion that is related to a curved direction of the flexible tube; and a cylindrical cover portion that covers a portion including the indicator protrusion portion. The cylindrical cover portions have high static friction property, transparency, and flexibility. The indicator protrusion portions are visually and tactilely recognizable from an outside of the cylindrical cover portions.