Precision Skiver for Medical Catheter Stripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual cutting tools are inadequate for precisely removing thin layers of heat shrink material from elongated objects like medical catheters and small batteries, often resulting in damage to the product or injury to the user.
Innovation Solution
A manual skiver with a handle and a longitudinal recess for guiding the object past a transverse blade, allowing for precise removal of the outer material while being supported on a surface to prevent user injury, and featuring adjustable blade depth and optional mounts for enhanced precision and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual stripping of heat shrink is performed by hand, then the tool complexity is minimized, but the productivity is reduced and the reliability deteriorates due to potential injury and product damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a skiver tool as an intermediary device between the operator and the heat shrink material. The skiver includes a blade positioned in a recess that acts as a mediator to safely cut and remove the heat shrink layer without requiring direct hand contact, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining simple tool design
Solution Approach 2:
The skiver tool segments the stripping operation into distinct functional zones: a cutting edge for incising the heat shrink, a recess for containing the cutting action, and a support surface for stabilizing the workpiece. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function efficiently, improving overall productivity
2Device complexity
If manual stripping of heat shrink is performed by hand, then the device complexity remains simple, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential injury to the hand and damage to the product
Solution Approach 1:
The skiver blade positioned within a recess acts as an intermediary that isolates the cutting action from the operator's hand. The recess serves as a protective barrier, allowing the blade to cut the heat shrink material safely without exposing the user to injury, thereby improving reliability while maintaining simple tool construction
Solution Approach 2:
The recess in the skiver tool provides beforehand cushioning by containing the blade within a defined space. This pre-established protective structure prevents the blade from contacting the operator's hand during operation, proactively mitigating potential injury before it can occur
3Productivity
If a blade is used to cut the heat shrink, then the productivity increases, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates causing damage to the underlying catheter
Solution Approach 1:
The skiver tool applies local quality by positioning the blade within a recess that is specifically designed to accommodate only the heat shrink layer thickness. This localized geometric constraint ensures the blade cuts only the outer material layer without penetrating to the underlying catheter, maintaining manufacturing precision while enabling efficient material removal
Solution Approach 2:
The recess acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the blade and the workpiece. It provides a controlled environment for cutting, ensuring the blade engages only the heat shrink material at the correct depth, thereby achieving precise material removal without damaging the catheter
4Productivity
If the blade extends deeply to remove tight heat shrink, then the productivity increases, but the object-affected harmful factors increase due to risk of product damage
Solution Approach 1:
The recess geometry provides local quality control by creating a confined space that limits blade penetration depth to match the heat shrink thickness. This localized structural feature enables deep cutting action for efficient stripping while simultaneously preventing the blade from reaching the underlying catheter, reducing harmful effects
Data Source
AI summary
A manual skiver (10) for precise removal of outside material from an elongated device, such as a medical catheter or the like, includes a longitudinal recess (11) in a planar bottom surface (24) at the front end, a transverse replaceable blade (28) therein, a removable cover (32), and a handle (22) extending from the back end thereof. A second embodiment (66) is also disclosed.