Replaceable Probe Holder With Elastic Positioning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic thermometers face issues with probe contamination and environmental hazards due to non-replaceable probe holders, which can lead to infection and mercury contamination in traditional thermometers.
Innovation Solution
A replaceable probe holder structure with a simple design featuring a thermometer shell, slot, elastic positioning mechanism, and adjustable screw cap, allowing for easy installation and replacement of probe holders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a non-replaceable probe holder structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to probe contamination and infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The probe holder is divided into a fixed portion (integrated with thermometer shell) and a replaceable portion (probe holder that can be removed and reinstalled). This segmentation allows the probe holder to be replaced when contaminated, preventing infection while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe holder structure transitions from a static non-replaceable design to a dynamic replaceable design. The elastic positioning mechanism allows the probe holder to be easily inserted and removed, enabling dynamic adjustment and replacement to maintain hygiene without complex procedures.
2Ease of operation
If a replaceable probe holder structure is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved for replacement, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic positioning mechanism integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides positioning, retention, and guidance for the probe holder replacement. This merging reduces the need for separate complex mechanisms while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic positioning mechanism automatically engages and secures the probe holder when inserted, and automatically releases it when pulled. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional locking or unlocking operations, simplifying the replacement process despite the added component.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional mercury thermometers are used, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but the object-affected harmful factors increase due to mercury leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The probe holder is designed as a replaceable component that can be discarded and replaced when contaminated or damaged. This disposable approach eliminates the need for durable, hard-to-replace materials like glass, preventing mercury leakage while maintaining reliability through easy replacement of the probe holder itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful mercury is extracted from the thermometer system and replaced with electronic sensing elements. The probe holder becomes a separate replaceable component that contains no mercury, eliminating the environmental hazard while maintaining the structural function of holding the sensing element.
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 provides a convenient, infection-free, and environmentally friendly way to manage probe holders, reducing the risk of contamination and improving usability by requiring fewer components and allowing for easy replacement.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic positioning mechanism; after the insertion of the probe holder in the slot, the probe holder will match with the elastic positioning mechanism and then fixed in the slot
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a replaceable probe holder structure for thermometer, including a thermometer shell. Inside the thermometer shell installs a slot and an elastic positioning mechanism; inside the slot installs a probe holder; after the insertion of the probe holder in the slot, the probe holder will match with the elastic positioning mechanism and then fixed in the slot. By adopting the above structure, the probe holder structure of this invention requires fewer components, and convenient for installation; the adoption of the elastic positioning mechanism to fix the probe holder is more convenient to replace in practical use.