Reusable Locking Safety Scalpel with Reciprocator Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical scalpels with retractable mechanisms either have unsteady blades or are not reusable, and existing solutions either do not permanently conceal the blade or are not designed for one-handed operation without separate parts.
Innovation Solution
A surgical scalpel with a housing, reciprocator assembly, and end cap featuring a slider and lock members that allow the blade to be axially reciprocated from a concealed to a cutting position and back, with optional intermediate and locked positions, enabling permanent protection and reuse without separate parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a retractable mechanism is used to conceal the blade, then blade protection is improved, but the blade becomes unsteady
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple independent lock members (first lock member on the reciprocator assembly, second lock member on the end cap, third lock member on the housing, fourth lock member on the slider) that work together. Each lock member engages with its corresponding counterpart at different positions to provide stable locking while allowing blade reciprocation when needed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the blade is permanently concealed within the housing, then blade protection is improved, but the scalpel cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static permanent concealment design to a dynamic system where the blade can be reciprocated between concealed and exposed positions. The lock members are designed to be releasable, allowing the blade carrier to move forward to expose the blade for cutting operations, then be locked back in the concealed position for safety and disposal.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a complex locking mechanism with multiple lock members is added, then blade protection and reusability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking functions are merged into a single integrated reciprocator assembly that moves as one unit. The lock members are distributed along the reciprocator assembly and housing, with each pair working together to provide locking at different stages of the reciprocation cycle, simplifying the overall control mechanism while maintaining comprehensive protection.
4Productivity
If the reciprocator assembly is made reusable with permanent attachment capability, then productivity is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The reciprocator assembly is designed to be self-locking through the engagement of lock members with their corresponding counterparts on the housing and end cap. The first lock member engages with the second lock member to permanently attach the reciprocator assembly to the end cap, while the third and fourth lock members provide intermediate locking during operation, eliminating the need for separate attachment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A reusable locking surgical scalpel with a housing, reciprocator assembly carrying a blade and an end cap. The reciprocator assembly includes a slider positioned outside the housing and wings that flex inward against the housing inner track. The reciprocator assembly and housing include locking members that cooperate with one another to maintain the blade in a cutting position forward of the housing front end. The wings may engage openings in the housing to releasably maintain the reciprocator assembly in an intermediate position rearward of the cutting position with the blade concealed within the housing. The end cap includes a locking member that engages the reciprocator assembly in a permanent locked position rearward of the intermediate position.