Rotatable Cutting Assembly for Single-Use Circumcision Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current circumcision devices, such as the Gomco clamp, require the use of a scalpel and are often reusable, posing risks of infection and exposure to sharp objects, and existing single-use devices are cumbersome and prone to complications due to their multiple components and extended wear times.
Innovation Solution
A circumcision device with a rotatable cutting assembly that includes a ring-shaped blade capable of severing the foreskin without a separate scalpel, featuring a mechanism to ensure single-use operation by locking the components together after a procedure, reducing the risk of reuse and exposure to sharp objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a reusable circumcision device like Gomco clamp is used, then the device can be used multiple times, but it requires separate sharp objects (scalpel) and increases risk of infection and exposure to sharp objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cutting function directly into the crushing assembly by integrating a rotatable cutting blade with the crush plate and glans penis locating member. This merging eliminates the need for separate scalpels and reusable components, allowing the entire device to be disposed of after single use, thereby reducing infection risk and sharp object exposure while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the circumcision device as a single-use disposable unit that can be discarded after one procedure. This eliminates the need for sterilization and reuse, directly addressing infection risks while maintaining operational efficiency through ready-to-use pre-packaged devices
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a single-use circumcision device is used, then infection risk is reduced, but the device becomes cumbersome with multiple components and extended wear time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated assembly: the glans penis locating member, crush plate, and cutting blade form one unified structure that requires minimal components. This simplification reduces device complexity while maintaining single-use safety benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to be quickly assembled and applied in a single procedure without requiring extended wear time for multiple operations. The pre-configured single-use nature eliminates the need for complex assembly/disassembly cycles and extended body retention, reducing both component complexity and wear time
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a rotatable cutting assembly is used, then separate scalpels are eliminated, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable cutting assembly is designed as part of a single-use disposable device. The complexity of the rotatable mechanism is acceptable because the entire assembly is discarded after one use, eliminating the need for complex sterilization and maintenance systems that would be required for reusable versions
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 device provides a safe, efficient, and scalable solution for circumcision that minimizes bleeding, eliminates the need for separate sharp objects, and ensures single-use operation, reducing the risk of infection and complications associated with reusable devices.
Implementation Method 1
exerting a crushing force on the foreskin in a crush zone created in a gap between the divergent outer crushing surface of a glans penis location member and a periphery of a crush aperture in a crush plate so that the skin can be cut away after a period of time. This clamping creates a 'hemostatic seal' along the cut edge
Implementation Method 2
a cutting assembly rotatable about said axis relative to the crushing surface so as to be capable of severing a foreskin adjacent the foreskin crushing assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A circumcision device is provided by the present invention and includes a body and a glans penis locating and protecting member permanently or releasably associated with the body. The body and glans penis locating member between them support a foreskin crushing assembly that includes a crushing surface that includes an axis extending in the general direction of a penis being circumcised in use, a cooperating crushing member, and a mechanism for operating the foreskin crushing assembly. A cutting assembly is also provided that is rotatable about said axis relative to the crushing surface so as to be capable of severing a foreskin adjacent the foreskin crushing assembly. The cutting assembly includes a cutting blade movable between a withdrawn position and an operative extended condition in which the blade may be rotated about said axis to cooperate with the crushing surface or a foreskin located thereon.