Safety Scalpel Handle With Shield And Removal Wedge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scalpel handles often lack protection against accidental cuts or punctures during assembly, removal, or disposal, posing risks for injury and disease transmission in medical settings.
Innovation Solution
A scalpel handle design featuring a body with a channel and shield, along with a removal wedge mechanism that allows for safe and controlled removal of the blade by sliding an insert through a ramp, ensuring the blade is securely held and protected during use and disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional scalpel handle without protection is used, then ease of operation is improved, but safety and protection from accidental contact with the blade deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A shield is introduced as an intermediary component between the user and the scalpel blade. The shield is movably coupled to the handle body and can be positioned to cover the blade holder, preventing accidental contact while allowing controlled access during assembly and removal operations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a shield is added to protect against accidental contact, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is designed with movable capabilities, allowing it to transition between different positions (covering and exposing the blade holder). This dynamic design enables the shield to provide protection when needed while not interfering with blade assembly and removal operations, thereby adding minimal complexity while maintaining safety.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a removal wedge mechanism is added for controlled blade removal, then safety during removal is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The removal wedge mechanism is designed to enable the user to safely remove the blade by themselves through a controlled sliding motion. The wedge geometry provides mechanical advantage and guides the removal process, eliminating the need for additional tools or complex mechanisms while ensuring safe blade extraction.
4Ease of operation
If the blade holder extends outwardly for easy blade installation, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of accidental contact during assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is positioned to cover the blade holder before the blade is installed. This preliminary protective action prevents accidental contact during the assembly process. The shield can be moved away when blade installation is intended, providing both protection and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A scalpel handle includes a body defining a first end and a channel therein and an insert defining a blade holder disposed at a first end thereof and positionable within the channel of the body with the blade holder extending outwardly away from the first end of the body. A shield is coupled with the body such that the blade holder is positionable within the shield, and a removal wedge is defined on the body, fixed with respect to the shield, and disposed in a substantially fixed lateral position at least partially aligned with a portion of the blade holder.