Autoclavable Scalpel Shield with Blade Ejection Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical scalpel protection devices are either complex, expensive, or require adaptation to new equipment, posing risks of accidental punctures and complicating sterilization, while lacking compatibility with standard handles and blades, which are crucial for user familiarity and safety.

Innovation Solution

A single-handed, autoclavable scalpel protection device with a simple mechanism that allows for easy blade removal and interchangeability across various blade sizes, using a shield that can be extended or retracted without changing the feel or balance of the scalpel, and featuring positive stops and tactile signals for secure operation, designed to be reusable and cost-effective.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a retractable blade mechanism is used to protect the blade, then safety against accidental punctures is improved, but device complexity increases and sterilization becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety against accidental puncturesVSAvoidcomplexity of retractable mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blade is completely removed from the handle by ejecting it from the blade holder, separating the sharp element from the handle body. This eliminates the need for complex retractable mechanisms while achieving blade protection through the separate shield device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A shield device is introduced as an intermediary component between the user and the blade. The shield can be positioned to cover the blade during storage and transport, providing protection without requiring the blade to be retracted into the handle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a retractable blade mechanism is used, then blade protection is improved, but sterilization capability deteriorates due to hidden recesses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblade protectionVSAvoidsterilization capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The blade is completely extracted from the handle and held in an exposed position during sterilization. The blade holder is designed without hidden recesses, allowing steam to penetrate all surfaces during autoclaving

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The blade is ejected from the holder before sterilization to ensure complete exposure of all surfaces to the sterilizing agent, preventing contamination in hidden areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a unique handle design is used for the protection device, then device functionality is improved, but adaptability to standard blades deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidcompatibility with standard blades

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The blade holder is designed with a universal interface that accommodates multiple sizes and types of standard surgical blades. The holder can securely retain different blade configurations while maintaining compatibility with existing blade standards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The blade holder features a dynamic ejection mechanism that can adapt to different blade sizes and shapes. The shield device also adjusts its position to accommodate various blade lengths and configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If a complex retractable mechanism is used, then blade protection is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblade protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The blade is completely extracted from the handle and protected by a separate shield device rather than using a complex retractable mechanism. This simplifies manufacturing and reduces costs while maintaining blade protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows for disposable blade-shield assemblies that can be discarded after single use, eliminating the need for expensive, complex reusable retractable mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS8205340B2Safety scalpel with blade retention

Publication Date: 2012.06.26 ASPEN SURGICAL PRODUCTS INC

AI summary

A surgical scalpel is presented which combines the attributes of cost-effectiveness in design and safety of single use scalpel devices and the ability to be autoclavable so as to promote the device as a multiple use device as well. The design of the device is such as to afford medical personnel the feel, weight and balance of the original metal unguarded scalpel, while maintaining safety through the shielding of the blade during non-use and the ability to dispose of the blade in a safe controlled manner. The user is able to remove the blade through the biasing action of a living hinge and have it securely attached to the shield of the device for later discharge into a sharps container, all without having to place ones hands near the unguarded sharp. The device to designed to use existing styles of blades currently available without needing costly inventories of specially created blades. This device is presented in several embodiments containing similar attributes for safety and discharge of the blade.