Self-Loading Cartridge Pack for Faster Applicator Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In endoscopic treatments, the process of mounting a treatment instrument in an applicator requires multiple steps of tearing a sterile pack and removing the cartridge, which can prolong the treatment time.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge system is designed with a pack that allows the cartridge to transition from a first form, where it is housed, to a second form where it protrudes, facilitating easy insertion into an applicator without the need for extensive manual handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sterile pack is used to house the cartridge, then the treatment instrument can be maintained in a sterile state, but the treatment time increases due to repeated manual operations of tearing the sterile pack and removing the cartridge
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is pre-loaded into the applicator through a breakthrough portion in the sterile pack before the actual treatment procedure. This preliminary action allows the cartridge to be positioned and ready for use without requiring time-consuming manual removal during the treatment, thus maintaining sterility while reducing treatment time
Solution Approach 2:
The breakthrough portion in the sterile pack serves as an intermediary mechanism that allows the cartridge to transition from the sterile packaged state to the loaded state. This intermediary structure enables the cartridge to be pushed through the sterile pack and directly into the applicator without complete unpacking, maintaining the sterile barrier while facilitating quick loading
2Ease of operation
If both hands are used to tear the sterile pack and remove the cartridge, then the cartridge can be extracted, but the operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is designed to be self-loading through the breakthrough portion of the sterile pack. The applicator can be inserted through the breakthrough portion and automatically engage with the cartridge, pushing it into the loading position without requiring manual tearing or two-handed operations. This self-service mechanism simplifies the loading process to a single-handed operation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A cartridge system including: a treatment instrument configured to be configured to be loaded into an applicator; a cartridge in which an insertion port which the applicator is configured to be inserted into and pass through in an insertion/passage direction is formed and the treatment instrument is housed; and a pack in which a storage area that is configured to house the cartridge is formed, in which the cartridge is configured to transition to a first form in which the cartridge is housed in the storage area of the pack and a second form in which at least a part protrudes from the storage area, and the pack is opened in accordance with transition of the cartridge from the first form to the second form.