Shape-Memory Thermal Switch for Single-Use Medical Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reuse of single-use electronic medical devices poses risks of transmissible diseases and liability issues due to potential performance failures, as existing methods for disabling these devices are inefficient and costly, and may not ensure reliable sterilization.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a shape-memory material, such as nitinol, that changes shape at a specific temperature to either open or close a circuit, effectively disabling the device after its first use, with a movable blocking element to prevent premature activation during sterilization or storage, ensuring the device is only disabled after initial use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-use device includes circuitry to detect use and disable the device, then the device reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the disabling function from complex electronic circuitry and implements it through a simple shape-memory material mechanism. The shape-memory material is a straightforward component that physically disables the device after use without requiring sophisticated detection circuits or control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable shape-memory material component that performs the disabling function in a simple, inexpensive manner. This material is designed for single-use and is discarded with the device, eliminating the need for complex reusable electronic disabling mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a device is designed as single-use disposable, then the reliability and consistency are improved, but the cost of medical procedures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shape-memory material automatically disables the device after use without requiring external monitoring or intervention. This self-service disabling mechanism ensures that single-use devices cannot be inadvertently reused, maintaining reliability while providing a simple solution that medical facilities can implement without additional infrastructure.
3Reliability
If a device includes a thermal switch with shape-memory material, then the device disabling effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition properties of shape-memory material, which changes its physical state in response to temperature changes. This phase transition provides a reliable and simple mechanism for disabling the device, eliminating the need for complex electronic switches or mechanical disconnection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape-memory material responds to temperature parameter changes by altering its physical properties. This parameter-based control mechanism provides a simple yet effective way to disable the device after use, avoiding the need for complex control circuits or multiple moving parts.
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
This solution ensures the device is reliably disabled after its first use, reducing the risk of reuse and maintaining device integrity, while also preventing premature activation during sterilization or storage, thus addressing the cost and liability concerns associated with reused devices.
Implementation Method 1
a shape-memory material. The shape-memory material may have a property such that the shape-memory material assumes a predetermined shape when the apparatus is heated to a transition temperature
Implementation Method 2
a movable blocking element that may be disposed adjacent to the shape-memory material and extends out of the electronic apparatus. The movable blocking element may be configured to block the shape-memory material from assuming the predetermined shape
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus includes a circuit portion that is configured to control an operation of the electronic apparatus and a heat-activated mechanical switch including, for example, a shape-memory material. The shape-memory material has a property such that the shape-memory material assumes a predetermined shape when the electronic apparatus is heated to a transition temperature. The shape-memory material disables the apparatus by acting on the circuit portion when the shape-memory material assumes the predetermined shape.