Unitary Speculum with Adjustable Position Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing speculums for opening and maintaining eyelids during ocular procedures lack adjustable positional retention, relying on inherent elastic force or requiring additional components for adjustment, which limits their effectiveness and usability.
Innovation Solution
A unitary speculum with a hinge connecting two arms and a position retaining arrangement featuring complementary teeth and pointers, allowing for selective rotation and adjustment of the arms to maintain eyelids in a desired open position without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a unitary speculum is formed without additional components, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to retain arms in selected positions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The position retaining arrangement is merged into the unitary speculum structure. The first element is formed integrally with the first arm, and the second element is formed integrally with the second arm, eliminating the need for separate retention components while maintaining the ability to retain arms in selected positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The speculum allows dynamic adjustment of arm positions through rotation about the hinge axis, then locks into retained positions using the complementary first and second elements. This enables the structure to transition between adjustable and fixed states, providing both flexibility and stability.
2Reliability
If separate positional adjustment arrangements are added to the speculum, then the ability to retain arms in selected positions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using separate adjustment mechanisms, the patent integrates the retention function directly into the arm structure through the first and second elements. These elements are formed as integral parts of the arms themselves, combining the adjustment and retention functions within the existing speculum structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second elements are configured to automatically engage and retain the arms in selected positions without requiring additional components or complex mechanisms. The complementary geometry of these elements allows them to self-lock into position, providing retention through the speculum's own structure.
3Device complexity
If the speculum uses inherent elastic force to maintain open position, then no additional retention components are needed, but the ability to retain at specific positions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The speculum maintains its simple unitary structure with elastic force for basic opening, but adds the first and second elements that enable dynamic positional adjustment and retention. The arms can be rotated to different positions and locked into place, providing both structural simplicity and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second elements act as intermediary structures that mediate between the elastic force of the unitary speculum and the requirement for specific positional retention. These elements translate the general opening force into controlled, retained positions without requiring complex additional mechanisms.
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
Enables precise and adjustable opening and maintenance of eyelids, resisting reactionary closing forces while allowing easy adjustment and secure retention, enhancing the usability and safety of ocular procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge unitarily formed with the first and second arms, the hinge permitting the first and second arms to selectively rotate about an axis rotation
Implementation Method 2
The inherently generated elastic force is used to maintain these speculums during use
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
In one aspect, a speculum is provided herein which includes a first arm having a first channel formed thereon adapted to the shape of an eyelid; a second arm having a second channel formed thereon adapted to the shape of an eyelid; a hinge unitarily formed with the first and second arms, the hinge permitting the first and second arms to selectively rotate about an axis rotation, the selective rotation causing the first and second channels to selectively move closer and farther apart; and, a position retaining arrangement. The position retaining arrangement includes a first element formed unitarily with the first arm, and a second element formed unitarily with the second arm. The first and second elements are configured to cooperatively retain the first and second arms in a selected rotational position. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a unitary speculum may be formed which includes an adjustable position retaining arrangement.