Vaginal Speculum Holder for Stable, Adjustable Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractors, such as surgical speculums, face issues with stability and adjustability due to fixed blade lengths and angles, leading to improper fit and requiring manual assistance for insertion, and lack of secure attachment to operating tables, causing slippage and limited mobility.
Innovation Solution
A retractor holder system with a base and supports, featuring a receptacle and fastener, allows for secure attachment to objects like operating tables while enabling side-to-side movement and adjustable blade angles to fit various vaginal depths and angles, using a spring-loaded ratchet mechanism for optimal exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a clamp is used to secure the retractor to the operating table, then the retractor is attached to the table, but the retractor cannot be moved side-to-side and stability issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into separate functional components: a fastening mechanism (clip) that attaches to the operating table, a receptacle that receives the retractor base, and a movable interface that allows side-to-side movement. This segmentation allows the holder to simultaneously provide stability through the fastening mechanism and mobility through the movable interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder acts as an intermediary device between the retractor and the operating table. Instead of directly clamping the retractor to the table (which would prevent movement), the holder provides a mediated connection that allows the retractor to be securely attached while enabling controlled movement through the movable interface.
2Reliability
If a general clamp is used to secure the retractor, then the retractor is attached to the table, but the clamp is not configured to hold the retractor properly causing stability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed with multi-functionality: it can attach to the operating table via the clip, receive and hold the retractor base in the receptacle, and enable side-to-side movement through the movable interface. This universal design allows a single device to perform multiple functions that were previously required separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder incorporates dynamic elements, specifically the movable interface that allows the retractor base to move side-to-side within the receptacle. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different surgical needs while maintaining secure attachment through the stationary fastening mechanism.
3Device complexity
If the retractor has fixed blade length and angle, then the structure is simple, but the retractor cannot be properly inserted in cases where the vaginal canal has little or no pliability
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms including an adjustable blade angle mechanism that allows the blade to be positioned at different angles relative to the handle, and a movable blade mechanism that enables length adjustment. These dynamic elements allow the retractor to adapt to varying vaginal canal dimensions and pliability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor allows changes in key parameters including blade angle and blade length, enabling it to be properly inserted in cases where the vaginal canal has little or no pliability. By allowing these parameters to be adjusted rather than fixed, the retractor becomes adaptable to different patient anatomies without requiring multiple different retractor designs.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for a vaginal speculum holder are disclosed. In some aspects, a system may include a retractor and a holder. The retractor may include a blade assembly, a base, and one or more supports attached to the base and the blade assembly. In some aspects, the holder may include a receptacle configured to receive the base, and a fastener configured to secure the holder to an object. In some aspects, the method may include using a fastener of a holder to secure the holder to an object and using a receptacle of the holder to receive a base of a retractor.