Sterile Optical Covering Secure Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sterile coverings for handheld optical measuring systems in computer-assisted surgery are costly due to expensive secure attachment methods, and they often fail to ensure measurement capability during mechanical impacts and easy removal.

Innovation Solution

A sterile covering system comprising a window element and a shell with a defined edge region for secure attachment, using adhesive or welded connections, and optional locking elements to prevent slipping, allowing for easy assembly and replacement, and made from cost-effective materials like polycarbonate or polyethylene.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If expensive secure attachment methods are used for the window element, then the reliability of the sterile covering is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachment of window elementVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sterile covering is divided into separate components: a window element and a covering body. The window element can be independently manufactured and attached, allowing for cost-effective production while maintaining secure attachment through dedicated attachment mechanisms designed for each component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The window element is pre-equipped with attachment features (such as adhesive layers or mechanical attachment structures) that enable secure mounting before the sterile covering is assembled. This preliminary preparation ensures reliable attachment without requiring complex securement mechanisms during final assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the window element is firmly fixed on the camera body, then the measurement capability is maintained during mechanical impacts, but the ease of removal and replacement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capability during mechanical useVSAvoidease of removal and replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism for the window element is designed to be dynamically adjustable. During normal use, the window element remains firmly fixed to maintain measurement capability. However, the attachment can be quickly released when removal is needed, allowing the system to switch between secure and easy-removal states as required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary attachment mechanism (such as a removable mounting structure or adhesive layer with release features) is introduced between the window element and the camera body. This intermediary provides secure attachment during use while enabling quick removal when necessary, resolving the contradiction between firm fixation and ease of replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If additional locking mechanisms are added to prevent window element slippage, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of window element slippageVSAvoidstructure of sterile covering

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment function and locking function are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The window element uses a combined attachment structure that simultaneously provides both secure mounting and slippage prevention, eliminating the need for separate locking components and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The window element incorporates self-locking features through its attachment mechanism design. The attachment structure automatically prevents slippage through its geometry or material properties without requiring additional active locking mechanisms, thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

The solution provides a secure, cost-effective, and easily removable sterile covering that maintains measurement capability during mechanical use, reducing overall system costs and ensuring sterility without compromising optical performance.

Implementation Method 1

an undefined or stably mounted window element can promote unwanted direct optical crosstalk from the illumination to the imaging system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

using adhesive or welded connections

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 3

using adhesive or welded connections

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentUS12109001B2Sterile covering for an optical device

Publication Date: 2024.10.08 NAVISWISS

AI summary

A sterile covering for an optical device comprises a window element and a shell. The shell is attached to the window element, the shell having an opening closed by the window element. A system comprises an optical device and a sterile covering.