Sterile Transfer Battery Container Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterile transfer systems for non-sterile rechargeable batteries in surgical instruments are prone to failure due to vibrations, leading to potential contamination and premature disassembly during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A sterile transfer container with a locking mechanism that securely attaches to a surgical instrument, featuring a tubular body with a hinged cover and a spring-loaded latching mechanism to prevent accidental opening, ensuring the battery remains enclosed and sterile throughout the procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sterile transfer container is used to enclose non-sterile batteries in surgical instruments, then the battery can be kept sterile during surgery, but the container may become open or detached due to vibrations during the surgical procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is pre-configured with a latch that automatically engages with a detent on the container body when the cover is closed, creating a secure locked state before surgery begins. This preliminary locking action ensures the container remains closed and sterile throughout the surgical procedure despite vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates a spring-loaded latch that can dynamically respond to vibrations and forces during surgery. The spring allows the latch to maintain engagement with the detent while accommodating minor movements, ensuring continuous secure closure without compromising sterility.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the container cover, then the container remains closed during surgery, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a latch member with latching surfaces, a separate detent feature on the container body, and an independent spring-loaded biasing mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in design while collectively providing secure locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through spring biasing. When the cover is closed, the spring automatically pushes the latch into engagement with the detent, requiring no additional actuators, motors, or complex control systems. The mechanism locks itself through the natural spring force.
3Strength
If the locking mechanism uses a spring-loaded latching system, then the container resists opening during vibration, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded latching mechanism allows the locking force to be easily adjusted by changing spring parameters (coil diameter, wire thickness, number of coils) or material properties. This enables optimization of the resistance to opening force without redesigning the entire mechanism, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining high security.
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 enhances the security of the sterile transfer system by preventing exposure of non-sterile components and ensuring the container remains attached to the instrument, maintaining a sterile environment and preventing contamination during surgical operations.
Implementation Method 1
a releasable closing bias means is interposed between the cover and the lateral support member for urging the latching means against the detent means and the lateral support member against the cover, thus creating a compressive force between the cover and the body when the cover is locked
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for enabling the use of a non-sterile battery with a sterile surgical instrument. The sterile transfer container has a tubular body with a closed distal end and an open proximal end. The container is provided with a cover and a locking mechanism for locking the cover to the body. The container is adapted to be attached to a surgical instrument in such a way that the latch assembly is prevented from opening until the container is removed from the instrument.