Tamper-Evident Camera Enclosure Using Tab-and-Groove Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic camera head housings with two-piece designs using screws or bolts create small pockets that can accumulate matter, leading to sanitation issues and difficulty in cleaning and sanitizing, compromising the sterility of the system.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece housing configuration with a first enclosure part featuring locking areas and mating grooves, and a second enclosure part with locking tabs and mating tabs, assembled using internal flanges, grooves, and tabs without external fasteners, creating a snug friction fit and seal, and ensuring tamper-evidence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws or bolts are used to attach the two-piece housing, then adequate attachment and sealability are achieved, but small pockets are created where matter can accumulate, leading to sanitation issues and difficulty in cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the external fasteners (screws or bolts) from the housing assembly, replacing them with an integrated tab-and-groove joining system that prevents matter accumulation pockets while maintaining sealability and structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the attachment function and sealing function into a single integrated tab-and-groove mechanism, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and creating a smooth, continuous surface that prevents matter accumulation
2Strength
If screws or bolts are used to attach the two-piece housing, then adequate attachment is achieved, but the housing becomes difficult to clean and sanitize
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes external fasteners that create cleaning obstacles, replacing them with an integrated joining system that provides both strong attachment and easy access for cleaning and sanitizing operations
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using fasteners that protrude outward and create cleaning barriers, the invention inverts the approach by using internal tabs and grooves that create a smooth, continuous surface, making the housing easy to clean while maintaining strong attachment
3Ease of manufacture
If a two-piece housing design is used, then assembly flexibility is improved, but the risk of contamination and infection increases due to accumulation pockets
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the attachment and sealing functions into a single integrated tab-and-groove mechanism that maintains the benefits of a two-piece design while eliminating accumulation pockets, thus preventing contamination without sacrificing assembly flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies a smooth, continuous surface quality at the joining interface between housing pieces, eliminating local pockets where matter could accumulate and cause contamination, while maintaining the overall two-piece structure for manufacturing flexibility
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 sealed, tamper-evident, and easily cleanable camera head housing that minimizes the risk of contamination and infection during endoscopic procedures, ensuring a stable and secure assembly without the need for external fasteners.
Implementation Method 1
The locking tabs engage the locking areas of the first enclosure to lock the parts together
Implementation Method 2
The mating tabs fit within the mating grooves of the first enclosure part to add stability
Implementation Method 3
creating a snug friction fit and seal
Data Source
AI summary
A housing for an instrument such as an endoscopic camera head is provided. The housing includes at least two parts which are attachable to each other by using tabs and grooves, creating a sealed and tamper-evident housing without the use of externally exposed fasteners. A tool for attaching the two parts and a method of its use are also provided.