Tapered Thermal Probe Cover for Frustoconical Bases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical device probe covers tend to tear or deform when applied to temperature measurement devices with frustoconical bases, leading to potential contamination and compromised reliability.
Innovation Solution
A tapered probe cover design that linearly tapers from a wider open end to a narrower distal tip, preventing the need for stretching and deformation, and optionally featuring a thicker tip end to enhance secure attachment and thermal coupling, along with a packaging system that allows vertical storage and protection from contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard probe cover is applied to a probe with a frustoconical base, then the cover must stretch and deform to fit, but this causes the cover to tear or compromise reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The probe cover transitions from a cylindrical shape to a tapered shape, changing the geometric parameters along its length. The cover has a larger diameter at the proximal end and a smaller diameter at the distal end, allowing it to accommodate the frustoconical base without stretching or deforming the material.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the cover flexible enough to stretch over the frustoconical base, the invention inverts the approach by making the cover rigid with a tapered shape that naturally fits the base geometry. The cover maintains its structural integrity while accommodating the probe shape through its inverted design logic.
2Loss of substance
If the probe cover is made thinner to reduce material use, then material cost decreases, but the cover becomes more prone to tearing and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The cover employs variable wall thickness as a parameter change, with the thickest section located at the distal tip where mechanical stress and tearing risks are highest during application and removal. This non-uniform thickness distribution optimizes both material efficiency and structural durability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the probe cover design is simplified for easy manufacturing, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the cover may not properly accommodate probes with frustoconical bases
Solution Approach 1:
The taper angle is defined as a specific geometric parameter that can be controlled during the injection molding process. By optimizing this parameter, the cover achieves the precise tapered geometry needed to fit frustoconical bases while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes.
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 tapered design securely attaches to temperature measurement devices without tearing or deformation, maintaining sterility and improving thermal conductivity, while the packaging system efficiently stores multiple covers without toppling or deformation, ensuring effective contamination protection.
Implementation Method 1
The tapered design securely attaches to temperature measurement devices without tearing or deformation
Implementation Method 2
A tapered probe cover design that linearly tapers from a wider open end to a narrower distal tip, preventing the need for stretching and deformation
Implementation Method 3
optionally featuring a thicker tip end to enhance secure attachment and thermal coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a container (500) having a base member (506) and four sides (501,502,503,504). The four sides flare outward from the base member as the four sides extend distally from the base member. The four sides define an open top (506) of the container. One or more tapered probe covers (100) can be stored within the container. The container can have a protective covering (700) as well.