Toggle-Locking Trigger for Medical Inflation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid pressurization and depressurization devices, particularly in medical contexts, face challenges in providing efficient and user-friendly mechanisms for quickly and precisely controlling fluid pressure and displacement, especially under high pressure conditions, and require manual handling to maintain locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The development of an inflation device with a trigger locking mechanism that allows for automatic locking and unlocking of the plunger position, enabling easy transition between pressurization and priming states without continuous manual force, utilizing a combination of threads, a coupling member, and a trigger locking member with a compliant mechanism to facilitate longitudinal displacement and rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual locking mechanism is used to maintain plunger position, then the device can hold pressure, but the user must continuously apply manual force which causes fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism automatically engages and disengages based on trigger position without requiring continuous manual force. The spring-loaded plunger and trigger assembly create a self-sustaining system where the lock holds pressure automatically once engaged, and releases automatically when the trigger is pulled, eliminating the need for continuous user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transitions from a static manual hold to a dynamic automatic system. The spring-loaded plunger creates inherent motion and force, while the trigger assembly provides dynamic engagement and disengagement of the locking mechanism, allowing the system to adapt its state based on user input rather than requiring constant force application.
2Productivity
If a simple trigger mechanism is used for quick release, then the operation is fast, but the locking mechanism cannot maintain position under high pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The rounded distal end of the trigger and corresponding recess in the plunger allow for smooth, rapid rotational movement. This curved geometry enables the trigger to be pulled back quickly and easily, facilitating fast release while the rest of the mechanism maintains stable locking under pressure through the threaded engagement and spring force.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: the threaded plunger for pressure application, the spring-loaded mechanism for maintaining force, and the trigger assembly for quick release. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function - the trigger can be designed for rapid actuation while the threaded connection maintains reliable locking under high pressure.
3Measurement precision
If threads are used to advance the plunger, then precise control is achieved, but the mechanism is complex and requires more parts
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism combines multiple functions into integrated components. The plunger serves both as the pressure application element and as part of the locking mechanism through its threaded engagement. The trigger assembly combines the release function with the engagement function, eliminating the need for separate locking and releasing components and reducing overall complexity while maintaining precision.
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
This solution enhances user convenience by allowing for quick and precise control of fluid pressure and displacement, reducing user fatigue and improving procedural efficiency, while maintaining the ability to lock the trigger in place for extended or frequent priming or deflation tasks.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member biased to return the trigger to its original position
Implementation Method 2
an inflation syringe which utilizes threads to advance or retract a plunger by rotating the plunger handle relative to the body of the syringe such that the threads cause longitudinal displacement of the plunger relative to the body
Data Source
AI summary
Devices used to pressurize, depressurize, or otherwise displace fluid are disclosed. The devices may be configured to displace fluid in order to inflate or deflate a medical device, such as a balloon. The devices include a trigger configured to convert the devices from a pressurization state to a priming state. The devices further include a locking or toggle member configured to toggle and/or maintain the devices in a priming state.