Torque Device With Pivoting Grip Channel For Medical Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical tubes are difficult to grip, torque, and manipulate, leading to increased stress and risk of musculoskeletal injuries for medical professionals during procedures like endoscopy.
Innovation Solution
A torque device with a channel configured to receive a medical tube, featuring a grip surface that can be squeezed to improve grip and torque application, along with a design that increases the perceived diameter of the medical tube for easier handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lubricant is applied to the outside of the medical tube to facilitate insertion, then the ease of insertion is improved, but the grip and torque capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple components: an outer body, an inner body, and a channel structure. This segmentation allows the lubricant to be applied to the medical tube while the segmented grip structure provides mechanical advantage for torque application, resolving the contradiction between smooth insertion and effective gripping.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel structure acts as an intermediary between the user's hand and the medical tube. It provides a mechanical interface that maintains grip capability even when lubricant is present on the tube surface, allowing both smooth insertion and effective torque application.
2Ease of operation
If the medical tube diameter is increased to improve grip, then the ease of operation is improved, but the flexibility and maneuverability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the tube diameter, the invention adds a dimensional element by introducing an outer body and channel structure that extends beyond the tube surface. This provides additional leverage and grip surface area without altering the tube's core flexibility characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer body and channel structure serve as an intermediary that provides enhanced grip leverage. This intermediary layer allows effective torque application without requiring the medical tube itself to have increased diameter, thereby preserving its flexibility and maneuverability.
3Ease of operation
If a torque device structure is added to improve grip and torque application, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque device is divided into distinct segmented components (outer body, inner body, channel structure) that can function independently yet work together. This segmentation allows for simpler individual components that collectively provide enhanced torque capability without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer body and channel structure serve multiple functions: providing grip leverage, facilitating torque application, and maintaining compatibility with lubricated tubes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby controlling device complexity while improving ease of operation.
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 torque device reduces stress on the user by providing a mechanical advantage when gripping, torqueing, and manipulating medical tubes, thereby decreasing the risk of work-related injuries.
Implementation Method 1
a first component pivotable relative the second component between an open configuration and a closed configuration
Implementation Method 2
The first groove and the second groove cooperating to define a channel extending within the body proximate the first body end along the body axis when the first component and the second component are in the closed configuration, the channel having a channel height and a channel width
Implementation Method 3
The body further defines a gap extending from the outer surface into the channel, the gap being larger when the body is in the open configuration than the closed configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a body extending along a body axis from a first body end to a second body end. The body includes a first component defining a first outer surface and first groove extending along the body axis. The body further includes a second component coupled to the first component such that the first component pivotable relative the second component between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the second component defining a second outer surface and a second groove extending along the body axis. The first groove and the second groove cooperating to define a channel extending within the body proximate the first body end along the body axis when the first component and the second component are in the closed configuration, the channel having a channel height and a channel width.