Universal Holder for Medical Tool Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical tools lack a universal holder apparatus that can securely couple and adapt to various needle types with different gauges and shapes, limiting their versatility and requiring multiple holders, and often obstruct the physician's view or actions during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A modular and adjustable needle head holder that can securely fasten to different needle types using a combination of adjustable mechanisms such as semi-flexible grippers, moldable materials, and locking mechanisms, allowing for easy access to the needle head during procedures and disconnection from insertion devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated holder is designed for each needle type, then the coupling reliability is improved, but the device complexity and the quantity of holders required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple needle types (different gauges and shapes) through a single device. The holder body includes a receiving chamber with adjustable securing mechanisms that can adapt to various needle head configurations, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated holders while maintaining secure coupling for each needle type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a universal holder design is used, then the adaptability is improved, but the coupling reliability for specific needle types may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The holder incorporates dynamic adjusting mechanisms including movable securing elements (such as adjustable clamps or compressible springs) that can be tuned to match the specific dimensions and shape of different needle types. This allows the universal holder to adapt its internal geometry and securing force to each needle type, ensuring reliable coupling despite the variety of needle configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder features localized adjusting regions with different mechanical properties (e.g., compliant materials in contact areas, adjustable rigid structures for positioning) that can be optimized for specific needle types. The securing mechanisms include locally adjustable elements that can be positioned and tensioned independently to match the specific geometry of each needle head, ensuring secure coupling across different needle types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the holder structure is made complex to accommodate various needle types, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The holder incorporates self-adjusting features such as elastic compliant elements that automatically adapt to the needle dimensions upon insertion, or spring-loaded securing mechanisms that self-tension to match the needle shape. These self-service features reduce the manual adjustment steps required while maintaining adaptability to various needle types, improving ease of operation without sacrificing versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A holder apparatus for enabling secure coupling of a variety of medical tool types, having different head member configurations, to a medical device. The apparatus has at least two housing portions that open and close to receive the head member, and an adjustment mechanism that adjusts to the height and/or shape of the head member, such that there is no relative movement between the housing portions and the head member. The adjustment mechanism may be a ratchet mechanism, a semi-flexible fastener, or a moldable material disposed on one or more of the housing portions. There may be a locking mechanism to lock together the housing portions, and a tightening mechanism to secure the grip of the housing portions on the head member. The housing portions may be configured to allow removal of at least a portion of the medical tool from the device.