Universal Strap Latch for Medical Suction Nozzle Holster
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical/dental suction nozzle holsters fail to securely attach to bedrails of varying sizes and configurations, and lack a convenient mechanism to temporarily curtail suction hose vacuum, disrupting aseptic conditions and practitioner access.
Innovation Solution
A universal strap that fits around bedrails of different sizes and configurations, combined with a latch mechanism featuring a bendable lever arm and pawl, and a hole on the holster body to pinch the suction hose, allowing for easy attachment and temporary vacuum control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art attachment devices (C-clamps, alligator jaws, Velcro strips) are used to attach the holster to bedrails, then the holster can be secured to the bedrail, but the attachment is not universally adaptable to bedrails of different sizes and cross-sectional configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The strap is designed with a universal groove system that can accommodate bedrails of various sizes and cross-sectional configurations (round, rectangular, square). The grooves are arranged in multiple patterns allowing the pawl to engage with different bedrail geometries, making the attachment mechanism universally adaptable while maintaining secure attachment through the same pawl-groove engagement mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If belt buckle type tightening devices are used on the strap, then the strap can be tightened around the bedrail, but the attachment is not secure and readily adjustable without tools
Solution Approach 1:
The pawl-groove mechanism is designed to be self-latching, where the spring-loaded pawl automatically engages with the grooves on the strap to maintain tension without requiring tools. The operator can easily adjust the attachment by manually releasing the pawl from the grooves and repositioning the strap, providing both ease of operation and secure abutment through the mechanical interlocking design.
3Ease of operation
If the suction hose is left open in the holster, then the practitioner has convenient access to the suction device, but the partial vacuum conditions cause annoying suction sounds and may disrupt aseptic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The hose pinch hole is positioned on the front face of the holster body, separate from the holster cavity where the suction device is held. This allows the practitioner to pinch the hose externally without removing the suction device from the holster, maintaining convenient access while eliminating suction sounds and protecting aseptic conditions when pinching is applied.
Data Source
AI summary
A suction nozzle holster is provided with a latch mechanism for receiving a universally adjustable strap having a groove system whose individual grooves can engage with a pawl of a lever arm of said latch mechanism. A forward surface of the holster may be provided with a hole into which a suction hose can be forced in order to constrict said hose and, hence, curtail the vacuum conditions in a suction nozzle serviced by that hose.