Quick-connection mechanism for installing medical equipment

Abstract

A quick-connection mechanism for medical devices is provided. The quick-connection mechanism includes a post and a mating cup, enabling rapid installation, controlled use, and easy removal of the medical device. A set of post teeth is arranged in a ring around the body near the base of the post and is configured to mate and interlock with a set of cup teeth arranged near the cup. The post teeth and cup teeth interlock to restrict rotation of the cup relative to the post, thereby stabilizing the medical device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter described herein includes a quick-connect mechanism for medical devices.

Background Art

[0002] Many medical devices are brought into the space where the patient is located for use in connection with the patient. These medical devices are often required to be used in the close and continuous stages of a given medical procedure that the patient undergoes. Further, since operating rooms and cardiac catheterization laboratories are usually extremely narrow environments, medical equipment is placed close to the patient and then quickly removed from the patient to ensure space for another medical device to perform the next step of the medical procedure. Large medical devices often have their own carts with wheels for transporting the device into the space and supporting the device while it is in use.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] In Embodiment 1, the quick-connect mechanism includes a post body and a cup. The post body has an elongated shape with a circular cross-section and defines a post axis with its center as the axis. The post has a distal end. The post body also defines a set of post teeth arranged annularly around the post axis. Each tooth in the set of post teeth extends parallel to the post axis toward the distal end of the post, and each tooth in the set of post teeth has a lateral edge that defines a gap between adjacent teeth. The lateral edge is inclined with respect to the post axis, so that the distal end of each tooth is narrower than the base of the tooth. The cup of the quick-connect mechanism has an elongated shape with a circular cross-section and defines a recess with its center as the axis. The recess has an inner end and an outer end. The cup also defines a set of cup teeth arranged annularly around the recess axis. Each tooth in the set of cup teeth extends parallel to the recess axis. Each tooth in the set of cup teeth has a lateral edge that defines a gap between adjacent teeth. The lateral edge is inclined with respect to the recess axis, so that the distal end of each tooth is narrower than the base of the tooth. Either the post body or the cup is configured to be mounted such that the post axis or the recess axis is positioned vertically, and the other of the post body or the cup is mounted on the medical device. The recess is configured to fit with the post so that the post axis is aligned with the recess axis, and the outer surface of the post maintains contact with the inner surface of the recess in order to mount the medical device on the post body. The set of cup teeth is configured to fit with the set of post teeth in order to restrict the rotation of the cup about the recess axis relative to the post.

[0004] Embodiment 2 includes the quick coupling mechanism of Embodiment 1, wherein the set of post teeth and the set of cup teeth are sized such that the side edge of the set of post teeth maintains contact with the side edge of the set of cup teeth when mated.

[0005] Embodiment 3 includes the quick coupling mechanism of either Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the side edge of the set of post teeth is inclined with respect to the post axis in the same manner as the side edge of the set of cup teeth is inclined with respect to the recess axis, providing an elongated contact surface between the side edge of the set of post teeth and the side edge of the set of cup teeth.

[0006] Example 4 includes any of the quick coupling mechanisms of Examples 1 to 3, wherein, when mated, the distal end of the post tooth is separated from the gap between the cup teeth, and the distal end of the cup tooth is separated from the gap between the post teeth.

[0007] Example 5 includes a quick coupling mechanism according to any of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the post has a length of at least 1.5 times its diameter, and the recess has a length of at least 1.5 times its diameter.

[0008] Embodiment 6 includes a quick coupling mechanism according to any of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the outer surface of the post is smooth and the inner surface of the recess is smooth, allowing the outer surface of the post to slide against the inner surface of the recess when the post is inserted into the recess.

[0009] Embodiment 7 includes a quick coupling mechanism according to any of Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the set of post teeth is located near the base of the post, and the set of cup teeth is located near the outer end of the recess.

[0010] Example 8 includes a quick coupling mechanism from any of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the set of post teeth and the set of cup teeth each include at least three teeth.

[0011] Example 9 includes a quick coupling mechanism from any of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the side edge of the set of post teeth is inclined at an angle of less than 30 degrees with respect to the post axis, and the side edge of the set of cup teeth is inclined at an angle of less than 30 degrees with respect to the recess axis.

[0012] Example 10 includes a quick coupling mechanism from any of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the diameter defined by the inner surface of the recess is less than 1 mm larger than the diameter defined by the outer surface of the post.

[0013] Embodiment 11 includes a quick coupling mechanism from any of Embodiments 1 to 10, and includes a torque controller having a body and an arm, and configured to control the rotation of the arm about a torque axis relative to the body, wherein the body of the torque controller is fixed to the medical device, and the arm of the torque controller is fixed to the cup, and the torque axis coincides with the axis of the recess of the cup.

[0014] Example 12 includes a quick-connection mechanism for a medical device. The mechanism includes a post body and a cup. The post body includes a post having a smooth outer surface that forms a cylinder. The post defines a post-cylindrical axis with the center of the cylinder as its axis. The post has a base and a distal end. The post body also includes a set of post teeth positioned near the base of the post and arranged annularly around the post-cylindrical axis. The outer surface of the set of post teeth defines a diameter greater than the diameter of the cylinder formed by the outer surface of the post. Each tooth in the set of post teeth extends parallel to the post-cylindrical axis toward the distal end of the post. Each tooth in the set of post teeth has a lateral edge that defines a gap between adjacent teeth. The lateral edge is inclined with respect to the post-cylindrical axis, so that the distal end of each tooth is narrower than the base of the tooth. The cup of the quick-connection mechanism defines a recess having a smooth inner surface that forms a cylinder. The recess defines a recess-cylindrical axis with the center of the cylinder as its axis. The recess has an inner end and an outer end. The cup of the quick-connecting mechanism also defines a set of cup teeth extending from the outer end of the recess and arranged annularly around the cylindrical axis of the recess. The inner surface of the set of cup teeth defines a diameter greater than the diameter of the cylinder formed by the outer surface of the post and smaller than the diameter formed by the outer surface of the set of post teeth. Each tooth in the set of cup teeth extends parallel to the cylindrical axis of the recess and away from the outer end of the recess. Each tooth in the set of cup teeth has a lateral edge that defines a gap between adjacent teeth. The lateral edge is inclined with respect to the cylindrical axis of the recess, so that the distal end of each tooth is narrower than the base of the tooth. The post body is configured to be mounted such that the cylindrical axis of the post is oriented vertically, and the cup is placed on a medical device. The recess is configured to fit with the post, so that the cylindrical axis of the post coincides with the cylindrical axis of the recess, and the outer surface of the post maintains contact with the inner surface of the recess in order to mount the medical device onto the post body.The set of cup teeth is configured to engage with the set of post teeth in order to restrict the rotation of the cup relative to the post about the cylindrical axis of the post.

[0015] Example 13 includes the quick coupling mechanism of Example 12, wherein the set of post teeth and the set of cup teeth are sized such that the side edge of the set of post teeth maintains contact with the side edge of the set of cup teeth when mated.

[0016] Example 14 includes the quick coupling mechanism of either Example 12 or 13, wherein the side edge of the set of post teeth is inclined with respect to the cylindrical axis of the post in the same manner as the side edge of the set of cup teeth is inclined with respect to the cylindrical axis of the recess, thereby providing an elongated contact surface between the side edge of the set of post teeth and the side edge of the set of cup teeth.

[0017] Example 15 includes a quick coupling mechanism from any of Examples 12 to 14, wherein, when mated, the distal end of the post teeth is separated from the gap between the cup teeth, and the distal end of the cup teeth is separated from the gap between the post teeth.

[0018] Example 16 includes a quick coupling mechanism from any of Examples 12 to 15, wherein the post has a length of at least 1.5 times its diameter, and the recess has a length of at least 1.5 times its diameter.

[0019] Example 17 includes a quick coupling mechanism from any of Examples 12 to 16, wherein the diameter defined by the inner surface of the recess is less than 1 mm larger than the diameter defined by the outer surface of the post.

[0020] Example 18 includes a quick coupling mechanism from any of Examples 12 to 17, wherein the set of post teeth and the set of cup teeth each include at least three teeth.

[0021] Example 19 includes the quick-connect mechanism of any one of Examples 12 to 18, wherein the side edges of the set of post teeth are inclined at an angle of less than 15 degrees with respect to the post cylindrical axis, and the side edges of the set of cup teeth are inclined at an angle of less than 15 degrees with respect to the recess cylindrical axis.

[0022] Example 20 includes the quick-connect mechanism of any one of Examples 12 to 19, has a main body and an arm, and includes a torque controller configured to control rotation about a torque axis of the arm with respect to the main body, wherein the main body of the torque controller is installed in a fixed relationship with the medical instrument, and the arm of the torque controller is installed in a fixed relationship with the cup, and the torque axis coincides with the recess cylindrical axis.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] A perspective view of an example of a quick-connect mechanism for use with a medical instrument; [Figure 2] A partial perspective view of an example of the post body of the quick-connect mechanism of FIG. 1; [Figure 3A-3B] Perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of an example of the cup of the quick-connect mechanism of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] An enlarged perspective view of an example of teeth that can be used for the post body and cup of FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B; [Figure 5] An enlarged perspective view of an example of teeth from the post body of FIG. 2 meshing with the teeth of the cup of FIGS. 3A and 3B; [Figure 6A] A perspective view of an example of the cup of FIGS. 3A and 3B installed on the post body of FIG. 2; [Figure 6B] A cross-sectional view of an example of the cup of FIGS. 3A and 3B installed on the post body of FIG. 2; and [Figure 7] An exploded view of an example of an assembly for applying a controlled torque to the medical instrument of FIG. 1 when used with the quick-connect mechanism of FIG. 1.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] The subject matter described herein provides a quick-connect mechanism that enables rapid installation, controlled use, and easy removal of medical devices. By way of example, a medical device may include a cup that mates with a post, where the post is fixed to the patient's bedside, such that the device can be installed and removed from the patient's bed. This can be done by setting the device onto the post, thereby mating the cup and the post, and the device can be removed by lifting it off the post. The configuration of the quick-connect mechanism described herein enables such easy installation and removal while ensuring the stability of the medical device even while it is being installed and operated by a technician (e.g., a doctor, nurse, technical operator).

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a medical device 100 including a quick-connect mechanism 101 described herein. The quick-connect mechanism 101 includes a post body 102 and a cup 104 configured to mate with each other to enable installation and removal of the medical device 100 without tools. In this example, the cup 104 is integrated within the medical device 100, and the post body 102 is configured to be positioned at a location where it is desired to install the medical device 100. For example, the post body 102 can be installed or otherwise fixed to the patient's bed (e.g., to a bed rail), to a wall, to a cart, to a ceiling fixture, or to another piece of furniture or support near the patient, if that is the desired location for installing the medical device 100. The post body 102 can be fixed to such a support element in any suitable manner, such as using one or more clamps, fixed or movable arms, etc. The post body 102 is configured to be arranged and maintained in a vertical direction, such that, as will be described in more detail below, the post of the post body 102 preferably faces upward during use.

[0026] )]] The cup 104 is integrated with the medical device 100 or otherwise attached and defines a recess configured to engage with the post of the post body 102. As a result, the medical device 100 can be installed on the post body 102 via manual operation by the user. According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, the medical device 100 can be installed by positioning the recess of the cup 104 over the post of the post body 102 and sliding the recess of the cup 104 onto the post of the post body 102. When fully engaged, the post of the post body 102 is positioned within the recess of the cup 104 and the user no longer needs to hold the medical device 100. The post body 102 is configured to support the weight of the medical device 100 and the contact between the cup 104 and the post body 102 provides stability to the medical device 100 (for example, preventing the medical device 100 from tilting or falling from the post in any other way). In this way, the user can install the medical device 100 easily and quickly. Once the medical device 100 is installed, the post body 102 and cup 104 hold it in place hands-free (i.e., without the user needing to hold or otherwise manually stabilize the device 100). The cup 104 may be integrated into the medical device 100 in any suitable manner, including as an add-on component or as an OEM component. The cup 104 may be positioned so that its recess opens downward when the medical device 100 is in use. This positions the medical device 100 in the correct orientation while the cup 104 is installed on the vertically (upward) oriented post of the post body 102. Although not required, the cup 104 may be positioned so that its recess is located near the center of gravity of the medical device 100, resulting in a more uniform load distribution on the post of the post body 102. To remove the medical device 100, the user can manually lift the medical device 100 from the post of the post body 102. When the recess of the cup 104 separates from the post body 102, the medical instrument 100 becomes freely handleable and can be carried or otherwise separated as desired.

[0027] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an example of a post body 102 suitable for use in the quick coupling mechanism 101 described with respect to Figure 1. The post body 102 includes a post 202 extending from a base 204. The base 204 is fixed or otherwise mounted to a support element at a desired position, for example, to a patient's bed (e.g., to a bed rail), to a wall, to a cart, to a ceiling fixture, or to any other furniture or support as described above. The base 204 may also be an integral part of the support element to which it is fixed, for example, an integral part of a bed rail. The post 202 has an elongated shape with a circular cross-section that extends from the base 204, defines a distal end 205, and is configured to fit into a recess of the cup 104. The post 202 defines a post axis 206 that extends along the center of the circular cross-section formed by the post 202. In one example, the outer surface of the circular cross-section is smooth, forming a cylindrical post 202. In such an example, the post axis 202 extends through the center of the cylindrical shape. In other examples, the outer surface of the circular cross-section may be polyhedral or corrugated.

[0028] The post body 102 also defines a set of post teeth 208 arranged in an annular manner around the post axis 206. The post teeth 208 are configured to mate with a corresponding set of cup teeth (not shown in Figure 2) on the cup 104, thereby restricting the rotational movement of the cup 104 around the post axis 206 while the cup 104 is mounted on the post 202. The post teeth 208 have a tapered shape, and as a result, each tooth 206 has a distal end that is narrower than its base. All post teeth 208 extend in a common direction, that is, each tooth 208 extends parallel to the post axis 206, and the direction from the base to the distal end of each tooth 208 is the same as the direction from the base 204 of the post body 102 to the distal end 205 of the post 202. In this example, the post teeth 208 are positioned near the junction of the base 204 and the post 202, that is, near the position where the cylinder forming the post 202 extends from the base 204. Also in this example, the post teeth 208 define a larger diameter than the post 202. That is, the diameter collectively defined by the outer surfaces of the post teeth 208 is larger than the diameter of the outer surface of the post 202. However, in other examples, the post teeth 208 may be positioned at other locations, for example, near the distal end 205 of the post 202, with a diameter equal to or smaller than the diameter of the post 202.

[0029] In one example, the distal end 205 of the post 202 may have a taper 211 to facilitate alignment between the post 202 and the recess of the cup 104. In this example, the post 202 is cylindrical, having a smooth outer surface extending from the distal end of the post teeth 208 to the taper 211.

[0030] In the example shown in Figure 2, the post teeth 208 are defined on a portion of the outer surface of the post body 102 adjacent to the base of the post 202. The portion of the post body 102 having the post teeth 208 has a generally circular cross-section, and the post teeth 208 are defined on the radially outer portion of the body 102. In one example, the post teeth 208 have exposed surfaces facing radially outward with respect to the cylindrical axis 206, but no surfaces facing radially inward. This is because the radially inward region of the post teeth 208 is made of a solid material. In one example, the portion of the post body 102 on which the post teeth 208 are formed is polygonal, with each side of the polygon corresponding to one tooth 208. For example, if there are five post teeth 208 in a set, the portion of the post body 102 defining the post teeth 208 may be pentagonal. In other examples, other shapes such as cylinders may be used. The outer surface of the post teeth 208 may similarly form a cylinder, polygon, or other shape.

[0031] In one example, the post body 102 is composed of a single, rigid structural portion of a rigid material (e.g., metal (e.g., aluminum) or plastic), which defines the base 204, the teeth 208, the radially inward material portion of the teeth 208, and the inner core of the post 202. A polymer sleeve may be placed on the inner core of the post 202 to provide a smooth, low-friction outer surface of the post 202. In other examples, the post body 102 may be in other forms, for example, the entire structure may be a single, rigid piece.

[0032] Figures 3A and 3B are perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of an example of the cup 104. As described above, the cup 104 defines a recess 302 having an elongated shape with a circular cross-section, which is configured to fit with the elongated shape of the post 202. The recess 302 defines a recess axis 304 extending along the center of the circular cross-section formed by the recess 302. In one example, the inner surface of the circular cross-section is smooth, forming a cylindrical recess 302. In such an example, the recess axis 304 extends through the center of the cylindrical shape. In other examples, the inner surface of the circular cross-section may be polyhedral or corrugated.

[0033] The post 202 and recess 302 may be configured such that the post 202 can slide into the recess 302, and that substantial contact is maintained between the outer surface of the post 202 and the inner surface of the recess 302 while the post 202 is fully inserted into the recess 302. In one example, both the outer surface of the post 202 and the inner surface of the recess 302 are smooth cylindrical surfaces, and as a result, substantially the entire area of ​​the opposing surfaces maintains contact. This large contact area limits the ability of the cup 104 to move in any direction perpendicular to the post axis 206 while the cup 104 is mounted on the post 202. In other words, the cup 104 and post 202 are configured to allow the cup 104 to translate along the post axis 206 and rotate about the post axis 206, but to restrict movement in the other (specifically four) degrees of freedom. Allowing translation along the post axis 206 allows the cup 104 to slide into and out of the post 202. By allowing rotation around the post shaft 206, the cup 104 can be rotated to achieve a desired orientation before the teeth of the cup engage with the teeth 208 of the post body 102, and, as will be described later, the teeth of the cup can be aligned with the teeth of the post body 102 and engaged with them. During translation and rotation around the post shaft 206, the inner surface of the recess 302 slides along the outer surface of the post 202.

[0034] In one example, the post 202 and recess 302 have an elongated cylindrical shape, where the length of the cylinder is at least equal to the diameter of the cylinder. In a specific example, the length of the cylinder is at least 1.5 times, or at least 2 times, the diameter of the cylinder. Such a shape provides excellent resistance to motion in the four degrees of freedom other than translation and rotation around the post axis 206. This limitation of motion provides stability to the medical device 100, for example, by reducing wobbling while it is mounted on the post 202. In one example, the inner diameter of the recess 302 is less than 1 mm, or less than 0.5 mm, larger than the outer diameter of the post 202, so as to maintain sufficient contact between the opposing surfaces.

[0035] Similar to the post shaft 206, the recess 302 defines a recess shaft 304 extending along the center of the cylinder formed by the recess 302. When the cup 104 is fitted with the post 202, the recess shaft 304 coincides with the post shaft 206. The recess 302 defines an inner end 306 and an outer end 308. The post 202 is inserted into the outer end 308 of the recess 302 and slides toward the inner end 306 to fully engage. In this example, the recess 302 has a smooth inner surface sized to correspond to the smooth outer surface of the post 202.

[0036] The cup 104 defines a set of cup teeth 310 arranged in an annular pattern around the recess axis 304. The cup teeth 310 are configured to mesh with the post teeth 208 of the post body 102. The cup teeth 310 have a tapered shape, and as a result, each tooth 310 has a distal end that is narrower than its base. All the cup teeth 310 extend in a common direction, that is, each tooth 310 extends in a direction parallel to the recess axis 304. In particular, the direction from the base to the distal end of each tooth 310 is the same as the direction from the inner end 306 of the recess 304 to the outer end 308 of the recess 304. In this example, the cup teeth 310 are located near the outer end 308 of the recess 304, and the inner surfaces of the teeth 310 collectively define a diameter, which is the same as or slightly larger than the inner diameter of the recess 304. The diameter defined by the cup teeth 310 corresponds to the diameter defined by the post teeth 208, which allows the two sets of teeth 208, 310 to mesh when the cup 104 and post 102 are installed. When the post 202 is fully inserted into the recess 304, the cup teeth 310 mesh with the post teeth 208, restricting rotation around the post axis 206. In this way, the user can rotate the medical instrument 100 to achieve a nearly desired direction while the post 202 is partially inserted into the recess 304. The user can then slide the recess 304 further onto the post 202 to mesh the cup teeth 310 with the post teeth 208. When the cup teeth 310 are fully meshed with the post teeth 208, rotation of the cup 104 around the post axis 206 is restricted, thereby stabilizing the medical instrument 100 in the desired direction. If the post teeth 208 are positioned at another location on the post body 102 (for example, near the distal end 205 of the post 202), the cup teeth 310 are also positioned accordingly (for example, near the inner end of the recess 304 and having a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the recess 302).

[0037] In this example, the cup teeth 310 protrude from the outer end 308 of the recess 304. In other examples, the cup teeth 310 may be defined on the inner surface of a material portion having a generally circular inner shape. That is, the radially outer region of the recess teeth 310 is made of material (e.g., plastic or metal), so that the radially outer portion of the cup 104 of the cup teeth 310 and the cup teeth 310 itself are integral material portions, and the cup teeth 310 are defined on the radially inner material portion. In one example, the cup teeth 310 are made of a polygonal shape, with each side of the polygon corresponding to one tooth 310. For example, if there are five cup teeth 310 in a set of cup teeth 310, the cup teeth 310 may form a pentagon. In other examples, other shapes such as a cylinder may be used. The outer surface of the cup teeth 310 may also form a cylinder, polygon, or other shape.

[0038] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an example of a set of teeth 400 that may be used for post teeth 208 and cup teeth 310. In one example, the set of teeth 400 includes at least three teeth 402. Preferably, the set of teeth 400 includes three to nine teeth 402. All teeth 402 extend in a common direction and are arranged along a generally annular path. As described above, the center of the circular arrangement formed by the teeth 402 coincides with the post axis 206 or the recess axis 304, and as a result the teeth 402 are arranged annularly around the respective axes 206 and 304. A typical tooth axis 403 is shown in Figure 4, which corresponds to the post axis 206 or the recess axis 304, respectively. Each tooth has a base 404 and a distal end 406 and is tapered, so that the distal end 406 is narrower than the width (extension) of the base 404. Each tooth 402 has two lateral edges 408 that define a gap 410 between it and the adjacent tooth 408 and are inclined toward each other, forming the taper 410 of each tooth. The angle of each lateral edge 408 is less than 30 degrees from parallel to the tooth axis 403, preferably less than 15 degrees from parallel to the tooth axis 403. In a specific example, each lateral edge 408 has an angle 412 of about 7 degrees from parallel to the tooth axis 403.

[0039] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the post tooth 208 in a position fully engaged with the cup tooth 310. To engage the post tooth 208 with the cup tooth 310, the teeth 402 from each set 208, 310 are inserted into the gap 410 between the teeth 402 of the opposing set 310, 208. During engagement, the lateral edges 408 of the teeth 402 contact the lateral edges 408 of the opposing set 310, 208. The sets 208, 310 (and more generally, the cup 104 and post 202) are fully engaged when the contact between the lateral edges 408 prevents further movement of the sets 208, 310 toward each other. The contact between the lateral edges 408 of the opposing teeth 402 restricts rotation of the cup 104 around its tooth axis 403 (i.e., the post axis 206). The teeth 402 of both sets of teeth 208, 310 may have lateral edges positioned at the same angle (for example, about 7 degrees from parallel to the tooth axis 403), thereby providing a large contact area between opposing lateral edges 408. The overall size of each tooth 402 also corresponds to the size of the gap 410 in the opposing set of teeth 208, 310 into which the tooth 402 is inserted, and as a result, the lateral edges 408 of each tooth 402 maintain contact with the lateral edges 408 of the teeth 402 in the opposing set of teeth 208, 310. In the example shown in Figure 5, each tooth 402 in both sets of teeth 208, 310 has a common shape, and each gap 410 in both sets of teeth 208, 310 also has a corresponding common shape. As a result, any tooth 402 from the set of post teeth 208 fits into any gap 410 in the set of cup teeth 310, and vice versa. In this configuration, each tooth is evenly arranged along an annular path, allowing the user to align and bite the opposing teeth without having to rotate the cup or post significantly to properly position the medical instrument 100 in its working position. For example, when using five teeth as shown in Figure 5, the rotation required to engage the opposing sets of teeth 208, 310 is at most 72 degrees. Preferably, the number of teeth in each set of teeth 208, 310 is odd, which results in an even distribution of force along the circumference. In one example, the lateral edge 408 of each tooth 402 is flat, and as a result, contact between the lateral edges 408 occurs between two planes.

[0040] Each tooth 402 is obtuse at its distal end 406, and as a result, even when the sets of teeth 208, 310 are in a fully occluded position, the distal end 406 remains spaced away from the bottom of the gap 410 into which it occludes. By keeping the distal end 406 spaced away from the bottom of the gap 410, contact between opposing sets of teeth is guided to occur between the opposing lateral edges 408, as described above. In order to create such a gap between the tooth 402 and the bottom of the gap 410, each tooth 402 is sufficiently obtuse, and as a result, the distal end 406 of each tooth 402 is wider than the bottom of the gap 410.

[0041] Figures 6A and 6B are perspective and cross-sectional views of the cup 104 in a fully engaged position with the post body 102. In the fully engaged position, the side edges of the teeth 310 of the cup 104 are in contact with the side edges of the teeth 208 of the post body 102. Furthermore, the inner surface of the recess 302 of the cup 104 is in contact with the outer surface of the post 202. In this example, the post 202 includes a sleeve 602, which defines the outer surface of the post 202, and as a result the outer surface of the sleeve 602 is in contact with the inner surface of the recess 302. Collectively, these contact surfaces provide stability to the medical device 100 by restricting the movement of the cup 104 in 5 of its 6 degrees of freedom. Thus, the user only needs to slide the medical device 100 onto the post body 102, engage the teeth 310 of the cup 104 with the teeth 208 of the post body 102, and release the medical device 100. After the user releases the instrument 100, the cup 104 and post body 102 stably hold the medical instrument 100. By orienting the post 202 vertically, the cup 104 and post body 102 utilize gravity to maintain the engagement between the teeth 310 of the cup 104 and the teeth 208 of the post body 102. One unrestricted degree of freedom is translation along the post axis 206. Translation along the post axis 206 allows the medical instrument 100 to be lifted, thereby disengaging the teeth 310 of the cup 104 from the teeth 208 of the post body 102, and sliding the cup 104 away from the post 202, thereby removing the medical instrument 100 from the post body 102. In this example, no tools are required to install or remove the medical instrument 100.

[0042] Referring again to Figure 4 along with Figures 6A and 6B, the dimensions of the teeth 402 (including their height (distance between the base and distal end), width, and angle of the lateral margins 408) may be selected based on the weight that the quick-connection mechanism 101 must support, i.e., the weight of the medical device 100 combined with any other weights added during use. The dimensions of the teeth 402 may also be selected based on the application of the medical device 100. For example, longer lateral margins 408 with a shallower angle may result in a stronger bond between sets of teeth 208, 310. A stronger bond may be desirable in implementations where the quick-connection mechanism supports a smaller weight, as this provides additional resistance to rotation or other movement of the cup 104 relative to the post body 102. However, a weaker bond may be desirable in implementations where the quick-connection mechanism supports a larger weight, as this allows the teeth 310 of the cup 104 to be more easily detached from the teeth 208 of the post body 102. The dimensions of the post 202 and the recess 302 can also be selected based on the medical device 100 and its expected application.

[0043] In one example, the medical instrument 100 weighs approximately 20-25 pounds (9-11 kg), and the post 202 is approximately 50-70 mm long and 14-18 mm in diameter. The post teeth 208 and cup teeth 310 each consist of five teeth, each tooth being approximately 12-18 mm high, with their lateral edges angled at approximately 6-8 degrees. All teeth in the post teeth 208 and cup teeth 310 are the same size and equally spaced, and the gaps between the teeth are also the same size and have the same dimensions as teeth 208 and 310. The outer diameter of the post teeth 208 is approximately 22-27 mm. The inner diameter of the recess 302 is approximately 14-18 mm, and the difference between the inner diameter of the recess 302 and the outer diameter of the post 202 is approximately 0.1-0.3 mm. The inner cylinder of the recess 302 is approximately 50-70 mm long.

[0044] In one example, the outer surface of the post 202 and the inner surface of the recess 302 are made of materials having a low coefficient of friction with each other, thereby allowing the recess 302 to slide more easily on the post 202. For example, the outer surface of the post 202 and / or the inner surface of the recess 302 may be made of acetal, PEEK, UHMW polyethylene, acrylic, or other plastics having a low coefficient of friction. The longitudinal shape of the recess 302 may be sufficiently long so that the transverse surface at the distal end of the post 202 does not come into contact with the cup 104, thereby allowing for a complete engagement between the teeth 310 of the cup 104 and the teeth 208 of the post body 102.

[0045] Figure 7 is an exploded view of an example of an assembly 700 that allows the medical instrument 100 to be controlledly rotated around a recessed shaft 304 while mounted on a post body 102. The assembly 700 includes the aforementioned cup 104 together with a sleeve 702, a thrust bearing 704, a medical instrument mount 706, and a torque controller 708. The sleeve 702 is configured to be pressed against or otherwise secured onto the cup 104 so that, once pressed against, the sleeve 702 does not move relative to the cup 104. The sleeve 702 has a cylindrical outer surface and a diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the recess defined in the medical instrument mount 706. The recess of the medical instrument mount 706 is configured to fit onto the sleeve 702 and to rotate relative to the sleeve 702 around the recessed shaft 304 so that the medical instrument can be rotated by the user. As the medical instrument mount 706 rotates relative to the sleeve 702, the inner surface of the recess of the medical instrument mount 706 slides relative to the outer surface of the sleeve 702. The outer surface of the sleeve 702 and / or the inner surface of the recess of the medical instrument mount 706 may be smooth and have low friction, thereby allowing the medical instrument mount 706 to rotate easily relative to the sleeve 702.

[0046] The inner shoulder of the recess of the medical device mount 706 abuts against the upper surface of the sleeve 702 with a thrust bearing 704 (e.g., a washer) positioned between them, thereby facilitating low-friction sliding between the bearing surfaces. The medical device mount 706 may have any shape suitable for attachment to a medical device. In one example, the medical device mount 706 may be configured to be fastened to a medical device using appropriate fasteners such as bolts. In an alternative example, the medical device mount 706 may be an integral part of the medical device body.

[0047] The torque controller 708 may be a commercially available general-purpose component that controls rotation between the medical instrument mount 706 and the sleeve 702 based on torque. The torque controller may be installed within the medical instrument, so that the body 710 of the torque controller 708 is fixed to the medical instrument mount 706 (i.e., immovable relative to it). The torque controller 708 may have an arm 712 that extends through an opening in the medical instrument mount 706 and engages with the sleeve 702 and / or the cup 104. The arm 712 is fixed to the sleeve 702 and the cup 104 (i.e., immovable relative to them). Any suitable mechanism can be used to install the body 710 and the arm 712 of the torque controller 708 in a fixed relationship with the medical instrument mount 706 and the cup 104 / sleeve 702, respectively. A suitable mechanism includes, for example, appropriate notches defined on opposing surfaces between the body 710 and the medical instrument mount 706, and between the arm 712 and the opening in the cup 104 / sleeve 702. The torque controller 708 can control the rotation between the medical instrument mount 706 and the sleeve 702 / cup 104 by controlling the torque between its body 710 and its arm 712. The torque controller 706 may define a torque axis on which the arm 712 rotates relative to the body 710. The torque controller 706 may be positioned so that the torque axis coincides with the recess axis 304 of the cup 104. Such a design is used in conjunction with a quick-connection mechanism to allow the medical instrument 100 to rotate with controlled torque in a predictable manner for the user. This is because the axis of rotation coincides with the recess axis and the post axis 206, 304 while the medical instrument 100 is mounted on the post body 102. The torque parameters of the torque controller 706 can be selected based on the weight, size, and intended use of the medical device 100.

[0048] The medical device 100 can be any suitable device used in a medical environment, such as an injection head, a control panel or console or user interface for a medical device, a tray, a computer, a display or monitor, or a general medical device. The quick coupling mechanism is described herein as having a post body 102 at the bottom and mounted on a fixture, with the cup 104 being part of the medical device 100; however, in alternative examples, the cup 104 is mounted on a fixture at the bottom, and the post body 102 is integrated within the medical device 100. Such alternative examples also function in essentially the same manner, and the medical device 100 is operated by aligning the post 202 of the post body 102 with the recess 302 of the cup 104, and then lowering the post 202 into the recess 302, so that the teeth 208 of the post body 102 finally engage with the teeth 310 of the cup 104.

Claims

1. A quick-connection mechanism for medical devices, The aforementioned mechanism is: The post box includes the following: A post having an elongated shape with a circular cross-section, defining a post axis with its center as the axis; The post has a distal end; and A set of post teeth arranged in a ring shape around the aforementioned post axis; Each tooth in the set of post teeth extends parallel to the post axis toward the distal end of the post, Each tooth in the set of post teeth has a lateral edge that defines the gap between it and the adjacent tooth, The aforementioned lateral edge is inclined with respect to the post axis, resulting in the distal end of each tooth being narrower than the base of the tooth; The cups defined below: A recess having an elongated shape with a circular cross-section, defining a recess axis with its center as the axis; The recess has an inner end and an outer end; and A set of cup teeth arranged in an annular shape with respect to the aforementioned recess axis; Each tooth in the set of cup teeth extends parallel to the axis of the recess, Each tooth in the aforementioned set of cup teeth has a lateral edge that defines the gap between adjacent teeth, The aforementioned lateral edge is inclined with respect to the axis of the recess, and as a result, the distal end of each tooth becomes narrower than the base of the tooth; Equipped with, The post body or the cup is configured to be installed such that the post axis or the recess axis is positioned vertically, and the other post body or the cup is placed on the medical device. The recess is configured to fit with the post, so that the post axis aligns with the recess axis, and the outer surface of the post maintains contact with the inner surface of the recess in order to mount the medical device on the post body. The set of cup teeth is configured to engage with the set of post teeth in order to restrict the rotation of the cup relative to the post about the axis of the recess. Quick coupling mechanism.

2. A quick coupling mechanism according to claim 1, The set of post teeth and the set of cup teeth are sized such that when mated, the side edge of the set of post teeth maintains contact with the side edge of the set of cup teeth. Quick coupling mechanism.

3. A quick coupling mechanism according to claim 2, The side edge of the post tooth set is inclined with respect to the post axis in the same manner as the side edge of the cup tooth set is inclined with respect to the recess axis, and provides an elongated contact surface between the side edge of the post tooth set and the side edge of the cup tooth set. Quick coupling mechanism.

4. A quick coupling mechanism according to claim 3, When mating, the distal end of the post tooth is separated from the gap between the cup teeth, and the distal end of the cup tooth is separated from the gap between the post teeth. Quick coupling mechanism.

5. A quick coupling mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The post has a length of at least 1.5 times its diameter, and the recess has a length of at least 1.5 times its diameter. Quick coupling mechanism.

6. A quick coupling mechanism according to claim 5, The outer surface of the post is smooth, and the inner surface of the recess is smooth, so that when the post is inserted into the recess, the outer surface of the post slides against the inner surface of the recess. Quick coupling mechanism.

7. A quick coupling mechanism according to claim 6, The set of post teeth is positioned near the base of the post, and the set of cup teeth is positioned near the outer end of the recess. Quick coupling mechanism.

8. A quick coupling mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The set of post teeth and the set of cup teeth each include at least three teeth. Quick coupling mechanism.

9. A quick coupling mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The side edge of the set of post teeth is inclined at an angle of less than 30 degrees with respect to the post axis, and the side edge of the set of cup teeth is inclined at an angle of less than 30 degrees with respect to the recess axis. Quick coupling mechanism.

10. A quick coupling mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The diameter defined by the inner surface of the recess is less than 1 mm larger than the diameter defined by the outer surface of the post. Quick coupling mechanism.

11. A quick coupling mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 10: A torque controller is provided, which has a main body and an arm, and is configured to control the rotation of the arm about the torque axis relative to the main body. The main body of the torque controller is installed in a manner that it is fixed to the medical device, and the arm of the torque controller is installed in a manner that it is fixed to the cup. The torque axis coincides with the axis of the recess of the cup. Quick coupling mechanism.

12. A quick-connection mechanism for medical devices, The aforementioned mechanism is: The post box includes the following: A post having a smooth outer surface that forms a cylinder; The post defines a post cylinder axis with the center of the cylinder as its axis, The post has a base and a distal end; and A set of post teeth, positioned near the base of the post and arranged in an annular shape around the cylindrical axis of the post; The outer surface of the set of post teeth defines a diameter larger than the diameter of the cylinder formed by the outer surface of the post. Each tooth in the set of post teeth extends parallel to the cylindrical axis of the post toward the distal end of the post, Each tooth in the set of post teeth has a lateral edge that defines the gap between it and the adjacent tooth, The aforementioned lateral edge is inclined with respect to the cylindrical axis of the post, resulting in the distal end of each tooth being narrower than the base of the tooth; The cups defined below: A recess having a smooth inner surface that forms a cylinder; The recess defines a cylindrical axis of the recess with the center of the cylinder as its axis, The recess has an inner end and an outer end; and A set of cup teeth extending from the outer end of the recess and arranged in an annular manner with respect to the cylindrical axis of the recess; The inner surface of the set of cup teeth is defined to have a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the cylinder formed by the outer surface of the post, and smaller than the diameter formed by the outer surface of the set of post teeth. Each tooth in the set of cup teeth extends parallel to the cylindrical axis of the recess and away from the outer end of the recess, Each tooth in the aforementioned set of cup teeth has a lateral edge that defines the gap between adjacent teeth, The aforementioned lateral edge is inclined with respect to the cylindrical axis of the recess, resulting in the distal end of each tooth being narrower than the base of the tooth; Equipped with, The post body is configured to be installed such that the cylindrical axis of the post is positioned vertically. The cup is placed on a medical device. The recess is configured to fit with the post, so that the cylindrical axis of the post coincides with the cylindrical axis of the recess, and the outer surface of the post maintains contact with the inner surface of the recess in order to mount the medical device on the post body. The set of cup teeth is configured to engage with the set of post teeth in order to restrict the rotation of the cup relative to the post about the cylindrical axis of the post. Quick coupling mechanism.

13. A quick coupling mechanism according to claim 12, The set of post teeth and the set of cup teeth are sized such that when mated, the side edge of the set of post teeth maintains contact with the side edge of the set of cup teeth. Quick coupling mechanism.

14. A quick coupling mechanism according to claim 13, The side edge of the post tooth set is inclined with respect to the post cylindrical axis in the same manner as the side edge of the cup tooth set is inclined with respect to the recessed cylindrical axis, thereby providing an elongated contact surface between the side edge of the post tooth set and the side edge of the cup tooth set. Quick coupling mechanism.

15. A quick coupling mechanism according to claim 14, When mating, the distal end of the post tooth is separated from the gap between the cup teeth, and the distal end of the cup tooth is separated from the gap between the post teeth. Quick coupling mechanism.

16. A quick coupling mechanism according to any one of claims 12 to 15, The post has a length of at least 1.5 times its diameter, and the recess has a length of at least 1.5 times its diameter. Quick coupling mechanism.

17. A quick coupling mechanism according to any one of claims 12 to 16, The diameter defined by the inner surface of the recess is less than 1 mm larger than the diameter defined by the outer surface of the post. Quick coupling mechanism.

18. A quick coupling mechanism according to any one of claims 12 to 17, The set of post teeth and the set of cup teeth each include at least three teeth. Quick coupling mechanism.

19. A quick coupling mechanism according to any one of claims 12 to 18, The side edge of the post tooth set is inclined at an angle of less than 15 degrees with respect to the post cylindrical axis, and the side edge of the cup tooth set is inclined at an angle of less than 15 degrees with respect to the recessed cylindrical axis. Quick coupling mechanism.

20. A quick coupling mechanism according to any one of claims 12 to 19: A torque controller is provided, which has a main body and an arm, and is configured to control the rotation of the arm about the torque axis relative to the main body. The main body of the torque controller is installed in a manner that it is fixed to the medical device, and the arm of the torque controller is installed in a manner that it is fixed to the cup. The torque axis coincides with the cylindrical axis of the recess. Quick coupling mechanism.

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