Medical Actuator Locking With Rack Teeth for Multi-Position Hold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices, such as duodenoscopes, lack effective mechanisms to lock actuators, like levers, in desired positions, leading to user fatigue and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of fixed gear structures, specifically stationary rack gears, within the handles of medical devices to lock actuators, such as elevator levers, by interacting with movable features to retain them in desired positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If no locking mechanism is provided for the actuator, then the device structure remains simple, but the operator experiences user fatigue and inefficiency due to inability to secure the actuator in desired positions
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator lever itself serves as the locking feature through its geometry - the lateral extension of the lever engages with the rack teeth to provide automatic locking without requiring separate locking components. The system locks itself through the inherent mechanical interaction between the lever extension and rack structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator lever performs multiple functions: it acts as both the control element for rotating the elevator and as the locking feature that secures the lever in desired positions by engaging with the rack teeth. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms.
2Productivity
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the actuator in desired positions, then user fatigue is reduced and operational efficiency is enhanced, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-locking functionality where the actuator lever's lateral extension automatically engages with the rack teeth to secure the lever in desired positions. No additional locking components or complex mechanisms are required - the existing actuator structure serves the dual purpose of control and locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking feature is merged with the actuator lever itself - the lateral extension of the lever is integrated directly into the lever structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate locking components and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining locking functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the actuator can be locked in multiple positions, then the operator's hand is freed for other tasks, but the mechanism requires interaction with rack teeth and locking features
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is segmented into multiple teeth that provide discrete locking positions along the actuator's range of motion. Each tooth represents a distinct positioning stop, allowing the actuator to be secured at multiple predetermined positions. This segmentation provides positioning flexibility through a simple geometric arrangement rather than complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack teeth act as intermediary elements between the actuator lever and the housing structure. These teeth provide the mechanical interface that enables multi-position locking by engaging with the lateral extension of the lever, translating rotational movement into discrete locked positions without requiring complex positioning mechanisms.
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
Enables the actuator to be securely locked in multiple positions, reducing user fatigue and enhancing operational efficiency by freeing the operator's hand for other tasks.
Implementation Method 1
a rack having plurality of teeth separated from one another by a plurality of gaps. The lock may be configured to move the feature from (a) a first configuration, in which the feature is disposed in the gap, between two of the plurality of teeth
Data Source
AI summary
A handle of a medical device may comprise an actuator; a lock movable relative to the actuator and having a feature movable relative to the actuator; and a rack having plurality of teeth separated from one another by a plurality of gaps. The lock may be configured to move the feature from (a) a first configuration, in which the feature is disposed in the gap, between two of the plurality of teeth, such that the two teeth inhibit the actuator from rotating; to (b) a second configuration, in which the feature is disposed outside of the gap, such that the actuator is rotatable. In the second configuration, the teeth may be disposed between the feature and the actuator.