Articulation Link Keyed Connection for Surgical Deflection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deflection mechanisms for surgical instruments face challenges with cross-sectional constrictions and angular obstacles in the through-opening due to connecting means like rivets or bolts, requiring high precision and limiting rotational movement, especially in small diameters.
Innovation Solution
A keyed and articulated connection between articulation members using extensions aligned in a radial direction, allowing for a joint connection without protrusion into the through-opening, enabling rotation and assembly without tools, suitable for one-time use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If connecting means such as rivets, bolts or pins are used to connect articulation members, then the connection is firm and secure, but the connecting means protrude into the cross section of the through-opening creating angular obstacles and reducing the cross section
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the connecting function from separate connecting means (rivets, bolts, pins) and integrates it into the articulation members themselves through complementary connection geometries. The first articulation member has a connection geometry with a projection, while the second articulation member has a corresponding recess, allowing them to connect without external protruding elements that would obstruct the through-opening cross section.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the connection function with the articulation member structure by forming complementary connection geometries directly on the articulation members. The projection and recess are integral parts of the articulation members themselves, combining the structural and connecting functions into a single integrated design that eliminates the need for separate connecting means.
2Manufacturing precision
If hinge-shaped connections with semicircular recesses are used between articulation members, then the connection requires less precision, but the maximum rotational movement is limited by the size of the semicircular recess
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies dynamics by using a spherical connection geometry that allows rotational movement in multiple directions. The spherical projection fitting into the spherical recess enables the articulation members to rotate freely within the connection, providing adaptability for various deflection angles while maintaining simple manufacturing requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the through-opening is made spacious to accommodate accessories and imaging units, then the deflection mechanism can handle more components, but the connection of articulation members creates cross-sectional constrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the connecting elements from the interior space of the through-opening and positions them on the outer surfaces or at the ends of the articulation members. This extraction allows the through-opening to remain spacious and obstacle-free while the connection geometries are located outside the through-opening path, enabling both large accessory accommodation and unrestricted passage.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an articulation member for or in a deflection mechanism at a distal end of a surgical instrument, in particular an endoscope, with a base body which has an axial through-opening along a longitudinal axis so that a partial portion of a working channel of the surgical instrument can be formed with the through-opening or can be guided through the through-opening, and at least one first connecting portion which is arranged on an axial first end portion of the base body, wherein the connecting portion has an extension at least partially aligned in a radial direction of the base body which is designed to be connected to a connecting portion of a further articulation member so that a keyed and articulated connection can be formed between two articulation members. The present invention further relates to a deflection mechanism and a method for producing a deflection mechanism.