Biopsy Gun Slider Loading Mechanism for Smooth Carriage Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biopsy guns have complex structures, high production costs, and assembly times, with components that are difficult to mold and assemble, and often exhibit jerky carriage movements.
Innovation Solution
A biopsy gun with a simplified structure using a slider and branched guide mechanism for sequential carriage loading, reducing component complexity and enabling smooth operation, allowing for both automatic and semi-automatic use with a limited number of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional biopsy gun structures are used, then functional requirements are met, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into fewer components. The thrust element integrates both loading functions (retracting stylet and cannula) into a single mechanism, while the slider selectively engages different carriages. The flexible fin serves dual purposes as both a release mechanism and a positioning element. This merging reduces overall device complexity while maintaining biopsy functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single thrust element performs multiple functions: it can retract the stylet carriage, retract the cannula carriage, and work in conjunction with the slider to provide selective loading. The flexible fin also serves multiple purposes in the release mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional loading mechanisms are used, then carriages can be loaded, but assembly time and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The loading mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the thrust element that provides linear motion, the slider that provides selective engagement, and the flexible fin that provides release functionality. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, reducing manufacturing difficulty and assembly time.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider acts as an intermediary between the thrust element and the carriages, providing selective engagement with either the stylet carriage or cannula carriage. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the loading process by allowing sequential rather than simultaneous manipulation of both carriages, reducing assembly complexity.
3Ease of operation
If complex carriage mechanisms are used, then precise control is achieved, but movement smoothness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism uses dynamic elements including the movable slider that can engage different carriages and the flexible fin that dynamically releases carriages during operation. This dynamic design allows smooth transitions between different operational states (loading stylet, loading cannula, firing) without requiring complex mechanical linkages or multiple fixed components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters through the position of the slider and the state of the flexible fin. By changing the engagement state of the slider with different carriages and the release state of the flexible fin, the system achieves smooth controlled movement without complex mechanical mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate loading buttons are used, then selective control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of both carriages into a single thrust element that works with a slider. Instead of requiring separate buttons for stylet and cannula loading, the operator uses one thrust element that, through the slider's selective engagement, can load either carriage. This merging maintains operational flexibility while significantly reducing control mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single thrust element provides universal loading capability for both the stylet carriage and cannula carriage through its interaction with the slider. This multi-functional design allows one control mechanism to perform the work of what would traditionally require two separate controls, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
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
The gun is easier to assemble, reduces production costs, and provides smooth carriage movements, enhancing user confidence and operational efficiency with ergonomic design options.
Implementation Method 1
There are also elastic means combined with the first carriage and the second carriage which have the function of constantly exerting a thrust on the respective carriage in order to move it
Implementation Method 2
A biopsy gun with a simplified structure using a slider and branched guide mechanism for sequential carriage loading, reducing component complexity and enabling smooth operation
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic gun for biopsies is described, which comprises a body that can be held by an operator, a first carriage and a second carriage housed in the body, elastic means combined with the first carriage and the second carriage, a loading mechanism of the gun, at least one button for triggering or firing the gun, and a needle that extends in a cantilevered way from the body along a longitudinal axis. The needle comprises a cannula constrained to the first carriage and a stylet constrained to the second carriage. Stylet and cannula cooperate to cut a tissue sample with a guillotine effect, by moving on the longitudinal axis between a retracted and an extended position. The loading mechanism of the gun comprises a thrust element of both the first carriage and the second carriage, which is constrained to the body and movable in a longitudinal direction between an inactive position and a loading position. The loading mechanism comprises a slider mounted on the thrust element and movable orthogonally to the longitudinal axis. The function of the slider is to allow the selective loading of one of the two carriages when the operator acts on the thrust mechanism. The gun's body comprises a longitudinal guide branched into a first branch and a second branch; the slider selectively engages the first branch or the second branch, in response to the retraction of the thrust element into the loading position.