Collet Chuck Coupling Device Rotation Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for medical instruments in endoscopic operations lack secure rotation prevention and are difficult to clean due to spring-loaded catch elements with free play.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device featuring a sleeve-shaped collet chuck with spring arms and a coupling pin with a catch cam, secured by a locking element that prevents radial opening and rotation through tapered protrusions and a form-locking clamping ring, ensuring precise alignment and easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring-loaded catch element is used for coupling, then quick and uncomplicated coupling is achieved, but secure rotation prevention and cleanliness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into distinct functional segments: the collet chuck with spring arms for quick engagement, the coupling pin with catch cam for positioning, and the locking element with clamping ring for secure rotation prevention. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together as an integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arms of the collet chuck are designed to be elastic and movable, allowing them to flex during coupling and then lock into position. The locking element can be actuated to transform the dynamic spring-loaded connection into a static, rigid locked state that prevents rotation, thus transitioning from a dynamic coupling phase to a static secured phase.
2Ease of operation
If a spring-loaded catch element is used for coupling, then quick and uncomplicated coupling is achieved, but cleaning difficulty increases due to free play
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to be removable and can be taken out from the coupling device. This allows complete disassembly of the coupling components, enabling thorough cleaning of all parts including the spring arms and catch cam, eliminating the cleaning difficulties associated with enclosed spring-loaded mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the coupling device into separable components (collet chuck, coupling pin, locking element), each part can be individually cleaned and inspected, removing the free play and debris accumulation issues that plague integrated spring-loaded catch systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If protrusions with tapering flanks are used for self-centering, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tapering flanks of the protrusions create a conical or curved surface geometry that guides the coupling pin into precise alignment with the collet chuck during insertion. This curved geometric feature provides automatic self-centering action without requiring additional alignment mechanisms, achieving high precision through simple geometric form.
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 solution provides a secure, easy-to-use coupling system that prevents rotation and ensures precise alignment of medical instruments on holding devices without free play, facilitating rapid actuation and easy cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
the coupler socket is configured as a sleeve-shaped collet chuck that comprises several spring arms
Implementation Method 2
the flanks of the protrusions of the coupling pin and collet chuck that in coupled position are in contact with one another are configured as tapering so that, because of the tapering shape, an automatic self-centering of the components occurs
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device for securing medical instruments to a holding device allows for simple and rapid handling and exact positioning of the medical instrument. A coupler socket is configured on one component and a coupler plug is configured on the other component, wherein the coupler socket and coupler plug can be fixed in mutually connected position with respect to one another by means of at least one locking element. The coupler socket is configured as a sleeve-shaped collet chuck including several mutually distanced spring arms. The coupler plug includes a coupling pin equipped with at least one radially outward-pointing catch cam. When coupled, at least one catch cam of the coupling pin catches on a corresponding back-cut on the collet chuck. The locking element can be screwed onto the collet chuck so that the spring arms of the collet chuck in the coupled position are affixed facing radially outward.