Medical Instrument Connector Plug With Spring-Latched Limb Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector plugs for medical instruments, such as bipolar electrodes or forceps, require complex assembly steps and cannot readily compensate for manufacturing tolerances in the instrument limbs, leading to difficulties in final assembly.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating latching or spring elements in the insulating body of the connector plug, which adapt to the instrument limbs, allowing for simple and stable fastening and subsequent sealing with epoxy resin to create a non-detachable connection, thereby compensating for manufacturing inaccuracies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ring-shaped locking part is used to fasten limbs in the insulating body, then the limbs can be secured in the connector plug, but the assembly process becomes complex and manufacturing tolerances cannot be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid ring-shaped locking part with dynamic spring elements that can adapt their shape and position. These spring elements are inserted into the insulating body and can elastically deform to accommodate variations in limb dimensions, providing reliable fastening while compensating for manufacturing tolerances. The dynamic nature of the spring elements allows them to automatically adjust to the actual geometry of the limbs during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements change their physical parameters (shape, position, deformation degree) to adapt to the limbs. By using elastic materials and spring mechanisms, the fastening system can vary its geometric parameters to match the actual limb dimensions, thereby compensating for manufacturing tolerances and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining secure fastening.
2Ease of manufacture
If manufacturing tolerances in limbs are not compensated, then the production process remains simple, but the final assembly becomes difficult and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spring elements perform self-adjustment during assembly by elastically deforming to match the actual limb dimensions. This self-service mechanism automatically compensates for manufacturing tolerances without requiring complex adjustment procedures or precise pre-manufacturing of the limbs. The spring elements adapt themselves to the limbs, making the assembly process straightforward even when limb dimensions vary within tolerance ranges.
3Reliability
If multiple complex working steps are used for final assembly, then secure connection can be achieved, but the assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring elements are pre-inserted into the insulating body before the limbs are attached. This preliminary preparation allows the spring elements to be in position and ready to immediately engage with the limbs when they are inserted, eliminating the need for complex fastening operations during the final assembly step. The pre-positioned spring elements reduce assembly time while ensuring reliable connection.
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
Facilitates a straightforward assembly process while ensuring a stable and reliable connection between the instrument limbs, reducing manufacturing complexity and accommodating production tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the fastening limbs is configured elastic and movable relative to the other fastening limb so that one limb of the instrument is clampable between the fastening limbs of the latching or spring elements
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a connector plug for a medical instrument, in particular a bipolar electrode or forceps, comprising an insulating body for connecting two limbs of the instrument, wherein the insulating body has openings for receiving, inserting or sliding in the limbs, wherein in each of the openings a latching or spring element is provided for fastening one of the limbs of the instrument in the insulating body.