Electrosurgical Socket Insert Removal via Guide Channel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrosurgical devices require opening the housing to replace socket inserts, which is time-consuming and costly due to the need for subsequent safety checks, and do not allow for easy interchangeability of sockets.

Innovation Solution

An electrosurgical device with a socket insert featuring a front panel, sidewalls, and a locking mechanism accessible through a guide channel, allowing for unlocking and removal without opening the device, using an actuating rod and removal tool to facilitate easy replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the socket insert is firmly anchored in the device housing, then the connection stability is improved, but the replacement complexity increases and requires opening the device housing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidreplacement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into a housing and a removable socket insert. The socket insert is designed as a separate module that can be independently removed and replaced without disassembling the entire device housing. This segmentation allows the socket insert to be firmly anchored during operation while enabling easy replacement when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The socket insert transitions from a static firmly-anchored state during operation to a dynamic removable state during replacement. The design incorporates movable components such as actuating elements and locking mechanisms that allow the socket insert to be dynamically released and removed from the housing without damaging either component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of repair

If the device housing is opened to replace sockets, then the socket replacement is possible, but the maintenance time increases due to safety checks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesocket replacementVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The socket insert extraction mechanism allows the socket insert to be removed from the housing without opening the device housing. A removal tool is inserted through a guide channel to actuate the locking mechanism, extracting the socket insert while the housing remains closed and intact, thereby eliminating the need for time-consuming safety checks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A guide channel serves as an intermediary structure that allows the removal tool to access the locking mechanism of the socket insert without requiring opening of the device housing. This intermediary pathway enables maintenance operations while maintaining the protective enclosure of the housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the sockets are firmly anchored in the device, then the connection reliability is improved, but the adaptability decreases for different surgical instruments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidinstrument interchangeability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The socket insert is designed as a universal interface module that can accommodate different surgical instrument plugs while maintaining reliable connections. The standardized socket insert design with consistent anchoring mechanisms allows various instruments to be connected and disconnected by simply removing and replacing the socket insert, providing both reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If trained service personnel are required to open the device for socket replacement, then the safety is improved, but the operational cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidoperational cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The socket insert replacement system is designed to be self-service capable, allowing end users to replace socket inserts without requiring trained service personnel. The removal tool and guide channel provide a user-friendly interface that maintains safety through the closed housing design while enabling independent maintenance, thereby reducing operational costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2904982B1Electrosurgical device having a female insert, set with a removing tool and method of removing a female insert
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 ERBE ELEKTROMEDIZIN GMBH
  • EP2904982B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2904982B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2904982B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a socket insert for an electrosurgical device comprising: a front panel (10) having at least one connector opening (11); first and second side walls (12, 13) connected to the front panel (10) and defining a receiving space (14) for electronic components; and at least one locking element (15) connected to the first side wall (12) and transferable from a locking position to an unlocking position, wherein at least the first side wall (12) has a guide channel (16) forming an access opening (17) in the front panel (10) through which the locking element (15) can be actuated for unlocking. The invention further relates to an electrosurgical device with a socket insert and a set with a removal tool.