Medical Device Elevator Connector for Lower Actuation Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical device elevators require significant force to actuate, making it difficult to efficiently insert and remove accessory devices through the working channel.
Innovation Solution
The design of an elevator with a connector that includes a channel for the control member, increasing the moment arm and reducing the required force for actuation by displacing the control member to create a larger lever arm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a conventional elevator design is used, then the structure is simple, but significant force is required to actuate the elevator
Solution Approach 1:
The connector extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elevator, creating a new spatial dimension for force application. This perpendicular extension allows the control member to engage at an optimized angle that reduces the actuation force required to pivot the elevator about its longitudinal axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into multiple portions (first portion and second portion) that extend from different surfaces of the elevator body. This segmentation allows the control member to engage at multiple connection points, distributing the force requirement and reducing the total force needed to actuate the elevator.
2Ease of operation
If the moment arm is increased, then the force required to actuate the elevator decreases, but the connector structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
By extending the connector perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the design creates a larger moment arm in a different spatial dimension. This dimensional change increases the lever arm length without requiring excessive extension along the elevator's longitudinal axis, thereby improving ease of operation while controlling overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary element between the control member and the elevator body. It transfers and optimizes the force application by positioning the control member at an optimal angle and distance from the pivot axis, thereby improving ease of operation through a relatively simple intermediate structure.
3Force
If the control member is displaced to create a larger lever arm, then the force required decreases, but the connector geometry becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector utilizes a perpendicular extension in a dimension orthogonal to the elevator's longitudinal axis. This creates a right-angled geometry that simplifies the shape description while achieving the desired moment arm increase. The perpendicular orientation provides a clear geometric relationship that reduces complexity compared to oblique or curved configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector features asymmetric positioning where the first portion extends from the first side surface and the second portion extends from the back surface at different locations. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the moment arm length while maintaining relatively simple geometric forms, avoiding the need for complex symmetric or curved configurations.
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
This configuration decreases the force needed to actuate the elevator, facilitating easier insertion and removal of accessory devices, thereby improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The channel may be configured to increase a moment arm of the control member. The moment arm of the control member may be greater than or equal to 150% of a hypothetical moment arm of a hypothetical control member that extends only through a portion of the channel extending through the second portion.
Implementation Method 2
The connector may include a channel that is configured to receive a control member for pivoting the elevator about the axle. The channel may be configured to increase a moment arm of the control member.
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator for a medical device may comprise an axle and a body having: a guide surface, a back surface on an opposite side of the body from the guide surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface. Each of the first side surface and the second side surface may extend between the guide surface and the back surface. The elevator may further comprise a connector extending outward from the first side surface. The connector may include a channel that is configured to receive a control member for pivoting the elevator about the axle.