End Effector Release Actuator for Gloved Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing end effectors require separate tools or disassembly to release and tighten tool bits, which can be cumbersome, especially in surgical settings where gloves covered in bodily fluids complicate manual handling of small release mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An end effector design featuring a housing with a release actuator outside the housing, allowing movement between positions to decouple the tool bit from the drive, facilitated by levers and pivot shafts for easy operation without needing to disassemble the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a release mechanism is provided inside the housing, then the tool bit can be removed, but the mechanism becomes difficult to grasp and operate when wearing gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The release actuator is positioned externally on the housing rather than internally, changing the spatial dimension of access from internal to external. This allows the surgeon to operate the release mechanism from outside the housing, making it easily accessible and operable even when wearing gloves covered in bodily fluids.
2Device complexity
If a separate tool or disassembly is required to release the tool bit, then the release mechanism can be small, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The release actuator is designed to be self-contained and self-operating. When the actuator is moved between positions, it directly actuates the release member through the housing wall, eliminating the need for separate tools or additional disassembly steps. The mechanism serves itself by integrating the actuation function into the housing structure.
3Productivity
If the release actuator is disposed outside the housing, then the tool bit can be quickly released, but the housing design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented to accommodate the external release actuator. The actuator is disposed at least partially outside the housing with coupling elements that connect it to the internal release mechanism. This segmentation allows the housing to maintain its primary protective function while adding the external actuation capability through modular coupling.
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
Enables efficient and precise decoupling of tool bits without requiring additional tools or disassembly, improving usability in surgical and other applications by allowing easy activation of the release mechanism, even when gloved.
Implementation Method 1
a first lever disposed at least partially outside of the housing and coupled to the housing about a first pivot shaft defining a first axis of rotation to permit movement between a first position and a second position to activate the drive
Implementation Method 2
a second lever disposed at least partially outside of the housing and coupled to the housing about a second pivot shaft defining a second axis of rotation to permit movement between a third position and a fourth position to displace the release member to permit decoupling of the engaging member from the drive
Data Source
AI summary
An end effector is disclosed that includes a tool including a drive configured to be coupled to and drive an engaging member for engaging a workpiece and a release member configured to be displaced to permit decoupling of the engaging member from the drive. The end effector also includes a housing configured to receive at least a portion of the tool and a release actuator disposed at least partially outside of the housing and coupled to the housing to permit movement between a first position and a second position to displace the release member to permit decoupling of the engaging member from the drive.