Endoscopic Instrument Cover Element for Locking Nut Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic surgical instruments face challenges in securely attaching the endoscopic shaft to the suction and/or rinsing unit, particularly in preventing the locking nut from being lost during disassembly.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a fastening unit with a cover element that encloses the securing element, providing a reliable and cost-effective means to prevent loss, featuring a securing nut with an internal thread and a manually operable outer surface, and a cover element that is partially connected to the suction and/or rinsing unit, ensuring secure attachment and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a locking nut is used to secure the endoscope shaft to the suction and/or irrigation unit, then the attachment can be easily assembled and disassembled, but the locking nut may be lost during disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The cover element encloses the locking element, creating a nested structure where the locking element is retained within the cover element. This prevents the locking element from being lost during disassembly while maintaining ease of operation through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover element acts as an intermediary between the locking element and the external environment. It provides a protective enclosure that retains the locking element while allowing controlled access through the operating recess, thus preventing loss without compromising operability.
2Reliability
If the locking element is fully enclosed to prevent loss, then retention is improved, but operation of the locking element becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cover element provides full enclosure for retention, but includes a localized operating recess that allows access to the locking element. This local modification maintains the protective enclosure while enabling operation without compromising either retention or accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover element is segmented with an operating recess that provides controlled access to the locking element. This segmentation allows the locking element to be operated while remaining largely enclosed, balancing retention with operational accessibility.
3Reliability
If additional components are added to secure the locking element, then retention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover element combines multiple functions: it encloses the locking element for retention, provides structural support, and includes the operating recess for access. By merging these functions into a single integrated component, the design improves retention without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover element serves multiple purposes: retaining the locking element, providing structural support for the fastening unit, and enabling operation through the integrated operating recess. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an endoscopic surgical instrument (10) having at least one endoscopy shaft (12), at least one suction and/or flushing unit (14) and at least one securing element (16) which is provided to secure the at least one endoscopy shaft (12) to the at least one suction and/or flushing unit (14) in a coupled state. It is proposed that the endoscopic surgical instrument (10) comprises at least one fastening unit (18) which is provided to fasten the at least one securing element (16) on the at least one suction and/or flushing unit (14) in a non-detachable manner.