Adjustable Endoscopic Locks with Pivotable Arm and Rack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic accessory locks, such as those using thumbscrews, lack clear indication of locked and unlocked positions, leading to potential movement during procedures and risk of damage due to over-tightening, and protrude from the handle, causing inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
The development of low-profile adjustable locks with a pivotable arm and toothed rack mechanism that provides clear feedback on locked and unlocked positions, allowing secure one-handed operation and minimizing interference with the physician's grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If thumbscrews are used to secure locks to the rail, then the locks can be adjusted and secured, but the thumbscrews protrude from the handle causing inconvenience and interference with physician grip
Solution Approach 1:
The thumbscrew mechanism is extracted and replaced with a cam-actuated latching mechanism that integrates into the lock body. The cam lever pivots within the lock housing, eliminating protruding adjustment elements while maintaining adjustability functionality through the compression member and detent system.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment and locking mechanisms are nested within the lock body housing. The cam lever, compression member, and detent features are all contained within the cylindrical lock body, creating a compact nested structure that eliminates external protrusions and maintains a low profile.
2Reliability
If thumbscrews are used to secure the locks, then the locks can be tightened, but it is difficult to determine when the lock is sufficiently tightened and over-tightening may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The cam-actuated mechanism provides tactile feedback through the compression member that engages with indexed positions on the rail. The detent features create distinct engagement points that give the physician clear tactile and auditory feedback when the lock is properly secured, eliminating uncertainty about tightening status.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam lever mechanism automatically engages with the detent features at indexed positions, providing self-locking functionality. The spring-loaded compression member automatically positions itself at the nearest detent when the cam is actuated, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and providing automatic confirmation of proper locking.
3Adaptability or versatility
If thumbscrews protrude from the side of the accessory handle, then the locks can be operated, but the thumbscrews interfere with or are an inconvenience to the physician during use
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment and locking functions are merged into a single cam-actuated mechanism. The cam lever simultaneously controls the compression member for adjustment and engages the detent features for locking, combining multiple functions into one integrated mechanism that eliminates separate thumbscrews and reduces overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam lever serves multiple functions: it actuates the compression member for positioning, engages the detent features for locking, and provides tactile feedback for confirmation. This multi-functional element replaces multiple separate components (thumbscrew, spring, latch) with a single universal mechanism.
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
The new locks ensure secure and reliable operation with clear tactile and auditory feedback, reducing the risk of accidental movement and damage, while maintaining a low profile to enhance handling convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The arm is connected to the body and pivotable relative to the body between a closed position and an open position
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to apparatuses, devices, and methods for locks for endoscopic accessories. In one implementation, an adjustable lock for an endoscopic accessory includes a body slidably mounted upon a rail of the endoscopic accessory, and an arm extending about a portion of the body. The arm may be connected to the body and pivotable relative to the body between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, teeth on an inner surface of the arm may engage a toothed rack on the rail such that the adjustable lock is secured to the rail. In the open position, the teeth on the inner surface of the arm may be clear of the toothed rack such that the lock may slide relative to the rail.