Endoscopic Shaver Clutch Coupling for Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic shaver devices face challenges in sterilization, storage, and reuse due to complex alignment and sealing issues between motor and tubular elements, leading to increased costs and maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A device with a first clutch on the inner tubular element and a second clutch on the motor output shaft, connected by a transmitting member, allows for simple and accurate coupling without the need for marks on the motor shaft, enabling easy replacement and disposal of tubular elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a connecting cable is provided between the handpiece and the console, then power and control signal transmission is enabled, but sterilization complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into sterile and non-sterile portions, with the handpiece containing all necessary power and control components integrated within the sterile field, eliminating the need for external cables that require sterilization
Solution Approach 2:
The handpiece acts as an intermediary unit that houses the motor and control electronics, allowing power and signals to be transmitted wirelessly or through integrated connections without requiring sterilization of external cables
2Ease of operation
If the inner tubular element is made removable for easy replacement, then ease of operation is improved, but alignment and sealing between motor and tubular elements becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism employs asymmetric features such as cam profiles or eccentric shapes that automatically guide alignment during insertion, ensuring precise positioning without requiring complex alignment procedures
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment features are pre-configured in the coupling mechanism, with guiding surfaces and positioning elements that automatically align components during the assembly process before final sealing is achieved
3Ease of operation
If the handpiece is made disposable to simplify sterilization, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The handpiece is designed as a disposable unit that is discarded after single use, eliminating the need for complex sterilization processes and reducing maintenance requirements, while the motor and control systems are recovered and reused
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 solution simplifies the coupling process, reduces maintenance, and extends the life of sterilizable components by allowing for quick and accurate assembly and disassembly of the inner and outer tubular elements, addressing the issues of sterilization, storage, and reuse.
Implementation Method 1
guiding means for rotating and/or oscillating said inner tubular element with respect to said outer tubular element; said guiding means comprising an electric motor
Implementation Method 2
a first clutch keyed on the inner tubular element substantially at the proximal end of the inner tubular element to make rotate said inner tubular element; a second clutch keyed on the distal end of the motor output shaft
Data Source
AI summary
Device for treatments of endoscopic resection/removal of tissues including: a handpiece; an outer tubular element extending along a longitudinal axis including a proximal end, a distal end and a cutting opening at the distal end; an inner tubular element rotatably accommodated in the outer tubular element; the inner tubular element extending along a longitudinal axis and including a proximal end, a distal end and a cutting tip at its distal end; a guide for rotating/oscillating the inner/outer tubular elements with respect to one another; the guide including an electric motor and power-supply; a first clutch keyed on the inner tubular element substantially at the proximal end of the inner tubular element; a second clutch keyed on the distal end of the motor output shaft to axially slide on the motor output shaft; and at least one elastic element to push the second clutch to couple with the first clutch.