Multipurpose Endoscopic Instrument Interchangeable Tool Mounting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic surgical instruments require frequent replacement of tool assemblies for different surgical purposes, leading to complex and inconvenient replacement processes, high costs, and potential malfunctions due to incorrect connections.
Innovation Solution
A multipurpose endoscopic surgical instrument design featuring interchangeable tools and holders connected via mounting keys and elastic parts, allowing for easy mounting and removal through aligned grooves and slots, enabling various tools to be swapped without requiring extensive reconfiguration of the instrument.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If tool assemblies are made replaceable for different surgical purposes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases and replacement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal tool assembly design where the same elongated body, operation assembly, and articulation mechanism can accommodate multiple different tool assemblies through standardized mounting interfaces. The tool assembly includes a reusable elongated body with a standardized tool holder that can mount various tool heads (cutting, stapling, grasping, etc.), allowing one base instrument to perform multiple surgical functions without requiring separate instruments for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument is divided into distinct replaceable segments: the elongated body remains fixed while only the tool holder and tool head components are replaced. This segmentation allows the complex articulation and operation mechanisms in the elongated body to be reused, while only the simpler tool components need replacement for different surgical tasks, reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tool assemblies are made replaceable for different surgical purposes, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases due to replacement process
Solution Approach 1:
The tool assemblies are pre-configured with standardized mounting keys and grooves that align automatically during insertion. The operation assembly includes pre-positioned driving members that engage with the tool holder in predetermined positions, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures during replacement and enabling rapid tool changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The replacement mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-l locking. When a tool assembly is inserted into the elongated body, the mounting key automatically engages with the mounting groove, and the driving members automatically position themselves to engage with the tool holder, allowing the tool to be securely mounted without requiring complex manual adjustment or additional fastening steps.
3Ease of operation
If replacement mechanisms are simplified for faster tool changes, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability decreases due to potential incorrect connections
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting key and mounting groove are designed with asymmetric geometries that allow insertion only in the correct orientation. The driving members have specific shapes that match corresponding features on the tool holder, creating a unique fit that prevents incorrect connections. This asymmetric design ensures that tools can only be mounted in the proper orientation, eliminating the risk of malformed connections while maintaining simple replacement procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting key acts as an intermediary element between the tool holder and the elongated body. It provides a standardized interface that ensures proper alignment and connection. The driving members serve as intermediaries that transfer motion from the operation assembly to the tool holder, ensuring reliable mechanical coupling. These intermediary components guarantee correct connections while keeping the replacement process simple.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a multipurpose endoscopic surgical instrument. The instrument adopts a technical feature in which an interchangeable tool and a tool holder are connected to each other by inserting the mounting key into the opening mounting groove, and adopts a technical feature that the driving member includes an inserting block at the front part. It realizes the technical solution that by moving the inserting block to insert into the interchangeable tool to prevent the mounting key from moving out of the opening of the mounting groove, the interchangeable tool can be mounted on the tool holder. It realizes the technical solution that by moving the inserting block to exit the interchangeable tool, the interchangeable tool can be moved out of the tool holder.