Flexible Finger Latch for Low-Force Tool Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool mounting systems lack a reliable and efficient method for securely attaching and detaching tools from handles and larger devices, often requiring complex mechanisms or high forces, especially in applications where tools are wet or slippery.
Innovation Solution
A flexible connector or living hinge system is integrated into a tool collar, featuring a sleeve with a flexible hinge that dynamically moves to secure a bearing within a guide, allowing for reversible attachment and reduced force requirements through a latch and catch arrangement, compatible with various materials like plastics, metals, and polymers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional friction fits or pressure fits are used to mount tools, then the tool attachment is secure, but the mechanism becomes complex and requires high forces for attachment and detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane with a living hinge that acts as a simple yet effective mounting mechanism. The membrane can be deformed to allow tool insertion and then returns to its original shape to secure the tool, eliminating the need for complex mechanical fastening systems while maintaining reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The living hinge mechanism is self-actuating through elastic recovery. When the tool is inserted, the membrane deforms and then automatically returns to its original configuration, securing the tool without requiring additional actuators, springs, or complex mechanical components.
2Reliability
If traditional mounting systems are used, then tools can be securely attached, but high forces are required especially when tools are wet or slippery
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane conformally contacts the tool surface, creating friction-based retention through surface compliance rather than mechanical interlocking. This allows secure attachment even with wet or slippery tools, as the membrane can adapt to surface variations and maintain contact pressure without requiring high attachment forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The living hinge creates a curved, compliant surface that conforms to the tool geometry. This curvature allows the membrane to wrap around the tool, increasing contact area and friction-based retention, thereby reducing the force required for secure attachment compared to flat or rigid mounting surfaces.
3Device complexity
If a flexible hinge with reduced thickness is used, then the attachment mechanism becomes simpler and requires reduced force, but the bearing guide structure becomes more critical
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing guide acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the flexible membrane and the tool. It provides a precisely engineered interface that guides the bearing movement and ensures proper alignment, compensating for the reduced thickness of the membrane while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing guide concentrates precision requirements to a specific localized structure rather than requiring the entire membrane to be precisely manufactured. This allows the flexible hinge to remain thin and simple while the bearing guide provides the necessary dimensional precision for reliable operation.
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 flexible connector system enables secure and efficient attachment of tools with reduced force requirements, suitable for diverse tool types and environments, including medical procedures where tools may be wet or slippery, by utilizing a latch and catch mechanism that aligns the flexible hinge to hold the tool in place.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible connector or living hinge for use in mounting tools to a larger element such as a hand piece, shaft, or the like
Data Source
AI summary
A latch and catch arrangement is disclosed, whereby a sleeve supporting a flexible hinge with an extended finger is oriented over a fluid connection to a socket guide. The sleeve is oriented to the tool collar to place a flexible hinge and finger over the bearing guide. The finger moves upward when a tool is inserted into a tool socket, and the flexible hinge, properly oriented by the alignment catch/latch, keeps the finger in the tool socket while allowing necessary movement to insert and remove a tool.