Integrated Force Transmission Element for Surgical Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical instruments often require separate components for mechanical storage and electrical separation, leading to increased complexity and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A force transmission element with a conductive rod, extensive electrical insulation, and a conductive sleeve, where the sleeve is arranged around the insulation and features an embossing that interacts with a deepening in the rod, providing both mechanical guidance and electrical separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate components are used for mechanical bearing and electrical separation, then each function can be reliably implemented, but the device complexity and quantity of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical separation function and mechanical bearing function into a single integrated component. The insulating component serves dual purposes: it provides electrical insulation between the force transmission element and the tubular shaft, and simultaneously provides mechanical guidance through its geometry (cylindrical shape with defined length). This eliminates the need for separate mechanical bearing components while maintaining both functions reliably
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating component is designed as a multi-functional element that performs both electrical separation and mechanical guidance tasks. By giving the insulating component a specific cylindrical geometry with defined dimensions, it universally serves multiple purposes: electrical insulation, axial positioning, and prevention of radial displacement, thereby reducing the total number of components needed in the surgical instrument
2Reliability
If separate components are used for mechanical bearing and electrical separation, then functional requirements are met, but manufacturing costs and production complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical separation function and mechanical bearing function into a single insulating component, reducing the total part count. This integration simplifies manufacturing processes by reducing the number of manufacturing steps, assembly operations, and quality checks required, thereby lowering production costs and complexity while maintaining functional performance
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating component is designed as a segmented or modular element that can be independently manufactured and then integrated into the surgical instrument. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing of the insulating component using optimal processes for insulating materials, while simplifying the overall assembly process and reducing the manufacturing burden on other components
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a force transmission element with combined mechanical support and electrical isolation, as well as a surgical instrument comprising the force transmission element and a method for manufacturing the force transmission element. A rod of the force transmission element has at least one recess, and an insulation extends at least along said recess. A sleeve of the force transmission element has an embossment, at least part of which extends into the recess and which is designed to engage with a securing element of the surgical instrument.