Friction Locking Bend Control Mechanism for Medical Instruments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical instruments with flexible shafts lack a reliable and ergonomic mechanism to lock the bendable portion in any desired position, making precise control and safety during manipulations challenging.

Innovation Solution

A medical instrument with a bendable shaft featuring a pivotable control element that runs over a friction element, allowing locking in any desired position, and an actuating element to release the lock, enabling ergonomic and safe control of bending movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking mechanism with locking pins and hollows is used to lock the bend control mechanism in defined positions, then the shaft can be locked in specific bent positions, but the locking can only occur at discrete positions and not in any desired position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidlocking position flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical locking system (locking pins engaging with hollows) with a friction-based locking system. The friction element creates continuous frictional engagement with the control element, allowing the shaft to be locked at any desired position rather than only at discrete positions defined by mechanical interlocking features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the locking mechanism from a discrete positional system to a continuous positional system by introducing friction as the locking principle. This allows the control element to be held at any angular position within its range of motion, providing continuous adjustability of the shaft's bend position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the control element is always locked to maintain position, then the shaft remains stable in the desired position, but the control element cannot be pivoted to change the bending position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshaft position stabilityVSAvoidcontrol element operability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dynamic locking system where the friction element can be selectively engaged or disengaged from the control element. When engaged, it provides stable locking; when disengaged, it allows free movement. This dynamic characteristic enables the system to switch between stable positioning and easy repositioning as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The friction element acts as an intermediary between the control element and the locking function. It can be pressed against the control element to create frictional locking, or moved away to allow free movement. This intermediary mechanism provides a smooth transition between locked and unlocked states without requiring complex mechanical linkages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a friction element is introduced to allow locking in any position, then continuous positioning is achieved, but an additional actuating element is required to release the friction lock

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking position flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The friction element is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the locking friction when pressed against the control element, and it can be moved away to allow free movement. The actuating element that moves the friction element is integrated into the existing control mechanism, allowing the same general control structure to handle both locking and unlocking operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution provides secure and ergonomic locking and unlocking of the bendable shaft, allowing precise manipulation without constant user intervention, enhancing safety and ease of use during procedures like dissecting or coagulation.

Implementation Method 1

the pivotable control element runs over a friction element, and wherein an actuating element being provided via which said friction element can be brought out of a locking engagement with said pivotable control element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9302073B2Medical instrument with a lockable bend control mechanism

Publication Date: 2016.04.05 KARL STORZ SE & CO KG

AI summary

A medical instrument includes a shaft whose distal end is bendable. Arranged at the proximal end of the shaft there is a handle on which a bend control mechanism for controlling the bending movement is arranged. The bend control mechanism has a pivotable control element. The pivotable control element runs over a friction element, and an actuating element is provided via which the friction element can be brought out of a locking engagement with the control element.