Friction Locking Mechanism for Medical Instrument Shaft Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical instruments with bendable shafts lack a safe and ergonomically operable control mechanism to lock the detachable section in any position, limiting the operator's ability to maintain specific angled positions during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A friction element is placed on the outside of the handle between the housing and the control element, with an actuating element on the pivotable control element, allowing the friction element to be moved out of locking engagement, enabling secure locking and ergonomic control of the shaft's angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a friction element is used to lock the control element, then the shaft can be locked in any position, but the control mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The friction element is integrated directly into the handle housing, merging the locking function with the existing handle structure. This eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms while providing reliable positioning of the control element at any angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction element automatically engages with the control element when the control element is positioned at any angle, providing self-locking functionality without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. The frictional force itself serves as the locking mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If a separate actuating element is added to release the friction element, then the control element can be unlocked, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is designed as a push button that serves dual purposes: it acts as a simple release mechanism for the friction element and can also serve as a tactile indicator of the locked state. This multi-functional design adds unlocking capability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element serves as an intermediary between the user's finger and the friction element, translating a simple pushing motion into the release of the frictional locking. This mediator approach simplifies the user interface while maintaining reliable locking.
3Ease of operation
If the friction element is placed on the outside of the handle, then the locking mechanism is more accessible, but the handle structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The friction element is positioned on the external surface of the handle housing, segmenting the locking function from the internal mechanical structures. This allows the friction element to be independently accessed and operated without interfering with the internal cable and drum mechanisms.
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 a safe and ergonomic mechanism to lock the shaft in any position, allowing for precise manipulation during procedures like dissection or coagulation without accidental angle changes, enhancing handling safety and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the pivoting control element runs over a friction element, wherein furthermore an actuating element is provided by means of which the friction element can be brought out of the locking engagement with the control element
Data Source
AI summary
The medical instrument (10) comprises a shaft whose distal end (14) is bendable, and a handle (18) arranged at the proximal end of the shaft, where a bend control mechanism (30) for controlling the bending movement is arranged. The bend control mechanism has a pivoted control element (29). The pivoted control element runs over a friction element, and an actuating element is provided by which the friction element is brought out of a locking engagement with the control element.