Hand-Operated Functional Hose Instrument with Releasable Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hand-operated functional hose instruments for medical applications, such as stone-collecting basket instruments, often have complex and non-releasable coupling designs, which complicate operation and maintenance, particularly in magnetic resonance environments where metal components are undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A hand-operated functional hose instrument with a releasable coupling mechanism between the operating unit and the operator control handle, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without metal components, featuring a finger-operated rotary element for one-handed operation, and a wire fixing arrangement with eccentric passage openings for secure clamping of the wire-like functional part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional non-releasable coupling designs are used, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and ease of maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is divided into separable modules: the operating unit with functional parts can be releasably coupled to and decoupled from the operator control handle. This segmentation allows the complex coupling mechanism to be divided into discrete coupling elements (coupling element on handle, receiving element on operating unit) that can be independently designed and assembled, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining stability during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static non-releasable connection to a dynamic releasable connection. The coupling element and receiving element are designed to be firmly connected during operation (providing structural stability) but can be easily coupled and decoupled when needed (reducing complexity and aiding maintenance). This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt between stable operation and easy maintenance states.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional non-releasable coupling designs are used, then structural stability is improved, but ease of repair and maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the instrument into separable modules (operating unit and operator control handle) with standardized coupling elements, the design enables easy removal and replacement of components. The coupling element and receiving element are designed to be firmly connected during use but easily decoupled for maintenance, allowing quick repair or replacement of the operating unit without affecting the handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The releasable coupling mechanism allows the operating unit to be easily removed (discarded from the handle) and replaced with a new or repaired unit. The coupling elements are designed to be recovered and reused on different operating units, facilitating maintenance and reducing the need for complete instrument replacement.
3Strength
If metal components are used in coupling mechanisms, then mechanical strength is improved, but suitability for magnetic resonance environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Metal components are extracted and removed from the coupling mechanism. The coupling element and receiving element are designed to be made from non-metallic materials (such as plastics or ceramics) that are compatible with magnetic resonance environments, while still providing sufficient mechanical strength for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling components are designed to use composite materials or non-metallic materials (such as high-strength plastics, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced composites) that provide adequate mechanical strength without containing metal, making the instrument suitable for use in magnetic resonance environments where metal components would be harmful or interfere with imaging.
4Reliability
If complex coupling mechanisms are used, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is segmented into distinct coupling element and receiving element with clearly defined interfaces. This segmentation simplifies the assembly and disassembly process while maintaining reliability through precise fit and engagement features designed into each separate component.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-locking through complementary geometric features on the coupling element and receiving element. The components guide themselves into proper alignment during assembly and automatically secure the connection without requiring complex fastening mechanisms or multiple steps, thereby maintaining reliability while improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-operated functional hose instrument has a hose-like functional part and a wire-like functional part which extends in the hose-like functional part. An operating unit, which is designed for releasable coupling to an operator control handle body, is arranged at a proximal end section of the functional parts and includes two operating parts, which are axially relatively movable and have a hose fixing arrangement or a wire fixing arrangement. The first operating part is axially fixed to the operator control handle body, and the second operating part has a finger-operated operator control slide element. The first operating part has a finger-operated operator control rotary element and/or a distal cone section with an axial recess into which the second operating part can be at least partially inserted, and/or the wire fixing arrangement has two wire fixing parts which can be rotated in relation to one another about a longitudinal axis from a wire release position to a wire clamping position and each have an eccentric axial wire passage opening. The two passage openings are arranged axially one behind the other and are in alignment in the wire release position and are out of alignment in the wire clamping position.