HF Medical Instrument Cable Routing via Multi-Link Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-frequency (HF) medical instruments face challenges in guiding power cables through the pivot region of the joint mechanism without experiencing bending stress, which can lead to cable damage and limited lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A multi-link joint element, specifically a roller chain with a multi-link articulated structure, is used to guide the power cable in the joint mechanism, preventing sharp bends and bending stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tool tip is made pivotable to increase the effective working region, then the versatility and working range are improved, but the power cable is subjected to bending stress which reduces its lifespan and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
A cable guide element is introduced as an intermediary component between the pivotable tool tip and the power supply. This guide element has a guide path that moves together with the tool tip during pivoting, ensuring the power cable is guided along a curved path that prevents sharp bends. The guide element acts as a mediator that translates the pivot motion into a smooth cable routing path, eliminating the harmful bending stress while maintaining the pivotability and versatility of the tool tip
2Ease of operation
If cable strands are used to transmit force to the jaw parts in an angled tool tip, then the actuation capability is improved, but the cable lifespan is limited due to tensile and bending forces
Solution Approach 1:
The cable guide element serves as a mediator that protects the power cable from bending stress during tool tip pivoting. By providing a pre-formed curved guide path that moves with the tool tip, it eliminates sharp bends and reduces mechanical stress on the cable, thereby extending cable lifespan while maintaining full actuation capability of the tool
3Duration of action of moving object
If the power cable is guided in a bend-free manner through the joint mechanism, then the cable lifespan is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable guide element is designed as a flexible or articulated structure that can move together with the tool tip during pivoting. This flexible guide path adapts to the changing geometry of the joint mechanism, providing bend-free cable guidance without requiring a rigid complex structure. The flexibility of the guide element allows it to accommodate the pivot motion while maintaining a simple overall device design
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a medical instrument having a hollow shaft, whose proximal end can be connected to an operating unit and having a tool tip arranged at the distal end of the shaft having a tool arranged at the distal end of the tool tip, wherein the tool has two jaw parts, which can be pivoted relative to one another and wherein the jaw parts are pivoted via actuating elements, which are mounted so as to be axially displaceable in the shaft and which can be actuated on the proximal side via the operating unit and wherein the tool tip can be pivoted via a joint mechanism relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.In order to provide a medical instrument, which ensures a uniform transmission of tensile and compressive forces even via the pivot region to the tool tip, it is proposed according to the invention that the pivotable jaw parts are each coupled via an articulated drive element to the distal end of an actuating element mounted so as to be axially displaceable in the shaft such that the articulated drive element spans the region of the joint mechanism between the distal end of the shaft and the proximal end of the tool tip.