Medical Instrument Holding Joint With One-Handed Wedge Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding devices for medical instruments require two hands to lock and release, experience high friction losses, and have limited force transmission efficiency, making them cumbersome and inefficient for minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A holding device with a joint featuring axially displaceable thrust elements and a ramp system with a wedge body that allows for one-handed locking and releasing, reducing friction losses and improving force transmission efficiency by deflecting force 90°, enabling easy positioning and secure locking of medical instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hand lever or hand screw is used to lock the joint, then the holding device can be locked securely, but two hands are required and the operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be actuated by a single hand through the spring-loaded thrust element that automatically engages with the ramp system. The spring force provides the necessary activation energy, allowing one-handed operation while maintaining secure locking through the mechanical advantage of the ramp and wedge geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static hand-lever system to a dynamic spring-loaded system. The spring element stores and releases energy to facilitate easy one-handed actuation, while the ramp system provides mechanical advantage to maintain secure locking without requiring continuous manual force
2Productivity
If tightening sleeves with steeper run-on surfaces are used, then the transmission relationship is improved, but self-inhibition becomes excessively large and the device cannot be released
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp angle is optimized to a specific range (30° to 60°, preferably 45°) that balances force transmission efficiency with release capability. This parameter optimization ensures that the thrust element can effectively transmit force during locking while allowing sufficient backward movement for release, avoiding the self-inhibition problems of steeper angles
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded thrust element acts as an intermediary between the user's input force and the locking mechanism. The spring provides a controlled force that overcomes friction during locking, while the same spring mechanism facilitates release by providing the necessary reverse force, solving the self-inhibition problem without compromising transmission efficiency
3Productivity
If friction losses in the central joint are reduced, then force transmission effectiveness is improved, but the locking mechanism becomes less self-inhibiting
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is pre-loaded to store energy before actuation. This preliminary energy storage compensates for reduced friction-based self-inhibition, ensuring that sufficient force is available to engage the locking mechanism reliably even when friction losses are minimized through improved force transmission
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 device allows for simple, one-handed operation with reduced friction, improved force transmission efficiency, and secure locking of medical instruments, enhancing control and reducing the risk of unpredictable movement during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the deflection elements comprise at least one ramp system with a wedge body
Implementation Method 2
the friction losses in the central joint
Data Source
AI summary
A holding device for human-medicine or veterinary-medicine applications having: a joint between a proximal holding segment and a distal holding segment; wherein one axially displaceable thrust element, in each case is arranged in the holding segments; wherein the joint has a tightening bolt, which defines the pivoting and tightening axis, and has deflection elements, by means of which a thrust force, acting relative to the axis, of the proximal thrust element is deflectable to lock the joint onto the tightening axis and to displace the distal thrust element; and wherein the deflection elements include at least one ramp system with a wedge body. A holding system including the specified holding device and a method for locking the joint of the specified holding device.