Tubular Insulation Insert with Resilient Fasteners for Surgical Handheld Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical handheld devices, such as resectoscopes, face challenges in securely and easily releasably coupling insulation inserts to prevent accidental disconnection during electrosurgical procedures, which can lead to device damage or patient injury.
Innovation Solution
A tubular insulation insert with multiple resilient fastening means arranged on its circumference, featuring snap-fit hooks that provide a secure and easily releasable connection by utilizing spring elements and latch elements, ensuring a strong yet manageable release force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fastening mechanism is made stronger to prevent accidental release, then the retention force is improved, but the ease of release by the operator deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism is divided into multiple independent resilient fastening means distributed around the circumference of the insulation insert. Each fastening means operates independently, providing distributed retention force while maintaining individual releasability. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high overall retention without requiring any single fastening point to be excessively strong.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening means utilize resilient elements with spring-like properties that dynamically adjust to applied forces. The resilient nature allows the fastening mechanism to maintain strong retention under normal conditions while allowing controlled release when sufficient force is applied by the operator. The dynamic response of the resilient elements enables the system to adapt between retention and release states.
2Ease of operation
If the insulation insert is made to sit loosely on the inner shaft to facilitate release, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental release increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple resilient fastening means are distributed around the circumference of the insulation insert, creating multiple independent retention points. This distribution allows the insert to maintain secure engagement through collective force while still permitting controlled release when sufficient cumulative force is applied by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient fastening means utilize elastic deformation parameters to achieve both secure retention and controlled release. By designing the resilient elements with appropriate stiffness and geometry, the system achieves strong retention under normal operating conditions while allowing release when sufficient force is applied, thus changing the effective retention parameter based on the applied load.
3Reliability
If multiple resilient fastening means are used to ensure secure coupling, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism is segmented into multiple identical or similar resilient fastening means that are distributed around the circumference. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high reliability through redundancy while keeping each individual fastening unit simple in design. The modular nature of the segmented approach reduces overall complexity compared to a single complex fastening mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient fastening means serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide retention force, accommodate slight misalignments and tilting, and enable controlled release. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high reliability.
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 ensures a high degree of safety and ease of manipulation by preventing unwanted release of the insulation insert, even during slight tilting, while allowing for straightforward uncoupling with minimal force, thus enhancing the reliability and safety of the surgical device.
Implementation Method 1
The proximal end region of the insulation insert has at least two resilient fastening means, which each have a latch element pointing into an interior of the insulation insert
Data Source
AI summary
Surgical handheld devices are used in electrosurgical procedures in urology. For this use, a radiofrequency electric current is applied to an electrode. It is necessary to avoid the electrode coming into electrical contact with the handheld device. Known insulation inserts for electrical insulation can be connected to the handheld device only with difficulty. Moreover, the connection is very unreliable. A surgical handheld device, and an insulation insert which can be connected to a shaft of the handheld device in a safe and easily releasable manner. The insulation insert is of a tubular configuration and is releasably coupled with a proximal end region to a distal end of a tubular shaft of the handheld device. The proximal end region of the insulation insert has at least two resilient fasteners, which each have a latch element pointing into an interior of the insulation insert.