Jointed Medical Instrument EDM Fixture for Precision Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical instrument manufacturing techniques face challenges in miniaturization due to friction issues, loss of positioning precision, and complex fabrication processes, which hinder the development of reliable and sterile jointed devices for microsurgical applications.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a machining fixture on a wire electrical discharge machine that allows for precise cutting of workpieces on multiple planes without repositioning, using orthogonal cutting planes and a rotating fixture to improve precision and efficiency in fabricating jointed medical instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional manufacturing techniques are used for miniaturization, then instrument size is reduced, but friction forces increase and positioning precision is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical cutting systems with electrical discharge machining (EDM), which uses electrical energy to erode material without mechanical contact. This eliminates friction between cutting tools and workpiece, enabling precise manufacturing of miniaturized jointed devices while maintaining positioning accuracy despite reduced instrument dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental manufacturing parameter from mechanical force-based cutting to electrical energy-based material removal. By using controlled electrical discharges instead of mechanical contact, the system achieves friction-free machining that preserves positioning precision even as instrument size is reduced for microsurgical applications
2Ease of manufacture
If multi-plane cutting is performed with repositioning, then fabrication flexibility is improved, but fabrication time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple cutting plane operations into a single fixture setup. The workpiece is positioned once and subjected to electrical discharge machining from multiple angles and planes without physical repositioning, combining what would traditionally require multiple setup operations into one continuous fabrication process
Solution Approach 2:
The machining fixture is designed with multi-functional capability to accommodate and execute cutting operations on multiple planes simultaneously. This universal fixture design allows the same setup to perform diverse cutting operations that would otherwise require multiple specialized fixtures and repositioning steps
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex tendon guiding systems are used, then jointed device functionality is improved, but miniaturization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical tendon guiding systems with friction-free electrical discharge machining channels. The EDM process creates precisely controlled internal passages that guide tendons without requiring traditional mechanical guiding surfaces, reducing the space needed for tendon routing while maintaining full jointed device functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin-walled, precisely formed channels created by EDM that act as flexible yet precise guides for tendons. These electrically-formed passages provide the necessary guidance functionality with minimal wall thickness and reduced overall device dimensions, enabling miniaturization without sacrificing adaptability
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
This approach enables the production of highly precise, reliable, and sterile jointed medical instruments with improved miniaturization capabilities, reducing friction and fabrication time while maintaining geometric and dimensional tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
A method involving a machining fixture on a wire electrical discharge machine that allows for precise cutting of workpieces on multiple planes without repositioning
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a jointed device of a medical instrument includes providing a machining fixture on a wire electrical discharge machine having an electrical discharge wire. The fixture includes member holes each adapted to accommodate at least one workpiece, the workpiece being adapted to form a portion of the jointed device of the medical instrument. At least two workpieces each include a first workpiece and a second workpiece, accommodated within at least two member holes of the member holes. The fixture is associated with the wire electrical discharge machine so that the electrical discharge wire can cut at most one workpiece at a time. The machining fixture is rotated around a fixture rotation axis at a predetermined angle, which is chosen to provide that the electrical discharge wire can cut only one workpiece at a time. The workpieces are cut by the electrical discharge wire.