Laterally Movable Closure Assembly for One-Step Jaw Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical devices require multiple manipulations to lock and unlock jaws, leading to inefficiencies and increased packing space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A closure assembly with a latch unit and movement unit that allows for selective movement between a lockable and unlockable state, featuring a latch plate that moves laterally and longitudinally to facilitate easy transition between locked and unlocked states, and includes a stop to prevent unwanted contact when in the unlockable state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional latch mechanism is used, then the jaws can be locked, but multiple manipulations are required to lock and unlock
Solution Approach 1:
The latch plate is made movable between locked and unlocked positions rather than being fixed. This dynamic element allows the latch to transition smoothly between states with a single manipulation, eliminating the need for multiple manual operations while maintaining secure locking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: the latch plate that moves laterally, the hook latch that engages with the bar, and the stop that defines travel limits. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, contributing to the overall simplicity of operation.
2Reliability
If a traditional latch mechanism is used, then the jaws can be locked, but the device requires larger packing space
Solution Approach 1:
The latch plate is positioned within the trigger assembly structure, nesting the latching function within the existing movable member housing. The hook latch and bar engagement occur within the compact trigger assembly volume, eliminating the need for separate external latching components and reducing overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch unit is integrated with the trigger assembly, combining the locking mechanism with the existing movable member structure. This merging of functions allows the latch to operate within the same spatial envelope as the trigger, minimizing additional space requirements while maintaining reliable locking capability.
3Volume of moving object
If the latch plate is made movable laterally and longitudinally, then the mechanism becomes more compact, but the complexity of the latch unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch plate performs multiple functions: it laterally positions the hook latch for engagement, longitudinally adjusts the engagement depth, and defines the travel limits through interaction with the stop. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall structure despite the movable design.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch plate's movement is self-regulated by its interaction with the stop and the natural engagement geometry with the bar. The mechanism automatically transitions between locked and unlocked states based on the position of the trigger, eliminating the need for additional control elements or complex actuation mechanisms.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
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AI summary
A surgical device comprising: a closure assembly including: (a) a movement unit including: a bar that moves in a direction of a prescribed motion; (b) a latch unit including: (i) a latch plate including a hook latch that selectively receives the bar, the latch plate being movable in the direction of the prescribed motion between (A) a lockable state where the hook latch is engageable by the bar of the movement unit, and (B) an unlockable state where the bar does not reach the hook latch or the hook latch is moved out of alignment with the prescribed motion so that the hook latch is not engaged by the bar; and (ii) a stop that restricts movement of the movement unit relative to the hook latch.