Magnetic Coupling for Medical Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical instruments with shank-like parts, such as endoscopes, have complex constructions that are difficult to assemble and clean, often leading to contamination and erroneous functions due to numerous components and undercuts.
Innovation Solution
A simplified coupling mechanism using a magnet-based locking element that moves between released and locked positions, eliminating the need for spring elements and reducing component complexity, allowing for easier assembly and cleaning by integrating magnets flush within the components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring elements and guide rods are used in the slider mechanism, then the locking function is achieved, but the construction becomes complicated and difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring element with a magnetic field generated by a permanent magnet. The magnet is integrated into the coupling, and its magnetic field acts on the locking element (which contains ferromagnetic material) to provide the restoring force that moves the locking element into the locked position. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical springs, guide rods, and their associated guides and receivers, significantly simplifying the construction while maintaining the locking function.
2Reliability
If a box-like slider with numerous internal components is used, then the locking mechanism functions, but the internal regions become difficult to clean and prone to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the spring element and its associated guide rods and receivers from the internal structure of the coupling. By replacing these mechanical components with an integrated magnetic field system, the internal box-like structure is eliminated. The magnet is embedded in the coupling body, and the locking element moves in a simplified path without requiring complex internal guides, creating a structure with fewer undercuts and gaps that is much easier to clean.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical spring elements are used for restoring force, then the locking element can be moved to locked position, but contact jamming and sticking may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical force transmission with non-contact magnetic field interaction. The permanent magnet generates a magnetic field that exerts force on the ferromagnetic locking element without physical contact. This eliminates friction, wear, and the possibility of jamming or sticking that occurs with mechanical spring elements and their guide structures, significantly improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation.
4Reliability
If numerous components and guides are used in the coupling, then the locking function is achieved, but the number of parts increases assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components into an integrated structure. The permanent magnet is embedded directly into the coupling body, eliminating the need for separate spring elements, guide rods, and their guides and receivers. The locking element itself serves as both the locking mechanism and the element acted upon by the magnetic field. This consolidation reduces the number of parts, simplifies assembly, and maintains the locking function.
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 magnet-based coupling provides a reliable, secure connection that is easier to assemble and clean, reducing the risk of contamination and improving functionality by eliminating undercuts and gaps, while ensuring a strong magnetic retention force without contact jamming.
Implementation Method 1
the coupling comprises at least one magnet which produces a magnetic restoring force which acts on the locking element in such a manner that this is held in the locked position and preferably is moved back automatically into the locked position
Implementation Method 2
a magnet element permits a more reliable functioning since it permits a force transmission without contact and therefore no jamming or sticking of the elements required for force transmission may occur
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a medical instrument consisting of at least two instrument parts, which is provided with a coupling for releasably connecting the two instrument parts, wherein the coupling having a locking element which may be moved between a released and a locked position, as well as at least one magnet element which produces a magnetic restoring force which retains the locking element in the locked position.