Medical Instrument Alignment Unit With Counter-Rotating Threaded Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing threaded connections for medical instruments, particularly hand instruments, allow for infinitely variable radial alignment but require complete axial contact for secure fixation, preventing further radial adjustment once fully connected.
Innovation Solution
An alignment unit comprising a stator housing, threaded bolt, and carrier with opposing threads that are fixed by counter-rotation, allowing axial bracing without fixed axial position, enabling radial alignment and secure fixation through complementary threaded connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If components are completely screwed into each other to achieve axial contact for secure fixation, then secure fixation against unintentional loosening is achieved, but radial alignment adjustability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment unit is divided into three separate components: a stator housing, a threaded bolt, and a carrier. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted and positioned, enabling radial alignment without requiring complete axial engagement. The threaded bolt can be positioned at different axial positions within the stator housing while the carrier can be independently adjusted on the threaded bolt, providing both secure fixation and alignment adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment unit employs dynamic positioning capabilities where the threaded bolt can be rotated to different angular positions and the carrier can be adjusted along the threaded bolt. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the system to transition between different axial positions and angular orientations, maintaining both secure fixation through threaded engagement and radial alignment adjustability through controlled movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If threaded connections are used for adjustable radial alignment, then radial alignment flexibility is achieved, but secure axial fixation is compromised without complete contact
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment unit merges the functions of radial alignment and axial fixation into a single integrated mechanism. The threaded bolt provides both radial alignment capability through its engagement with the stator housing and axial fixation through its connection to the carrier. The carrier's internal thread portion engages with the threaded bolt to provide axial positioning, while the external thread portion engages with the stator housing for radial alignment, combining both functions in one assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded bolt acts as an intermediary element between the stator housing and the carrier. It transfers both radial alignment adjustments from the stator housing and axial fixation forces to the carrier. The intermediary threaded bolt allows the system to achieve secure axial fixation without requiring complete contact between the stator housing and carrier, as the bolt mediates the connection and enables controlled positioning.
3Reliability
If complete axial contact is achieved through complete screwing, then secure fixation is obtained, but the ability to adjust radial alignment is eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the connection into three independent components (stator housing, threaded bolt, carrier), the system allows the threaded bolt to be adjusted radially within the stator housing while maintaining axial fixation through the carrier connection. This segmentation decouples the radial alignment adjustment function from the axial fixation function, enabling both operations to be performed independently without compromising either.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment unit provides dynamic adjustment capability where the threaded bolt can be rotated to different angular positions for radial alignment while the carrier maintains axial fixation. The system can transition between different operational states: during assembly, the components can be adjusted freely; during operation, secure fixation is maintained. This dynamic behavior allows easy radial alignment adjustment without eliminating secure fixation when needed.
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 maintains radial alignment adjustability while ensuring secure axial fixation, preventing unintentional loosening, and facilitating easy assembly and replacement of wear-prone parts without disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
The threaded bolt and the carrier are fixed by counter-rotation/locking such that the carrier and the threaded bolt axially are in contact with one another (at their stop surfaces) and in particular are braced against each other
Data Source
AI summary
An alignment unit for a medical instrument includes a stator housing in which a drive unit, preferably in the form of a handpiece, can be accommodated, a threaded bolt with an external thread portion connecting the threaded bolt to the stator housing, and a carrier with an internal thread portion connecting the carrier to the stator housing. The external thread portion of the threaded bolt and the internal thread portion of the carrier are formed so as to be opposed to one another and are fixed by rotational movement in opposite directions such that the carrier and the threaded bolt are axially in contact with one another. The alignment unit can be assembled using an assembly method in which the threaded bolt is screwed into the stator housing.