Medical Device Pivoting Head Actuation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices have complex and space-consuming pivoting mechanisms that require significant lateral or radial space for operation, making them cumbersome and difficult to use, especially when trying to maintain a cavity for surgical workpieces and achieve precise positioning of tool heads.
Innovation Solution
A medical device design featuring an actuating tube that moves axially via a link guide with a non-90° slot and pin mechanism, allowing for precise pivoting of the distal head while minimizing space requirements, combined with a rotating unit for rotational alignment and a spring-loaded release mechanism for tool fixation, enabling efficient and space-saving operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complex gear mechanism is used for actuation, then the pivoting function is achieved, but the device complexity and lateral space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex gear mechanism from the system and replaces it with a simplified direct actuation system. The actuating element is directly connected to the pivoting head through a link mechanism, eliminating the need for intermediate gear trains while maintaining the pivoting function. This extraction principle resolves the contradiction by removing unnecessary complexity while preserving the essential pivoting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a link as an intermediary element between the actuating element and the pivoting head. This link translates the linear motion of the actuating element into rotational motion of the pivoting head, providing a simple mechanical advantage without requiring complex gearing. The link acts as a mediator that achieves the pivoting function with minimal complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large pivoting mechanism is provided, then the pivoting range is sufficient, but the lateral and radial space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the actuating element moves within the hollow shank, and the link mechanism is integrated within the existing structural boundaries. The pivoting head rotates about an axis that allows the tool to access confined spaces. This nesting principle enables sufficient pivoting range while minimizing the lateral footprint of the mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dimension of motion by allowing the actuating element to move axially within the hollow shank rather than requiring lateral movement. The link converts this axial motion into rotational motion of the pivoting head, effectively using the longitudinal dimension of the shank to achieve pivoting functionality that would otherwise require significant lateral space.
3Device complexity
If the operating mechanism is simplified, then the space requirement is reduced, but the positioning precision of the distal element may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary positioning features such as detents or indexing mechanisms within the simplified operating system. These features pre-establish discrete angular positions for the pivoting head, ensuring precise positioning without requiring complex control systems. The preliminary action of these positioning features guarantees accurate placement while maintaining mechanism simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The link mechanism is designed to self-align and self-limit the pivoting motion through its geometric constraints. The connection points and link length are configured to automatically achieve the correct angular position without requiring external positioning systems. This self-service principle maintains positioning precision while keeping the mechanism simple and space-efficient.
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 design achieves a compact and efficient pivoting mechanism that allows for precise positioning of surgical tools with reduced space requirements, facilitating easier operation and tool alignment, while maintaining space for surgical workpieces and allowing for the passage of drive shafts.
Implementation Method 1
the axial movement of the guide tube is carried out via a link guide having a slot which extends in the circumferential direction at an angle not equal to 90° (≠90°) to the axis and a pin guided therein
Implementation Method 2
a spring pin connected to the operating element and engaging in the latter
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device includes a guide unit having a guide tube with a longitudinal axis, a proximal first coupling part fixedly connected to the guide tube, and a distal pivoting head with a cylindrical surface. An actuating tube is axially movable in the guide tube and is connected to the pivoting head. The actuating tube causes a pivoting movement of the pivoting head via a proximal operating element. In the device, in order to orient a distal guide element for a rotatable surgical tool more precisely and thus angularly orient the working head of such a tool, the operating element is pivotable about the longitudinal axis and causes the pivoting movement of the pivoting head by the axial displacement of the actuating tube.