Medical Instrument Cone Connection with Axial Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical instruments face challenges in quickly and easily connecting and disconnecting instrument parts in a gas-tight and fluid-tight manner, particularly with cone connections that require complex rotation and clamping mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A medical instrument design featuring a hollow-cone receiving space and a cone-shaped coupling section with a locking mechanism, including a movable locking element and securing element, allows for quick and secure connection and disconnection by aligning the coupling section with the receiving space and utilizing a spring-loaded securing element to engage and disengage the locking element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bayonet closure with clamping ring is used to create a gas-tight or fluid-tight connection, then the connection is secure and gas-tight, but the connection and release process becomes complex and time-consuming requiring rotation and positioning operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rotational positioning operation from the connection process by introducing a locking element that engages with a locking receiver through linear insertion only. The clamping ring is retained but its rotational function is eliminated, transforming the connection from a multi-step rotational process to a simple linear insertion and release operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring rotation to engage the clamping ring as in traditional bayonet closures, the patent inverts the mechanism by using a locking element that is pushed axially into a locking receiver during linear insertion. This reverses the traditional approach where rotation is the primary engagement motion.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with multiple components is implemented to ensure secure connection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking element and securing element into an integrated assembly that works together through a single linear motion. The locking element engages with the locking receiver while the securing element maintains engagement during insertion, combining multiple functions into a unified mechanism that reduces overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to engage automatically during linear insertion without requiring external actuation or complex control systems. The locking element is pushed axially into the locking receiver by the insertion motion itself, and the securing element maintains engagement through the same motion, making the system self-actuating.
3Reliability
If a cone connection with clamping ring is used to achieve fluid-tight seal, then the seal quality is improved, but the operation time for connection and disconnection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rotational engagement step from the connection process, allowing fluid-tight sealing to be achieved through linear insertion only. The locking mechanism engages axially during insertion, eliminating the need for post-insertion rotation and significantly reducing connection time while maintaining seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element and securing element are pre-positioned to engage automatically during the insertion motion itself. The locking element is pushed into the locking receiver and the securing element maintains engagement as part of the same linear insertion action, eliminating subsequent engagement steps.
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
Enables rapid and simplified connection and disconnection of instrument parts while maintaining a secure, gas-tight and fluid-tight seal, with audible feedback from detent noise for secure engagement and reduced wear through optimized surface designs.
Implementation Method 1
The securing element is preferably actively connected to a spring element in a manner such that the securing element is moved into the first position by way of a spring force produced by the spring element
Implementation Method 2
A first instrument part is provided with a hollow-cone-shaped receiving space, whereas a second instrument part comprises a cone-shaped coupling section which can be inserted into the receiving space of the first instrument part
Implementation Method 3
The locking element which is preferably formed by a pin, usefully in the region of the receiving space of the first instrument part, is movably arranged relative to the second instrument part in a manner such that it can be engaged with the locking receiver formed on the coupling part of the second instrument part
Data Source
AI summary
A medical instrument includes instrument parts which can be releasably connected to one another. One part includes a hollow-cone-shaped receiving space and another part includes a cone-shaped coupling section which can be inserted into the receiving space to connect the parts. The coupling section includes a locking receiver for a locking element of the receiving space and which can be brought into and out of engagement with the locking receiver. A securing element moves between a position holding the locking element in a locking position, and a position releasing the locking element. An actuation element projects into the receiving space of the first instrument part, engages into the locking receiver in the locking position of the locking element and is movable in the direction of its middle axis. The middle axis of the actuation element is aligned in the proximal direction obliquely to a middle axis of the receiving space.