Tubular Medical Instrument Coupling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tubular medical instruments with hollow shafts face challenges in ensuring secure and easy disassembly for thorough cleansing and sterilization, particularly due to accidental detachment risks during normal operation, especially with existing bayonet-type connections requiring practice to install.
Innovation Solution
A coupling mechanism that locks the tool actuation element and hollow shaft only in an installation position different from the working position, utilizing a self-locking peg-and-groove control or bayonet-type connection, preventing accidental disconnection during operation and simplifying the installation process for users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bayonet-type connection is used to connect the tool actuation element and hollow shaft, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the installation requires a certain amount of practice and is not simple to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is designed to automatically engage the tool actuation element with the hollow shaft when the tool is in the correct installation position, eliminating the need for manual alignment or complex manipulation during installation. The self-locking feature engages automatically upon proper positioning.
2Ease of operation
If the coupling mechanism allows easy detachment for cleansing and sterilization, then the instrument can be thoroughly cleaned, but accidental breaking of the connection may occur during normal working operation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism features a dynamic self-locking design that adapts its locking strength based on operational conditions. During normal use, the mechanism maintains a locked state to prevent accidental detachment. For disassembly, a deliberate unlocking action is required, providing clear feedback to the user about the coupling state.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism provides tactile and visual feedback to indicate whether the tool is properly coupled or uncoupled. This feedback mechanism prevents accidental detachment by making the coupling state obvious to the user, while still allowing easy intentional disassembly when needed for cleaning.
3Reliability
If the tool actuation element can be connected with the hollow shaft exclusively in an installation position different from the working position, then accidental detachment during operation is prevented, but the coupling mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism employs asymmetric geometry where the tool actuation element and hollow shaft have complementary shapes that only fit together in the correct installation position. This asymmetric design inherently prevents connection in working positions, eliminating the need for additional complex locking mechanisms while maintaining simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a tubular medical instrument having a hollow shaft, a handle positioned on the proximal end of the shaft, and at least one tool actuation element that is positioned in the hollow shaft and has on its distal end a tool, wherein the tool actuation element can be coupled with at least one actuation mechanism of the handle to actuate the tool and wherein the tool actuation element and the hollow shaft can be detachably connected to one another by a coupling mechanism. To create a coupling mechanism that is essentially free of any play and is simple to operate, it is proposed with the invention that the stopping of the coupling mechanism between the tool actuation element and the hollow shaft should be dependent on the position of the tool.