Medical Instrument Handle with Selective Coupling Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical instruments with multiple independently movable transmission devices face challenges in detachable mechanical coupling, as the automatic coupling and decoupling mechanisms, like those in 'Clickline' products, are not easily transferable to instruments with multiple transmission devices, requiring additional design features for simple handling and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A handling device with multiple coupling devices that allow decoupling only when the outer shaft is not connected in the intended manner, featuring a base body with a coupling for the outer shaft, movable actuating devices, and coupling devices for transmission devices, ensuring decoupling positions are reached when the shaft is separated, enabling easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate actuator is provided for each coupling in medical instruments with multiple transmission devices, then each coupling can be released independently, but the device complexity and number of actuating devices increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple coupling release functions into a single actuating device. When this one actuator is activated, it simultaneously triggers the release of multiple couplings connecting transmission devices to the outer shaft, thereby reducing the number of actuators while maintaining independent control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the coupling release mechanism into modular coupling devices, where each coupling device can be independently controlled through the single actuating device. This segmentation allows each transmission device to be decoupled independently when needed, while using a unified control mechanism
2Ease of operation
If automatic coupling and decoupling mechanisms are used as in Clickline products, then handling is simplified, but these mechanisms are not easily transferable to instruments with multiple transmission devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal coupling device structure that can be applied to multiple transmission devices simultaneously. The coupling device is configured to engage with different transmission devices through a standardized interface, allowing the same coupling mechanism to work across multiple transmission devices without requiring device-specific designs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control capabilities to the coupling devices, allowing them to transition between coupled and decoupled states based on operational requirements. The coupling devices can be automatically engaged during normal operation and selectively decoupled when specific transmission devices need to be separated, providing adaptability for instruments with multiple transmission devices
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transmission devices are arranged in the outer shaft, then additional functions and degrees of freedom are achieved, but the complexity of detachable mechanical coupling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mechanical coupling system into multiple independent coupling devices, with each coupling device responsible for connecting a specific transmission device to the outer shaft. This segmentation allows each coupling to be designed and controlled independently, reducing the overall complexity despite having multiple transmission devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a universal coupling device design that can be replicated and applied to multiple transmission devices. By using a standardized, multi-functional coupling mechanism that can interface with different transmission devices, the patent reduces design complexity while supporting additional functions and degrees of freedom
Data Source
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AI summary
The unit (60) has two actuators (70, 80) movable relative to a base body (61). Two coupling units (74, 84) couple the actuators with transmission units (40, 50) for transmitting force or torque respectively, where decoupling positions of the two coupling units are accessible when an outer shaft (30) is not provided in a medical instrument such that a clutch (62) is connected to the base body. One of the coupling units and a carriage are displaceable by one of the actuators along a predetermined path. An independent claim is also included for a medical instrument.