Medical Instrument Spring Unit with Platform Projections for Cleanability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical instruments with leaf spring return mechanisms face challenges in cleanability and sterilization due to large contact surfaces and are prone to deformation and corrosion, while one-piece return springs reduce user force and increase the risk of breakage.
Innovation Solution
A medical instrument design featuring two pivotable gripping elements with a U-shaped or V-shaped spring unit, where each spring end is connected to a platform-shaped projection on the gripping elements, providing a constant spring force and improved cleanability by maintaining a minimum gap between the spring and gripping elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If leaf spring return mechanisms with large contact surfaces are used, then the spring provides adequate return force, but the instrument becomes difficult to clean and sterilize
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surface is segmented into discrete platform-shaped projections rather than a continuous large surface. The spring unit contacts the gripping element at specific localized platforms, creating gaps between the spring and gripping element surfaces that allow cleaning solutions to penetrate and clean all surfaces effectively, while still providing adequate return force through the concentrated contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform-shaped projections act as intermediary structures between the spring unit and the gripping element. These platforms provide defined contact points that transmit spring force while maintaining separation between the spring surface and gripping element surface, enabling effective cleaning of the intermediate gaps.
2Force
If leaf spring return mechanisms are used, then the spring provides return force, but the area is exposed to contact corrosion and bimetal corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the contact interface into discrete platform projections rather than continuous surfaces, the patent reduces the total contact area between dissimilar metals. The gaps between the spring unit and gripping element created by the platform structure prevent corrosion by preventing direct contact between the spring and gripping element surfaces, thereby reducing exposure to contact corrosion and bimetal corrosion.
3Device complexity
If a one-piece return spring is used, then the spring structure is simplified, but the spring force increases linearly reducing user force capability
Solution Approach 1:
The spring unit is divided into multiple segments or portions that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows the spring to provide a more constant force throughout the pivoting range rather than a linearly increasing force, as each segment can be optimized for specific portions of the movement cycle. The platform-shaped projections provide defined attachment points that enable this segmented configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring force characteristics are modified by changing the configuration and arrangement of the spring unit segments in relation to the platform-shaped projections. By adjusting the spring geometry, material properties, and arrangement, the force output can be optimized to remain more constant throughout the pivoting range, preventing excessive force that would reduce user capability.
4Force
If a one-piece return spring with high spring force is used, then the spring provides strong return force, but the spring is subject to high deformation increasing breakage risk
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the spring into multiple segments reduces the deformation stress on any single portion of the spring. Each segment can be optimized for its specific function and position, reducing overall stress concentration and minimizing the risk of breakage while maintaining the necessary return force through the collective action of all segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring force and deformation characteristics are optimized by changing the geometric parameters, material properties, and configuration of the spring unit. By adjusting these parameters, the spring can provide adequate return force while operating within safe deformation limits, thereby reducing breakage risk and improving reliability.
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 ensures easy cleaning and sterilization, maintains a constant force over the entire pivoting range, reduces user fatigue, and minimizes the risk of spring breakage, while being cost-effective and simple to manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
a spring unit/spring elastic assembly which has two spring end portions (at the spring ends), which are each connected to one of the two gripping elements, so that when at least one of the two gripping elements is pivoted out of a base position (against an elastic force of the spring unit), pivoting back into the base position can be carried out/realized/achieved via the spring unit
Data Source
AI summary
A medical instrument includes two handle elements that are pivotable relative to one another and a spring unit having two spring end portions. Each spring end portion is connected to one of the handle elements such that, when at least one of the handle elements is pivoted out of a starting position, the spring unit can pivot the handle element back into the starting position. The spring unit provides a substantially constant spring force when the handle elements are pivoted, and includes a first spring leg and a second spring leg. A platform-like projection is formed on at least one of the spring end portions and/or on at least one of the handle elements to connect the spring end portion to the associated handle element, such that the at least one spring end portion is raised relative to the associated handle element, with a gap formed between them.