Medical Device Locking Assembly with Dual Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
In minimally invasive surgeries, such as endoscopy and laparoscopy, there is a challenge in securely positioning and controlling medical devices within a patient, as maintaining the desired position without continuous manual control is unreliable, leading to prolonged procedures and potential patient injury due to device failure or breakage.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a handle and a sheath, featuring a first actuator and a second actuator that allow for selective movement and locking of the tool and sheath relative to each other, using a mechanism of teeth and springs to secure the device in place, enabling secure positioning and control without continuous manual actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous manual control is used to maintain device position, then positioning reliability is improved, but procedure time increases and operator fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is engaged in advance before the device is positioned at the target location. The actuator is actuated to lock the device in the desired position before the procedure begins, eliminating the need for continuous manual control during the procedure and reducing procedure time while maintaining positioning reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism automatically maintains the device position without requiring continuous manual intervention. Once locked, the device self-maintains its position through the mechanical locking engagement, freeing the operator from continuous manual control and reducing procedure time while ensuring reliable positioning.
2Reliability
If continuous manual control is used to maintain device position, then positioning reliability is improved, but operator fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is engaged in advance before the device is positioned at the target location. The actuator is actuated to lock the device in the desired position before the procedure begins, eliminating the need for continuous manual control during the procedure and reducing operator fatigue while maintaining positioning reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism automatically maintains the device position without requiring continuous manual intervention. Once locked, the device self-maintains its position through the mechanical locking engagement, freeing the operator from continuous manual control and reducing operator fatigue while ensuring reliable positioning.
3Ease of operation
If manual locking mechanism is used, then device control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, dedicated mechanism independent from the main device structure. The actuator and locking engagement are distinct components that can be independently designed and assembled, providing effective device control while minimizing the impact on overall device complexity by isolating the locking function from other device systems.
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
This solution allows for precise and secure positioning of medical instruments within a patient, reducing procedure time and minimizing the risk of injury by automatically locking the device in place, thus enhancing control and efficiency during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring disposed between the first actuator and the outer body, wherein the first spring is configured to bias the first actuator radially outward relative to the outer body and maintain the first actuator in the unactuated state
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical device, comprising: a handle; a sheath extending from the handle; and a tool within the sheath and movable relative to the sheath; wherein the handle includes: an inner body; an outer body disposed over the inner body, wherein the outer body is movable relative to the inner body; a first actuator secured to the tool, wherein the first actuator has an actuated state permitting movement of the tool relative to the sheath in response to moving the outer body relative to the inner body; a second actuator secured to the sheath, wherein the second actuator has an actuated state permitting movement of the sheath relative to the tool in response to moving the second actuator relative to the outer body; and a first spring (138) disposed between the first actuator and the outer body and within a cavity (139) of the outer body, wherein the first spring is configured to (i) bias the first actuator radially outward relative to the outer body and (ii) bias the first actuator towards an unactuated state; wherein the unactuated state of the first actuator and an unactuated state of the second actuator prevents movement of the tool relative to the sheath.