Medical Tool Coupling Detection Using Force Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical tools lack a mechanism to verify if power transmission is successfully coupled between the operating and non-operating portions, leading to potential ineffective operations due to unknown power transmission issues.
Innovation Solution
A device incorporating a detection unit that utilizes a force sensor to detect the coupling state between the coupling portion and the drive wire, ensuring that the driving source's power is transmitted to the drive wire when the components are coupled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operating portion and non-operating portion are detachably attachable, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of power transmission is worsened due to inability to verify coupling status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by incorporating a detection unit that monitors the coupling status between the operating portion and non-operating portion. The detection unit provides real-time information about whether the components are properly coupled, allowing the user to verify power transmission status and avoid ineffective operations. This feedback loop resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of coupling while ensuring reliability through continuous status monitoring.
2Device complexity
If no detection unit is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of operation is worsened due to unknown power transmission status
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit is integrated into the existing coupling mechanism, utilizing the force sensor that is already present in the base unit. The detection unit leverages the existing structural components (coupling portion, drive wire, force sensor) to perform the detection function, thereby minimizing additional complexity while ensuring reliable operation. The system serves itself by using existing elements to monitor their own coupling status.
3Measurement precision
If a force sensor is used to detect coupling status, then the measurement precision of coupling state is improved, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor in the base unit serves multiple functions: it detects the coupling status between the operating portion and non-operating portion, and can potentially monitor other mechanical parameters during operation. By making the force sensor multi-functional, the patent improves measurement precision for coupling status detection without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same component performs additional roles.
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 solution enables reliable detection of power transmission coupling, preventing ineffective operations by ensuring that the medical tool is functioning correctly before use.
Implementation Method 1
a force sensor provided in the base and that is connected to the coupling portion, the force sensor being connected to the drive wire while the drive wire is coupled to the coupling portion
Data Source
AI summary
The device 1 includes a main body drive portion (300) including a plurality of driving sources (M11 to M33), a base unit (200) including a coupling device (21) connected to the main body drive portion, a bendable unit (100) detachably attached to the base unit, and a detection unit configured to detect the coupling portions. In the above configuration, the driving sources are driven, and coupling is detected by sensors.