Integrated Spring-Finger Rest for Urological Resectoscope Transporter
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing resectoscope transporters have a complex and costly construction due to the use of separate leaf springs and finger rests, requiring multiple materials and manufacturing steps, which complicates the assembly and cleaning process.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece, spring-resilient plastic component integrates the spring and finger rests, simplifying the construction and eliminating the need for separate mounting steps, allowing for a gap-free and easier-to-clean design that can be manufactured using injection molding or stamping with complex spring shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate leaf springs and finger rests are used in the transporter, then the functional requirements are met, but the construction becomes complex and costly requiring multiple materials and manufacturing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the leaf spring and finger rests into a single integrated component made of spring-resilient plastic. This merging eliminates the need for separate parts and assembly steps, directly reducing device complexity while simplifying the manufacturing process through single-material injection molding or stamping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated component performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the spring-resilient force for electrode retraction, forms the finger rests for operator control, and serves as the structural carrier. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while meeting all functional requirements of the original separate parts.
2Ease of operation
If separate leaf springs and finger rests are used, then the components can be independently designed, but the assembly process becomes complicated with multiple mounting steps
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the leaf spring and finger rests into one monolithic component, the patent eliminates multiple assembly and mounting steps. The single component is installed as one unit, dramatically simplifying the assembly process while reducing construction complexity through integration.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate spring and finger rest components are used, then each can be optimized independently, but the cleaning process becomes difficult due to gaps and joints
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of spring and finger rests into a gap-free single component eliminates joints and crevices where debris could accumulate. This merging makes the entire transporter easier to clean and maintain while reducing construction complexity through the simplified monolithic structure.
4Device complexity
If a simple leaf spring construction is used, then the design should be simple, but the actual construction turns out to be surprisingly complicated with plastic blocks and hinges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the unexpected complexity by merging the spring mechanism and finger rests into a single injection-molded or stamped component. This eliminates the need for separate plastic blocks, hinges, and fasteners, returning the construction to simple form while maintaining all necessary functions through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the material parameter to spring-resilient plastic and using forming processes like injection molding or stamping, the patent achieves simple construction without complex assembly steps. The material properties enable the single component to provide both spring force and structural support that previously required multiple parts.
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 results in a cost-effective, simplified manufacturing process with significant material savings and improved operational precision, enabling precise control of the electrode during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The spring is configured to form a single piece with at least one of the finger rests, preferably with all the finger rests according to claim 2. According to claim 3, the integrated component thus produced is made entirely of spring-resilient plastic that has sufficient properties for the spring purposes.
Implementation Method 2
allowing for a gap-free and easier-to-clean design that can be manufactured using injection molding or stamping with complex spring shapes
Data Source
AI summary
A transporter for controlling the longitudinal movement of an electrode of a urological resectoscope, with a guide tube which is secured lengthwise on the resectoscope and on which a carriage is mounted so as to be longitudinally movable, with a spring mounted at one end on the carriage and at the other end on one of the ends of the guide tube, and with finger supports secured on the carriage and on one of the ends of the guide tube, is characterized in that the spring is formed in one piece with at least one of the finger supports, and wherein the spring is designed as a leaf spring and has portions curved in opposite directions.